He explained that the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, formed in January 2024 during the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, seeks to promote collaboration among African countries, ensure sustainable use of mineral resources and help member states respond to the growing global demand for critical minerals.
Hon. Juwara stressed that for The Gambia, the benefits are both immediate and long-term. He said membership would allow the country to access shared knowledge, modern technology and technical expertise, which are currently lacking, particularly within the geological department.
“Our geological department is under-capacitized,” he said, noting that joining the group would enable The Gambia to receive support in mapping and identifying critical minerals that remain undiscovered.
He added that the partnership would open doors for investment in the country’s mineral sector, while also allowing The Gambia to share facilities and resources with more advanced member states. According to him, this would significantly strengthen ongoing efforts in mineral prospecting and exploration.
Seconding the motion, the Majority Leader and Member for Kantora, Hon. Billay Tunkara, described the move as “the right step in the right direction, especially for a country with growing prospects in oil and mineral exploration.”
He said membership would create opportunities for value addition, allowing The Gambia not just to extract resources, but to benefit from them locally.
He further noted that the collaboration would expose the country to advanced production methods, innovation and technology, while also improving its position in global mineral supply chains.
Hon. Suwaibou Touray, Member for Wulli East, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the benefits of joining the group are inestimable.
He pointed out that African countries have long suffered from exporting raw materials without gaining real value, and said the initiative offers a chance to change that narrative.
Hon. Sulayman Saho, member for Central Badibou, emphasised that the group would strengthen the country’s bargaining power, improve mineral pricing and reduce the risk of exploitation by foreign companies.
He also noted that it would support policy development, capacity building and partnerships that ensure local communities benefit from the country’s resources.
At the end of the session, the motion was put to a vote, considered and ratified, with members urging swift action to ensure The Gambia fully maximises the opportunities presented by the new membership.
