By: Fatou Krubally
The Eighth Stake in the Nation Forum (SNF8) took place with great anticipation on 11th January 2025, bringing together key stakeholders and diaspora members in a pivotal dialogue on ‘Diaspora, Jobs and the Financing for Development’.
The Vice President of The Gambia, Muhammed B.S Jallow, set the tone for the forum by emphasizing the importance of diaspora contributions to the nation’s economy and development. He highlighted the significant role played by remittances in empowering Gambian families and sustaining economic stability, especially during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Remittances are pivotal for sustaining economic stability, especially during crises like the recent pandemic,” he stated.
In her address, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, Fatou Kinteh, underscored the government’s commitment to promoting job creation and economic empowerment for women. She emphasized the crucial role of women in driving sustainable development and the need for inclusive policies to ensure their participation in the workforce.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara, highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement and enhance collaboration for national development. He stressed the importance of strategic policy reforms and innovative financing solutions to unlock the full potential of remittances for the Gambia’s economic growth, stating, “Innovative financing solutions and robust diaspora engagement are key to unlocking the full potential of remittances for economic growth.”
Special guest speaker, Chukwu-Emeka Chikezie, MBE, commended the Gambia diaspora for their contributions to the nation’s development, urging the government to explore alternative ways of measuring diaspora impact beyond financial remittances. He encouraged a more holistic approach to recognize the diverse contributions of diaspora members in shaping the country’s future.
Prof. Momodou Sallah, the keynote speaker, reflected on the diaspora’s deep-rooted desire for Gambia’s transformation and urged the government to engage with diaspora communities to harness their expertise and resources effectively. He emphasized the need for openness and collaboration to leverage diaspora potential for national development.
Director of GK Partners and the MSDG project, Prof. Gibril Faal, OBE, highlighted the diaspora’s impatience for progress and underlined the importance of proactive engagement to channel their enthusiasm towards impactful initiatives, emphasizing, “Proactive engagement is key to harnessing the diaspora’s enthusiasm for impactful initiatives.”
The SNF8 served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable progress towards a prosperous and inclusive Gambia. The discussions and insights shared by the speakers and participants underscored the transformative potential of diaspora engagement and innovative financing for sustainable development in the country.
