My Gov’t remains committed to private sector-led growth - Barrow

“My government remains firmly committed to private sector-led growth underpinned by transparent institutions, sound economic management, and investor-friendly reforms,” he told a hall full of business leaders and executives from over 23 countries across Africa, Asia and beyond, highlighting the topical issue of the gathering: “Clearly, public-private partnerships sit at the centre of our development strategy.”

The president welcomes investors, not merely as financiers, but equally as longer partners in nation-building -“partners who share our commitment to upscale value creation, job creation, skills transfer, and inclusive growth”.

He applauded as timely and relevant the theme of the forum: ‘Public Private Partnership as a Strategic Alternative to Public Debt’.

“Across the African continent,” he pointed out, “governments persistently face growing pressure to meet the development aspirations of our people while safeguarding macroeconomic stability and fiscal sustainability. In this context, public-private partnerships and blended finance and innovative investment structures are no longer optional instruments; they are essential pillars of sustainable development.”

Gambia an investment destination

Africa and the Arab world share deep historical ties, complementary strengths, and a shared future, President Barrow notes: “Whereas the continent offers opportunities to the young and dynamic population, the Arab world brings capital, expertise, and global connectivity.

“Consequently, working together, we can forge mutually beneficial, resilient and transformative practices.  I would like to start by saying that we are strategically positioning [The Gambia] as a PPP-driven investment destination.”

He outlined several priority sectors and projects investors could invest in for profitable returns, national growth and development.

He specifically places maximum priority on infrastructure development, saying “no infrastructure, no development”, since infrastructure encases the education sector, the health sector, energy and power, housing and urban development, agriculture and agro-processing, tourism and real estate, even digitalisation. 

Relating to the Gambia’s Special Economic Zones and industrial development, the President said: “We are now promoting industrial parks and special economic zones that focus on manufacturing, logistics, and regional trade; that is leveraging Gambia's strategic location as a gateway to the Ecowas.”

A nation ready for business

Highlighting The Gambia’s readiness for business, investment, and partnership, The Cornerstone Group’s CEO Alagie Sanyang, a lead organiser of the event, quoted Business Insider as recently ranking The Gambia the safest country in West Africa, with sound business-friendly laws, single-day business registration ease with no minimum capital deposit required, and a unique leader with a business background, who prioritises infrastructure and development.

“On infrastructure— under Barrow the Builder - the results speak for themselves,” Mr Sanyang appreciates.

“In the past seven years, The Gambia has seen more infrastructure development than at any other time in its history—roads, bridges, ports, energy, and digital connectivity.”

He states in perspectives: “Infrastructure is not politics. Infrastructure is economic power.”

The Gambia’s commitment to business and PPP was reiterated by the CEO of GIEPA, Ousainou Senghore: “The Gambia remains committed to partnerships—regional and global—that strengthen our investment climate, deepen financial inclusion, and unlock opportunities for our people, especially our youth and women.

“At GIEPA, we view investment as a seed. ‘The best time to plant a tree was yesterday; the second‑best time is today.’ Through policy reforms, institutional strengthening, and investor facilitation, we are planting the seeds of long‑term growth—seeds that will yield jobs, innovation, and shared prosperity for generations to come.”

The two-day event, which convened finance and business executives from several countries across Africa, Asia and Europe, awarded builders of trust, architects of inclusion, and champions of innovation with iconic awards of immense value.

The awards ranged from Africa-Arab Business of the Year, to Financial & Social Inclusion of The Year, The Economist of The Year, Lifetime Achievement, CEO of The Year, and the Medal of Honour Award, which went to The Cornerstone Group CEO Alagie Sanyang for his regional investment model and organizing excellence.