The WACA Livelihoods Programme, a component of the World Bank–funded WACA ResIP II Project under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC), invites applications from Gambians living or engaged in economic activities along the Kotu Stream.
Deadline: 28th March 2026
Choose the pathway that best fits your goals. You may apply for only one opportunity.
Entrepreneurship Training and Grant
For individuals with a business idea or existing small business.
Target: 150 individuals
What you will receive:
Eligible sectors: Market vendors, fish vendors, backyard garden, fashion, and related enterprises
Livelihoods Training and Grant
For those engaged in or seeking practical, income-generating ventures
Target: 150 individuals
What you will receive:
Eligible sectors: Gardening, waste collection, handicraft (tie and dye), plantations (seedlings, nurseries, flowers), CSEB, composting, food vendors
Business Acceleration Support
For established businesses/ventures – individual enterprises, producer groups and livelihood associations – ready to grow.
Individual Support
Target: 400 individual businesses
What you will receive:
Eligible sectors: Fashion, carpentry, welding, waste recycling, tour guides/birdwatching, mechanics, commercial compost, urban farming, food vendors/restaurants, agro-food processing, transport/logistics, car wash, petty traders.
Groups Support
Target: 20 producer and livelihood groups
Group requirements:
What you will receive:
Eligible groups: Waste collectors associations, women's gardens, tie and dye groups, handicraft associations, women market vendors, honey sellers, cultural groups, bird watch associations etc.
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
General Requirements (All Categories)
• Be a Gambian national
• Reside and/or operate an existing business or economic activity within a 2km radios of the Kotu Stream, OR intend to establish one within the area
• Demonstrate commitment to completing the full training programme
• Operate within one of the eligible priority sectors for your chosen category
Geographic Prioritization
• 50% of support will be prioritized for applicants closest to the Kotu Stream (within 500 meters)
• The remaining 50% will be allocated to applicants from areas up to 1.5 kilometers from the Stream
Eligible Communities
Applicants must be from one of the following communities:
• Nema Kunku
• Latrikunda Sabiji
• Bundung Borehole
• Sukuta
• Bakoteh
• Serekunda London Corner
• Dippa Kunda
• Latrikunda Yiringanya/Erinjang
• Manjai/Kotu
Want to Apply in Person?
Pick up a physical application form in your community from the Gambia Startup Chamber of Commerce application support team. Two support personnel will be available in your ward to guide you through the application process.
Submit your completed application on or before 28 March 2026:
• In person at the ITC office in Bakau
Important Notes
• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• Women, youth and people with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply
Contact Information
For more information, please contact: