Youth takes centre stage at Trade Fair International

Saturday was a day of youth celebration at the Gambia International Trade Fair. The Youth Empowerment Project (YEP), in partnership with the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), promoted a Youth Day to celebrate the creative minds of young entrepreneurs and to showcase their products.

In the afternoon, visitors of the Trade Fair could watch a Food Tasting competition that awarded youths in two categories: main dish and dessert. A total of nine companies participated in the competition with wide variety of dishes, ranging from couscous, rice and salads to mouth-watering chocolate donuts and apple candy. It was not an easy task for the judging panel, comprised of renowned chefs and catering specialists, including:

• Mrs Mam Soun – Chef
• Mrs Ya Ida Cham – YaBouy Home Cooking
• Mrs Haddijatou Jobarteh – Gambia Home Economics Association (GHEA)

The judges praised the works of all contestants but in the end two dishes stood out as the highlights of the competition. In the savoury dish category, Afritaste’s tasty chicken "yassa" dish was the big winner. In desserts, KJ Cupcakes won the prize with a chocolate cupcake topped with a cream of wonjo, which impressed the judges not just because of its delicious taste, but also because of its innovation. Both companies went home with a cash price of 5,000 Dalasis.

Later on, the energy at the Trade Fair continued to run high with a Fashion Show. Gambian young artists took over the runaway in a brilliant display of creativity and local craft. Around 20 artists exhibited their creations, ranging from casual to gala, men and womenswear, beauty care products, men and ladies shoes, bags and locally made jewelleries. One of the artists, Moses Ann from Anzy’s Fashion, considered the fashion to be a huge success for youths like him. In his own words,

"Truly, the future is ours as youths and I encourage every youth out there to keep on working hard, we are the future"

At the end of the show, all the collections were profusely applauded by the audience.

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