The Non-State Actors Strengthening Programme (NSASP) was officially launched on Tuesday July 13 at the Kairaba Beach Hotel in Kololi  on the theme 'Partners in Policy Dialogue'.

The programme was funded by the European Union and co-implemented by the government of The Gambia. In her welcome address, the chairperson of the occasion, Beatrice Allen of The Gambia Chambers of Commerce and Industry, expressed happiness for the opportunity given to her to spearhead the occasion.

For his part, Ousman Yarbo, the chairman of the Technical Advisory Committee of NSASP , who is also the executive director of TANGO, told participants that NSAs form an integral part  of the  social and economic fabric of the country as they play a significant role in the country’s drive towards sustainable development. "Both the national and international NGOs, private sectors to mention a few, are driving forces working with communities in different parts of the country particularly, in rural areas of The Gambia,"he stated.

Dilating on Non-State Actors, Yarbo said that the mandate of the Non-State Actors (NSAs) is to reduce poverty and promote social development by reaching out to the poor, the sick, the vulnerable and  marginalised members of the society, noting that, their approach is rooted in the desire to make The Gambia a better place.

According to him, the NSAs have become  necessary channels  for delivering social services and implementation of other development programmes in places where government participation is non-existent, describing openness as to critical self-analysis and a will to improvement as paramount.

The Non-State Actors' overall objectives and purpose are to enhance their role in contributing to good governance, poverty reduction, the enhancement of sustainable livelihoods in The Gambia and to strengthen their capacity to  enable them play an active role in development processes and in public life in The Gambia.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Isatou Touray, executive director of Gamcotrap, expressed honour for being privileged to address the gathering. She commended the Non-State Actors for their efforts toward the development of The Gambia.

According to her, they are called Non-State Actors because they are not paid by the government noting that the role of Non-State Actors (NSAs) is to compliment government's efforts in achieving governmental set goals.Dr. Touray stated that the role of NSAs is critical in developing the nation and called for  constructive engagement and a strong  and continuous strong bilateral relationship between NSAs and The Gambia describing it as a prerequisite.

Commenting on vision achievements, Dr. Touray called for unity, while advising participants to interpret and implement the discussions to the letter. "The ultimate objective of the NSAs is  to develop The Gambia," she concluded.The launching programme  was attended by over four hundred people from different institutions and organisations and members of the press.