Separated by borders but united by history, culture, language, religion, and family ties, The Gambia and Senegal remain perhaps the closest example of regional integration on the continent. Our two peoples are bound to live in peace, nurture family bonds, and sustain political goodwill. Yet, despite decades of cooperation, the full economic and social potential of Senegambia remains largely untapped.
Mr President, this week’s summit should move beyond routine declarations and focus on practical actions capable of transforming the lives of ordinary citizens in both countries.
One priority deserving immediate attention is the domestication of airfares between Banjul and Dakar and the development of airline services linking both capitals to Europe, North America, South America and the Caribbean. Given Dakar and Banjul’s proximity to these regions, enhanced connectivity would boost tourism, business travel, medical access, education exchange, energy partnerships, and trade. Affordable, reliable air transport can become a catalyst for growth in both economies.
Equally important is the seamless movement of people and goods. The challenges faced by commercial vehicles, buses, trucks, and private motorists continue to undermine integration. Both governments should consider a Senegambia Transit Facilitation Framework that guarantees unhindered movement of passengers and cargo, harmonised customs procedures, joint border inspections, and a single transit permit recognised in both countries.
Transit trade offers major opportunity. The Port of Banjul serves not only The Gambia but also southern Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and beyond. Likewise, Senegal’s road, rail, and airport infrastructure can benefit Gambian businesses. Dedicated transit corridors, bonded warehouses, dry ports, and harmonised customs documentation would cut costs and improve competitiveness. The two governments should also explore railway and river transport links.
Mr President, security cooperation must remain central. Terrorism, transnational crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and irregular migration recognise no borders. Enhanced intelligence sharing, joint patrols, integrated border management, and coordinated maritime surveillance will strengthen the security architecture of both countries and promote regional stability.
The Joint Council should also prioritise agriculture, fisheries, livestock, energy, higher education, healthcare, digital transformation, sports, and information. Joint investments in irrigation, agro-processing zones, renewable energy, and vocational training could accelerate food security and create jobs for thousands of young people.
To ensure implementation, the Senegambia Secretariat should be significantly strengthened. It must evolve into a fully functional institution with technical staff, monitoring and evaluation capacity, and clear authority to coordinate, track, and expedite decisions. Too many excellent agreements have suffered from weak follow-through.
Perhaps the time has come to adopt Senegambia Vision 2050, a long-term framework to create a seamless economic space where goods, services, investment, and people move freely, supported by modern infrastructure and shared prosperity.
Finally, Mr President, the future of Senegambia lies not merely in cooperation but in integration. The forthcoming meetings offer a chance to turn geography into economic advantage and fraternity into prosperity.
The peoples of both nations eagerly await bold decisions that will bring Senegambia closer together than ever before.
Good day!