By: Victor Ofuonye
For the Association of Gambian Manufacturers (AGM) this year 2024 is a year of achievements. This is because of the many milestones that the organization has achieved during the year.
Elucidating on some of these achievements, Farimang Saho, President of the AGM and Honorary Counsel of the Republic of Hungary to The Gambia, stated that the year 2024 though challenging globally, was indeed a tremendous success for Gambian manufacturers.
“We had many achievements in critical areas of the economy. Our members went into rice, onion, and potato production, and I must say that their harvest was good. Agro business and food production is increasing, and so are efforts aimed at ensuring food security.” Farimang enthused.
The AGM Prexy also adds that notable achievements were recorded in Skill Acquisition / Training and marketing The Gambia as an investment Heaven to international partners.
Some of these achievements are;
Tour of Morocco
“We were able to go on a tour of Morocco as part of a high-powered delegation comprising officials of the Gambian government, and the business community. We aimed to get first-hand knowledge on the success stories of the Moroccan economy and how The Gambia and Gambian businesses can collaborate with the Kingdom of Morocco and help spur investments.” Saho explains.
Adding that the trip was facilitated by His Excellency Ahmed Belhadj, Charge D’ affairs of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in The Gambia and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Morocco.
This visit to Morocco by the president of the Association of Gambian Manufacturers is vital because Morocco as a country boasts of access to an over 2.4 billion consumer market. The country is blessed with 100% Carbon-free factories and is a world-class international business Hub with its international Airports and over 22 ports handling 9 million containers per annum.
“ In the new Gambia, we are trying to help market the country and spur investments in key sectors of the economy, especially the manufacturing sector, we held an important discussion related to Aqua Culture, fish oil for cosmetic use, fruits and vegetables from the Dakhla region, and concentrated juice from The Gambia”. AGM President noted
“Morocco has over 9000 factories producing various products that range from aeronautics, automobiles, textile, leather, fertilizer and food. Morocco in 2023 exported 4 billion euros worth of leather and textiles and there are lessons we as Gambian manufacturers can learn from them”. He stated.
“With Gambia 30,000 MT URIA and PKK demand and consumption by the Agric sector, I believe the private sector with support from the government should venture into establishing a new factory in the Green Industrial Park to supply both local and Sub-regional markets. We can partner with Moroccan companies who have already built such factories in Rwanda and Ethiopia to do the same for The Gambia”. He explained.
Saho went on, “Solar Energy should be The Gambia’s main focus in having Morocco share their vast knowledge and expertise on how it secured 42% supply of its local electricity consumption from renewable energy”, he advised.
Knowledge Transfer & Skills Acquisition
The AGM believes that for manufacturing to thrive and become a driver for development in The Gambia, the workforce needs to be well equipped with the right skill sets that are vital in transforming the manufacturing landscape, identified two countries (Hungary and China) and went on tour both countries with the aim attracting investments from these countries in the area of Technical & Vocational Education Trainings (TVET).
Both trips were a success, as MOUs were signed with relevant stakeholders in both nations who are willing to invest in knowledge transfer, skills training, and human capacity development for Gambians. These MOUs will be implemented through the University of Science Engineering and Technology (USET) as well as other identified TVET schools in The Gambia.
Individual Members Achievements
Jah Oil Company & Jah Multi Industries
Jah Oil Company is a leading distributor of petroleum products and oil lubricants in both The Gambia and in Senegal, supplying millions of liters annually. With a focus on Gasoil and Gasoline, the company plays a crucial role in fueling diverse sectors and contributes approximately 5% to The Gambia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Jah Oil Company’s commitment to safety and quality is demonstrated through its impeccable record and international certifications.
Cement Production
Through its affiliate Jah Multi Industries (JMICL), the company has established itself as a dominant force in The Gambia’s construction industry, notably in the production and distribution of its famed Tiger Brand Cement. Operating the largest cement packaging plant in the country, the facility boasts an impressive daily production capacity of 9000 metric tons.
In 2022 alone the company produced and distributed over 2.5 million metric tons of cement, effectively meeting the nation’s growing construction needs. JMICL’s cement division accounts for approximately 15% of the country’s construction output with the Tiger cement brand commanding an 80% market share.
Food Commodities
The company is equally engaged in the sales and distribution of essential food commodities such as Rice, Sugar, Flour, and Cooking Oil, helping play a critical role in ensuring food security and meeting the nutritional needs of the Gambian population.
Petroleum Storage Facility
Jah Oil Company has acquired a prime piece of land measuring 950 meters by 700 meters, strategically located in the petroleum industrial zone. On this site, the company is undertaking a significant project – the construction of a state-of-the-art petroleum storage depot with a staggering capacity of 120,000 metric tons. This facility is not merely a storage site; it’s a linchpin in the nation’s energy security. It was designed not only to cater to the national demand for petroleum products but also to serve as a regional hub, supplying neighboring countries. This project is already in progress, with the company inviting interested investors to collaborate on this transformative endeavor.
JAH AGRIC FOODS & FARMS
The pilot phase of this economy-shaping project, which involves the cultivation of staple foods such as rice, potatoes, and onions, is located at Bayaba in the northern parts of the Central River Region.
With ongoing harvests at this 1200-hectare farm, the company aims to reduce the country’s dependence on the importation of staple foods within the next 5 years.
With a lofty aspiration of cultivating 15,000 hectares of land, Jah Agric Foods and Farm hope to bring down the cost of staple foods, especially rice, by 50% within the next 6 to 7 years by helping The Gambia cut down on the importation of these products. Thus, the country will save foreign exchange and aid in stabilizing the dalasi.
Bell Bottling Company
The arrival of Bell Bottling Company has helped mitigate the effects of the closure of the once-famous Banjul Breweries. Gambians today, have their own locally brewed and bottled beverages, thus adding to national pride.
It is quite instructive to note that the arrival of Bell Bottling Company and its Bon Flavour drinks has not only brought nourishment to many but has also added to creating employment and improving the economy of the country.
This year 2024, Bell Bottling Company’s brand of drinks has become a common feature in almost every home in the country.
