He maintained that the historical ties must now give way to a modern, balanced economic relationship adding “Yes, they were our former colonists, but after decolonization, I’m not saying they abandoned us but I want that to change.”
The information minister also pointed out that Africa is no longer in a position of dependency and is seeking deeper trade engagement that benefits both sides.
“Truthfully, we are not begging anymore. We want to have a mutually beneficial relationship with Britain. One based on dignity and mutual respect,” he stated.
He described it as unfortunate that Britain is not among Gambia’s biggest trading partners, despite its proximity to The Gambia, reminding that a flight from London to Banjul takes about five hours.
“Even though Britain is five and a half hours away from Banjul, yet one of our biggest trading partners is not Britain. I want them to change. I want them to redefine the relationship between Britain and Gambia.”
To this end, he noted that this is an extended call beyond one country, urging a broader rethink of Britain’s engagement with Africa.
The continent, he added, represents a vast and youthful market with enormous potential and with a population of about 1.4 billion people and an average age of 19, making it the youngest continent in the world.
Equally, he alluded that Africa possesses resources Britain needs, while Britain has the expertise, competence and knowledge Africa requires.
“We have to have that mutual exchange for the benefit,” he said.
Similarly, Dr. Ceesay highlighted The Gambia’s ongoing democratic consolidation and national development priorities, while placing strong emphasis on the role of information, media and broadcasting in promoting transparency, accountability and inclusive growth.
The information minister further engaged stakeholders on opportunities for possible collaboration in media development, digital broadcasting, capacity building and the growth of the creative industries, underscoring that investment in these sectors is key as drivers of national development.
The reception, further, forms part of wider efforts to connect African priorities with decision-makers in Westminster, while reshaping Africa-UK relations for a new era.
The event is expected to bring together current and former Members of Parliament, policymakers, business leaders and development partners from Africa and the United Kingdom.
It is part of broader efforts designed to deepen dialogue on governance, trade, investment and institutional cooperation, while strengthening mutually beneficial partnerships between African countries and the UK.
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