TAFCON 2023 | 6th Edition

As part of its social corporate responsibility strategy, TAF Africa Global hosts an annual networking event in The Gambia – the TAF Africa Global Conference and Networking Event (TAFCON). 

TAFCON is the biggest annual conference and networking event in The Gambia since 2015 when the first TAFCON was held. It is designed to provide a platform for a meaningful dialogue by all members of society, to discuss pertinent issues within The Gambia with the goal of offering inclusive solutions and recommendations, particularly for the youth. It also supports global efforts to build long term sustainable societies to foster global peace and prosperity, consistent with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) of the United Nations and Agenda 2063 of the African Union to which Gambia is a signatory.

Each year, the themes of the conference are thoughtfully selected through consultations, ensuring alignment with the present dynamics in The Gambia and Africa. Consequently, we have had themes like “The Opportunities and Challenges in The New Gambia – An Entrepreneurship Perspective” in 2017; “The Road to the Future: Multi Stakeholder Engagement in The Gambia”in 2018; and The Gambia’s Performance in a World of Borders without Boundary in 2020. In line with this tradition, this year’s focus is on ‘Rising Strong – Resilience and Preparedness to navigate the challenges of an emerging new global architecture.’ The objective is to harness the opportunities that The Gambia can leverage within the African continent. This emphasis extends to amplifying the voices of the youth, persons with disabilities, diaspora Gambians, members of diverse societies, policy makers, the private sector, and academics. The overarching goal is to foster dialogue and information exchange, contributing to the collective efforts in nation-building. 

OBJECTIVE

This year’s conference revolves around the theme “Rising Strong – Resilience and Preparedness to navigate the challenges of an emerging new global architecture” with a specific focus on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship amid a challenging economic climate.

• Empowering the Youth:

The primary goal of the event is to empower the youth by providing them with practical skills, insights, and resources to thrive in the face of economic challenges. Through interactive sessions and panels, we aim to equip young individuals with the resilience needed to navigate uncertainties and emerge stronger in their personal and professional pursuits.

• Nurturing Entrepreneurship:

In the challenging economic climate, fostering entrepreneurship is crucial. The conference aims to explore strategies and tools that entrepreneurs can leverage to adapt their business models, access capital, and integrate technology effectively. By doing so, we aim to contribute to the growth of a resilient and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem.

1. Facilitating Dialogue and Collaboration:

The event serves as a platform for diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, private sector representatives, and academics, to engage in meaningful dialogue. By facilitating exchange of information and ideas, we aim to foster collaboration that can lead to innovative solutions and policy frameworks conducive to youth empowerment and entrepreneurial growth.

• Building Networks:

Networking is a vital aspect of professional and personal growth. The conference provides ample opportunities for attendees to connect with like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and industry experts. Building strong networks can be instrumental in overcoming challenges and opening up new avenues for collaboration and success.

• Generating Actionable Insights:

A key objective is to generate actionable insights and recommendations through the discussions and panels. The conference aims to produce tangible outcomes that can guide individuals, businesses, and policymakers in navigating the complexities of the evolving global landscape.

• Showcasing Success Stories:

Highlighting success stories in youth empowerment and entrepreneurship can serve as inspiration. The event will feature real-life examples and case studies, demonstrating how individuals and businesses have risen strong despite challenges. These stories aim to motivate and provide practical lessons for others facing similar circumstances.

In essence, the objectives of this conference and networking event are centered around empowering the youth, nurturing entrepreneurship, fostering collaboration, building networks, generating actionable insights, and showcasing success stories — all within the context of rising strong in the face of economic challenges.

TARGET OUTCOMES

1. Enhanced Youth Empowerment:

• Increased awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the youth in the current economic landscape.
• Empowered youth with practical skills, resilience, and a positive mindset to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.

1. Strengthened Entrepreneurial Ecosystem:

• Fostering a supportive environment for entrepreneurship through discussions on adaptive business models, access to capital, and technological integration.
• Encouraging collaboration between entrepreneurs, investors, and support organisations to promote sustainable business growth.

1. Networking and Collaboration:

• Established and strengthened networks among attendees, creating opportunities for mentorship, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.
• Enhanced collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including youth, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and academia.

1. Actionable Strategies for Resilience:

• Identification of practical strategies and tools for individuals and businesses to build resilience in the face of economic challenges.
• Development of actionable plans that attendees can implement to adapt and thrive in the evolving global architecture.

1. Showcasing Success Stories:

• Inspiration drawn from real-life success stories, demonstrating that resilience and innovation can lead to positive outcomes.
• Dissemination of success stories to a wider audience, motivating others to embark on their journeys with confidence.

1. Knowledge Dissemination:

• Production of a comprehensive report capturing key insights, recommendations, and best practices discussed during the event.
• Wide dissemination of the report to stakeholders, ensuring the sharing of valuable knowledge beyond the event’s participants.

1. Increased Awareness and Inclusivity:

• Raised awareness of the importance of inclusivity in youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
• Highlighted the role of diverse voices, including persons with disabilities and diaspora communities, in contributing to a more inclusive and resilient society.

1. Continued Learning and Implementation:

• Creation of a platform for ongoing learning through post-event resources, webinars, and community engagement.
• Encouraging the implementation of insights gained during the event to foster continuous improvement and adaptation.