By Musa S. Sheriff
Gambia and the European Union have signed a 40-million Euro financing agreement for the implementation of the 4th State and Resilience Building Contract for The Gambia.A statement made available on Wednesday said that the funds comprise of 36 million Euro to be disbursed during the fiscal years 2023 and 2025 and 4 million Euro for complementary support.
The overall objective of the Agreement signed by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita and EU Ambassador to Gambia, Corrado Pampaloni, is to support the Government of Gambia in its efforts to “consolidate a peaceful, inclusive and democratic society, while also promoting gender equality”.
Pampaloni, stated: “This agreement serves as a tangible manifestation of our shared commitment to strengthening the foundations of governance, stability, and resilience in The Gambia.”
He said that the objectives are not just financial commitments but they embody a common vision for a Gambia that is not only economically stable but also socially inclusive and politically resilient.
“We are placing particular emphasis on bolstering key sectors that are instrumental for sustainable development.”
According to the statement, the agreement focuses on reforms initiated by the Government since 2017 including the Implementation of the White Paper commitments related to the recommendations from the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC)
The agreement will also focus on the formulation and implementation of the National Development Plans for 2023-27 and the expansion of Social Protection support programmes for the vulnerable population.
It will enhance the relevance and accountability of Public Financial Management for the delivery of essential services to the citizens and focus on migration management with a specific attention on readmission and reintegration, in recognition of the multifaceted challenges faced by both Europe and Gambia on irregular migration.
