By: Kemo Kanyi
Adama Barrow, President of The Republic of The Gambia, has enjoined Africans to prioritise creating industries, advance infrastructure, and nurturing environment that complement innovation and trade, stating that will enhance job creation for African citizens and residents.
Addressing the economic forum spearheaded by Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GiEPA), the President said the common purpose of the gathering was to examine the possibilities of setting in motion a profoundly impactful economic and social transformation process in The Gambia and across the African continent.
“From this perspective, with its critical themes on trade, investment, and integration, this forum represents a strategic pillar to pursue our national and regional aspirations. Fortunately, the African Union and ECOWAS are also playing a key and complementary role in this endeavour. I encourage you to be guided by the vision of creating industries that employ thousands, building infrastructure that connects millions, and fostering an environment where innovation and entrepreneurship thrive. All these should be conceived within the context of a resilient African society where we succeed as a united people of diverse colours but from the same continent,” President Barrow said in his address at the African Economic Integration Forum held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference in Bijilo on Friday.
The Gambian leader added that the forum represents the common vision of an Africa that thrives, innovates, and able to compete on the global stage, saying that it is imperative, as the world struggles in tackling trade deficits, amid the daunting competition for Africa’s resources. He outlined that the forum also underscores the need for broader and stronger partner collaboration amongst us. Whether it is through harnessing the economic opportunities in energy and infrastructure, or unlocking the potential of women to drive growth, or through other avenues, it is certain that our strength and success considerably depend on unity and cooperation, strengthened by a shared sense of purpose.
“Visions, particularly, for socio-economic progress are generated by individuals, but realizing them is generally a collective responsibility. It is encouraging, therefore, that in this hall are illustrious patriotic sons and daughters of Africa, with immense self-worth, who are committed to our noble mission and are capable of translating visions into reality. Over these years, The Gambia has embarked on transformative reforms to reposition our nation as a trade and investment hub. Our strategic partnerships with international organisations illustrate a guided commitment to unlocking new avenues for financial and economic growth. Among many others, such partners include the Organisation of Islamic Conference, the Islamic Development Bank, the IMF, World Bank, and the African Development Bank,” he underscored.
In relation to this vision, the President highlighted that the Gambia Government created GiEPA to address and facilitate matters relating to investment, export, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) development, announcing that the country is now reviewing the Statutory Act of GiEPA to properly align it with its mission but, importantly as well, with the vision of enhancing manufacturing and agricultural productivity that would create jobs and secure livelihood through competitive government support and incentives.
He maintains that there is no better economic formula for a country or region than to invest and induce production, create jobs, boost export activities, and earn foreign reserves, adding that he is committed to this view, and GiEPA will be directed to ensure that their work revolves around this strategy for a prosperous Gambia.
