The discussions, chaired by Mohamed H’midouche, CEO of Inter Africa Capital Group (IACG) and former Resident Representative of the AfDB in Senegal, focused on Trans-Gambia Corridor Special Economic Zone (TGC-SEZ), which is a designated area for large-scale investment in The Gambia.
Key panelists such as Hamey B. Jawara, Senior Manager, Investment Promotion at the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), and Alagie Sanyang, Chairman & CEO of The Cornerstone Group in The Gambia, delivered succinct presentations of the investment potentials of The Gambia and why investors will benefit and be glad they invested in the safest and most peaceful country in West Africa, according to Business Insider’s latest report.
Mr Jawara of GIEPA highlighted The Gambia’s investment opportunities and the comparative advantage of the country for viable investments. He outlined as opportunities The Gambia’s strong investment-protection laws, competitive fiscal incentives, investor one-stop facilitation mechanisms, commitment to PPPs, and industrial upgrading and export-growth strategy in key sectors as agriculture & agribusiness, energy & hydrocarbons, digital economy & services, and tourism & hospitality.
Cornerstone Group Chairman & CEO Alagie Sanyang also resoundingly buttressed the fact that The Gambia has a proximity and easy access advantage to other neighbouring countries in West Africa, such as Senegal, Mali, Guinea Bissau, and further afield, that make the country a potential and viable hub for investment. He also emphasizes the laws of the land that protect investors, tax incentives, and the single-day business registration platform that makes the Gambia second to none in the sub-region and beyond.
Baboucarr Saho of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) highlighted the importance of Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and the value of local contents in all its facets as well as transparency in PPP contracts.
Mr Pierre Goudia of Groupe Atepa made a firm call on West African countries’ authorities to advance regional and trade integration.
The event continues today on the grand Financial Afrik Awards with an official opening address by His Excellency President Adama Barrow.
