Paving the Way for Gambian Creatives to Access Global Markets

From Yobaal,

Yobaal is a Gambian made e-commerce platform created by Ace Communications. Ace Communications is a strategic communications, project management, training and research company spearheaded by CEO Fatim Badjie for the last fifteen years.

Yobaal has been a product internally developed for the past six years with the aim to enable creatives to gain access to a broader market and use a variety of payment systems. The Yobaal initiative started during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak in 2020 when the creative industry showcased a greater need for an e-commerce platform.

Through the support of ACP-EU Cultural Program, Ace aims to promote the Creative sectors in the West African sub-region. To do this ACE will be starting its initiative in the Gambia with the aims of expanding into other African Countries, creating an authentic African platform where African Creatives can buy and sell quality African goods and services across the globe.

ACE has identified via research six creative spheres in the Gambian creative Industry and they include;

1. Fashion and Design,
2. Accessories,
3. Heritage/ Cultural Festivals,
4. Arts and Handicrafts,
5. Performing Arts and
6. Local Music, that need access to international markets.

YOBAAL is an Ecommerce website that provides global access to The Gambia’s creative industries. With the slogan “Access to The Gambia’s Creative Industries,” YOBAAL plans to exhibit and promote up to 100 creative industry businesses selected based on international buyer interests/ habits. The first year will create an online store link for thirty ready to export brands and services, even though the site will also feature any verified products from creators.

These creatives get access to an online marketplace that exists beyond just tourist seasons, and reaches buyers year-round. Yobaal will also offer a convenient method of payment and shipping of purchased items. The platform gives you the opportunity to order creative products or book any of the creatives’ services from any part of the world and have them delivered to your doorstep.