Banjul, 27th February 2025: The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security in collaboration with Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) organised second National Investment Forum to discuss, identify and prioritise potential investment opportunities in agri-food systems and value chain sector.
The objective of the two-day event, commenced on February 26th, is to promote partnership building efforts, provide opportunities for government authorities to present investment proposals to international investors, multilateral development banks, the private sector and donors in an annual International Investment Forum in Rome, Italy in October 2025. It also provided opportunity for local agri-entrepreneurs and investors.
The forum was organised under the auspices of the FAO Hand-in-Hand Initiative (HiHi), and facilitated by Alliance Francais Banjul-Gambia Tech and Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA).
Dr Demba Sabally, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, said the forum would focuse on innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and foreign direct investments.
“The majority of foods are produced, handled, processed, distributed and sold by the private sector. Thus, it is their responsibility to ensure that products are nutritious and safe for consumption. Therefore increased private sector support and involvement is integral in achieving the set goals in the SDGs in relation to food system,” he said.
Mr . Carl Frederick Paul, United Nations Resident Coordinator in The Gambia,assured that the UN Country team in The Gambia remains steadfast in its efforts to explore investment opportunities with the Government of The Gambia.
He said UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2024 – 2028 prioritises agrifood systems transformation as part of a broader agenda for sustainable development.
“By providing support to minimize investment risks and investment optimize benefits, the UN aims to align agri-food systems with emerging market opportunities, enhance productive capacities, and empower value chain stakeholders to participate effectively in local and international markets,” UN Resident Country Coordinator noted.
For her part, Shibu Rampedi, FAO Representative, of National Hand-In-Hand Initiative, affirmed that the forum aimed to show and prioritise investment opportunities in agrifood systems and value chain sectors, and that it serves as a key platform for fostering partnerships and preparing stakeholders for participation in the 2025 event in Rome, Italy.
By Kumba Leigh
