‘Saudi Fund for Development funds 19 projects worth $215M’

Those projects, he added, have contributed immensely in supporting many sectors, including water and sanitation, energy, education, transportation among others.

Mr. Al-Kahtani was speaking recently on behalf of the SFD at the official inauguration of the Lot 1 of the fixed packed of the University of The Gambia development project at the Faraba Banta Campus, which was co-financed by the Saudi Fund for Development.

He mentioned that the SFD was immensely proud to be part of the journey with The Gambia, contributing $10 million to the construction of the state-of-the-art university campus.

He said that at the Saudi Fund for Development, “we hold a deep conviction in the transformative power of education. We believe that funding educational projects is not just about building structures; it is about building communities. Education empowers individuals, fosters innovations and paves the way for sustainable development.”

He added that the state-of-the-art facility would not only provide a convenient environment for higher education, but would also serve as a launch pad for scientific research and the development of a generation of qualified Gambian professionals.

He stated that the establishment of the university marks a significant milestone in the development of The Gambia's education sector, which he said signifies a step forward in fostering a generation of skilled and empowered individuals who would contribute to the nation's growth across various sectors – from healthcare and technology to entrepreneurship.

“The successful completion of the University of The Gambia's Faraba Banta Campus serves as a testament to the long-standing development relationship and collaboration between our two nations. This project shows our shared commitment to sustainable development and fostering socio-economic growth,” he also said.

He expressed their honour to have partnered with the Gambia Government in making the project a reality, with optimism that the university stands as a beacon of knowledge and opportunity, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for The Gambia and the wider region.