President Adama Barrow received the announcement during a courtesy call at State House in Banjul from Dr Outtara Wautabouna, IMF Executive Director for West Africa Constituency 1.
Dr Wautabouna praised The Gambia’s macroeconomic progress, describing the country’s trajectory as promising and commending the government for completing an IMF programme for the first time in its history.
In response, President Barrow expressed gratitude to the IMF for its continued support. “Despite being a small country with a lot of challenges, we have, for the first time, completed an IMF programme,” he said, assuring the Fund of his government’s commitment to cooperation and delivery of projects that directly improve the lives of Gambians.
He further called for flexibility in implementing development programmes to ensure timely impact and emphasised the need for African countries to work together. “We have a strong human resource base with youthful populations across our continent. The best way is to create jobs and enabling environments for the youths to prosper,” the President stated.
The delegation, led by the Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita, introduced Dr Wautabouna and highlighted his role in amplifying The Gambia’s voice within the IMF.
Minister Keita also updated the President on progress with the second Enhanced Credit Facility, stressing that The Gambia’s eligibility for climate-smart financing will unlock additional resources for national development.
Dr Wautabouna, who expressed gratitude for The Gambia’s support in his appointment as Executive Director, reaffirmed the IMF’s commitment to working closely with the country to advance reforms and sustainable growth.
