| Introduction : Project Background Since its inauguration in 2019, the Senegambia Bridge has contributed to a significant increase in migration and mobility. For the first time, the northern and the southern halves of The Gambia are connected by road, as the bridge links Farafenni in the Upper Baddibu District to Mansakonko, Soma, and Jarra Jenoi in the Jarra West District. While creating economic opportunities, the reduced transit times and increase in the number of transiting people also led to amplified vulnerabilities, especially for women and youth in the border communities along the route.
The International Trade Centre (ITC), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), in close collaboration with the Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) and Ministry of Interior (MOI), are implementing a joint programme entitled “Addressing the drivers and causes of migration related vulnerabilities among border communities along the Trans-Gambia transport corridor”.
The joint Programme aims to mitigate migration challenges and improve the cross-border environment along the Senegambia bridge (in Jarra West and Upper Baddibou districts) by enhancing border posts to prevent situations of vulnerability, strengthening the capacity of border authorities, increasing awareness among women and youth of their rights, and strengthening skills and opportunities for women and youth. The programme is focused on the Trans-Gambia transport corridors and connects localized support measures in border communities with the broader national development agenda. It addresses the challenges of security, safety, and prosperity in a novel approach through interlinked initiatives with central government, local government, private sector, and civil society associations. |
