Deadline: 28-Feb-2026
The ROOTS Youth-Based Matching Grant is now open to young entrepreneurs in The Gambia aged 18–35. The programme offers up to USD 7,500 to support youth-led businesses in agriculture, agri-services, and agricultural technology. A total of 200 youth entrepreneurs will benefit in 2026.
About the Programme
The grant is implemented under the Resilience of Organizations for Transformative Smallholder Agriculture Project (ROOTS), an initiative supporting youth participation in agribusiness and innovation across The Gambia.
The programme is designed to help young entrepreneurs expand their ventures, increase productivity, add value to agricultural products, and adopt digital and mechanised farming solutions.
Maximum Grant Amount
-
Up to USD 7,500 per successful applicant
-
200 youth entrepreneurs will benefit in 2026
-
Matching grant structure
Priority Sectors
Applicants must operate in one of the following areas:
Agriculture Transport Services
-
Transport of farm produce
-
Logistics for agricultural inputs and outputs
Mechanised Agriculture Services
-
Tractor hire
-
Land preparation services
-
Farm machinery operations
Food Processing
-
Agro-processing
-
Product packaging and preservation
-
Value addition initiatives
Agro-Dealer Shops
-
Supply of farm inputs
-
Seeds, fertilizer, and equipment sales
Agricultural Equipment Maintenance
-
Machinery repair
-
Spare parts services
-
Technical maintenance
ICT and Digital Technologies for Agriculture
-
Agri-tech platforms
-
Farm management systems
-
Digital advisory tools
-
Smart and precision agriculture solutions
Technology-based and innovative approaches are highly encouraged.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
-
Be aged 18 to 35 years
-
Be a Gambian national
-
Operate an individual business or group business (maximum five members)
-
Be located in one of the ROOTS regions:
-
WCR (West Coast Region)
-
LRR (Lower River Region)
-
NBR (North Bank Region)
-
CRRN (Central River Region North)
-
CRRS (Central River Region South)
-
URR (Upper River Region)
-
Female youth and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can:
-
Submit their proposals online
-
Visit any ROOTS regional office or partner location for application support
Applicants are encouraged to prepare clear business proposals outlining growth plans, technology use, and expected impact.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much funding can I receive?
Each successful applicant can receive up to USD 7,500 under the matching grant scheme.
2. How many beneficiaries will be selected?
A total of 200 youth entrepreneurs will benefit in 2026.
3. Can group businesses apply?
Yes. Group businesses with up to five members are eligible.
4. Is the grant only for farming activities?
No. The grant also supports transport services, equipment maintenance, agro-dealerships, food processing, and ICT/digital agriculture services.
5. Are women encouraged to apply?
Yes. Female youth and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
6. Can I apply if I am outside the listed ROOTS regions?
No. Applicants must operate within the specified ROOTS regions.
7. What type of projects are most competitive?
Projects that demonstrate innovation, use of technology, scalability, value addition, and job creation potential are likely to be more competitive.
Conclusion
The ROOTS Youth-Based Matching Grant presents a valuable opportunity for young entrepreneurs in The Gambia to expand their agribusiness ventures and integrate modern agricultural technologies.
By providing up to USD 7,500 in funding to 200 youth-led enterprises, the programme aims to drive innovation, boost productivity, create employment, and strengthen local economies. With a strong focus on mechanisation, value addition, and digital agriculture, this initiative supports the next generation of agripreneurs in building sustainable and future-ready businesses.
Young Gambians with ambition, innovative ideas, and a commitment to agricultural development should take advantage of this opportunity and apply.
For more information, visit the ROOTS.
