Youth entrepreneurship and national development: Evaluating the effect and challenges of the Gambia's National Youth Service Scheme

The study critically examines the significant role of the National Youth Service Scheme (NYSS) in youth entrepreneurial development in The Gambia. Also, it evaluated the strategic structures adopted by the NYSS; assessed the effects of the NYSS programs; and analyse the challenges encountered in The Gambia. These were with a view to determining the critical nexus between NYSS and youth entrepreneurial development in The Gambia. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Primary data were sourced through questionnaire administration. The study population (2057) comprised NYSS staff and management, past board members, employees of TVET partner institutions, regional area council staff, and NYSS regional committee staff, and past and present corps members. The sampling approach used in this study was multistage including stratified and proportionate-to-size sampling technique. To ensure an appropriate sample size, 324 individuals were selected using the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sample determination formula. Data obtained were analysed using frequency distribution, percentages, mean values and standard deviation for interpretation. The hypotheses were evaluated using the z-test. The findings highlight a unanimous affirmation of NYSS's structured initiatives, such as training, mentorship, and networking events. However, the effectiveness of these initiatives manifested varied responses, particularly in financial literacy and market understanding. The study also identifies universal challenges inherent in entrepreneurial schemes in developing contexts, emphasising funding constraints, resource insufficiencies, and infrastructural gaps. Statistical analyses further reveal that, although perceptual differences exist among stakeholder groups regarding the NYSS program's impacts and challenges, they are not statistically significant. The recommendations include increasing financial literacy training, strengthening market insights, and extending local business collaborations.