A pan-Africa real estate company - Sablux Group - on Friday opened a new subsidiary in The Gambia, as the group expands its footprints in the region’s real estate landscape.
The colourful launching ceremony, held at its new office of distinct ambience opposite Kasumai Junction in Bijilo, marks the dawn of a new era in the transformation of the country’s skyline and landscape.
According to its executives, the group is ready to invest US$200 million in the country in the next five years.
Sablux Group has been in the making for 17 years and this new expansion to The Gambia is part of their efforts to cement their footprints in the sub-regional bloc.
With the Gambia subsidiary, it has added to existing ones in Senegal, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin and Mali.
Having pitched its tents in the country, spots like Cape Point, Tujereng, Brufut, Fajara and Bijilo will soon see rapid facelift, as the group stands ready to invest over $200 million in multiple projects in the next five years.
Highlighting some ongoing projects in the region, Mirco Monti, General Manager of Sidera, gave a background of their past projects.
The current projects, he said, are designed to contribute to the socio-economic development of countries, noting that their structures are meant to create affordable and high quality buildings in modern residential and commercial spaces.
Monti also cited their first project in The Gambia, which started this year near the Diplomat.
Sablux Gambia’s new General Manager Reine Marie Diouf, in her remarks, described the event as not just the opening of a new subsidiary, but a new chapter in a story that starts back in 2009 in Senegal, when Sablux was born with one ambition: to help to transform Senegal’s cities into apple-pie order of real estate properties that people can be proud of.
“Over the years, thanks to the leadership of two pan-African and inspiring leaders, the dedication of our team, and the trust of our partners and customers, Sablux has grown beyond its initial borders,” she said.
The company has made a mark with its presence in seven African countries - Senegal, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Benin, Mali, and now The Gambia, she said, adding that their decision to establish a presence in The Gambia reflects their confidence in the vision, energy and potential of the Smiling Coast.
“At Sablux, we believe that real estate is more than buildings. It's about spaces where life gets better. It's about places where families feel at home, where business can grow and where communities flourish,” she stated.
They intend to bring to The Gambia their vast expertise in real estate, development, construction and property management, she said, adding: “We want also to build a strong partnership with local stakeholders. We will invest over $200 million across multiple projects in the next five years.
“I want our project to contribute to modern and sustainable urban spaces that match the country's ambition and its people's needs.”
To this end, she paid glowing tribute to the Board Chairman and CEO of the Group for choosing her to lead the Sablux Gambia subsidiary.
“It will be a challenging experience to lead the first subsidiary launched by the group in an English-speaking country,” she highlighted. “But I am very confident because all Sablux teams, including the seven dynamic and passionate Gambians that we have recruited, are going to be with me along the road.”
Sablux Board Chairman Amadou Lamine Ndiaye spoke about the cordial relations between Senegal and The Gambia, saying the two countries share not only geography but also rhythm and soul.
According to him, when they founded Sablux 17 years ago, their dream was “not just to build structures, but communities,” and have now covered seven countries.
In his inaugural address, Abdoulie Jobe, Minister of Tourism and Culture, expressed delight to be associated with the event, saying the Gambia government celebrate and cherish the launch of Sablux Gambia subsidiary.
This move, he added, marks not only the establishment of a new business entity, but also a significant milestone in their ongoing efforts to promote sustainable economic growth, create employment opportunities and strengthen regional integration.
He highlighted The Gambia’s position as a preferred destination for investment tourism and cultural exchange, saying the Gambia government remains committed to fostering an environment conductive for both local and international investors.
The arrival of Sablux Gambia, he added, is a testament to the confidence government has in the company to invest in the country, leveraging on its stability, potential and forward-looking policies.
“The government acknowledges the critical role that the private sector plays in enhancing tourism development and preserving the cultural linkages and diversifying economy,” he stated.
Minister Jobe thus encouraged initiatives like the one undertaken by Sablux Group, as its aligns with national priorities including job creation, diversifying tourism products, skills transfer and innovation.
The event was graced by business executives, senior government officials from both The Gambia and Senegal and a cross section of the community, who were entertained by Gambia’s finest sensation - Barhama as well as local dance groups.
