Yet, the country lags behind, not because of a lack of resources or talent, but because of deeply entrenched issues that are systemic not only in The Gambia but across the African continent. To unlock this potential, we must confront both internal and external factors that have held back progress for decades.
The Exploitation of African Resources: A Global Problem with Local Consequences
One of the most significant challenges facing The Gambia, and Africa as a whole, is the historic and ongoing exploitation of its natural and human resources by foreign corporations and governments. Western companies continue to extract wealth from the continent without paying their fair share of taxes. Tax evasion by multinational corporations costs African countries an estimated $50 billion annually in lost revenue—money that could be reinvested in infrastructure, education, and healthcare. This exploitation is perpetuated with the complicity of some African leaders, who allow corrupt practices in exchange for personal gain. The result is a tragic reality where the continent’s wealth benefits a small elite and foreign powers, while the vast majority of its people remain in poverty.
In The Looting Machine, Tom Burgis paints a stark picture of how Africa’s resources are plundered by external forces, with the willing participation of its own political class. The Gambia is not immune to this. The lack of transparency and accountability in governance has allowed valuable national resources to be squandered or siphoned off, leaving little for meaningful development. Without good governance and strong leadership, The Gambia risks remaining locked in a cycle of underdevelopment, despite its natural and human potential.
The Role of Consistent Energy Supply in Economic Development
At the core of any meaningful socio-economic development is a reliable and consistent energy supply. In The Gambia, like many parts of Africa, energy insecurity is one of the biggest barriers to progress. No serious investor will commit to a country where the lights are off more often than they are on. Reliable energy is fundamental to industrial growth, technology, education, and healthcare. As it stands, The Gambia’s inconsistent electricity supply has stifled its economic potential, leaving businesses unable to function efficiently and limiting the ability to attract foreign investment.
Without consistent energy, even basic healthcare services are at risk. Gambian women continue to die during childbirth due to electricity shortages that prevent life-saving interventions. This is not only a human tragedy but also a stark reminder of the structural inadequacies that plague the country’s development efforts.
The Gambia is blessed with abundant sunshine, offering immense potential for harnessing solar energy as a sustainable, green solution. While countries around the world are rushing to invest in renewable energy, The Gambia is dragging its feet, missing a critical opportunity to leapfrog into the future. Investing in solar energy would not only ensure a stable energy supply but also position the country as a leader in the global transition to green energy. The reliance on expensive and inconsistent energy imports must end if the country is to realize its development goals.
The Urgency of STEM Education
Alongside energy infrastructure, the future of The Gambia lies in its ability to keep up with global technological advancements. This requires significant investment in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The world is rapidly evolving, and countries that fail to develop a skilled workforce in STEM fields will be left behind. The Gambian education system must be restructured to prioritize these subjects, ensuring that the next generation is prepared to engage in the global economy and contribute to innovation and growth within the country.
As the African proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now.” The Gambia cannot afford to delay in building the foundation for a knowledge-based economy. STEM education must be at the forefront of the national agenda, ensuring that young Gambians are equipped with the skills they need to compete on the global stage.
The Need for Good Governance and Visionary Leadership
The potential for development in The Gambia and across Africa will never be fully realized without the right leadership. As Dambisa Moyo outlines in Dead Aid, Africa’s economic progress is continually undermined by poor governance, corruption, and leaders who lack both vision and patriotism. The Gambia, like many African nations, suffers from this chronic failure of leadership. To move forward, the country needs leaders who are not only committed to the well-being of their people but who also have a clear vision for the future.
Good governance is not just about eliminating corruption; it’s about creating systems that work for the people. This means investing in infrastructure, ensuring accountability in the management of resources, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive. Visionary leaders understand that their role is not to enrich themselves but to build a country where every citizen can succeed.
Five Crucial Steps to Socio-Economic Change in The Gambia
To achieve meaningful development, The Gambia must take the following steps:
- Invest in Solar and Renewable Energy: The country must harness its natural resources, particularly solar energy, to ensure a reliable and sustainable energy supply. This will not only boost the economy but also improve healthcare, education, and overall quality of life.
- Prioritize STEM Education: Investment in education, particularly in STEM fields, is critical to building a workforce that can innovate and drive economic growth. This will enable The Gambia to keep pace with global developments.
- Leverage the Diaspora for Development: Gambians in the diaspora are a valuable resource. Their expertise, remittances, and connections can help fuel development if the government creates structures to effectively engage them in national development projects.
- Strengthen Governance and Anti-Corruption Measures: The country must implement strong governance reforms, ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of resources. This will create an environment conducive to investment and development.
- Build Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth: Infrastructure development, particularly in energy and transportation, is key to driving economic progress. Public-private partnerships and international support can help build the necessary foundations for long-term growth.
Conclusion: A Future Powered by Vision
The Gambia is uniquely positioned to take advantage of its youthful population, its diaspora, and its natural resources. But without good governance and a long-term vision for the future, this potential will remain untapped. The time for half-measures and short-term thinking is over. As Kwame Nkrumah famously said, “We face neither East nor West; we face forward.” It’s time for The Gambia, and indeed Africa, to move forward with purpose, harnessing the energy of its people and resources to build a prosperous, sustainable future for all.
Momodou Malcolm Jallow
Gambian-born member of the Swedish Parliament
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