By Awa Sowe
While addressing the 19th CII India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, H.E. Vice President Mohammed B.S. Jallow underscored The Gambia’s commitment to promoting an enabling environment for investment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. He noted that as The Gambia Government believes that by working together with partners in India and around the globe, it can pave a way for more economic opportunities that benefit not only our nations, but the wider international community.
He said his government envisioned to deepen and strengthen the already existing ties by further exploiting several key initiatives and collaborations between The Gambia and India through this Conclave.
“Therefore, I urge all of us to take this opportunity to explore new ideas, share best practices, and strengthen the ties that bind us. Together, we can develop innovative solutions that drive growth and create a lasting impact. This will be through economic partnerships, promoting trade opportunities by establishing more trade agreements that facilitate bilateral investments. This could involve joint ventures in sectors like agriculture, tourism, healthcare and technology,” VP Jallow remarked.
He went on to acknowledge that India’s IT and startup ecosystems have revolutionised industries, from healthcare to finance, creating solutions that are not only efficient but also scalable. The African continent, too, he said, is witnessing a surge in innovation, with young entrepreneurs leading the change in areas like fintech, agritech, and renewable energy.
“Therefore, partnership between India and Africa in innovation must be deepened. India can share its expertise in technology, research, and development to help African nations leapfrog traditional development stages,” he observed.
The Vice President also mentioned the need for capacity building, saying is an essential component of the India-Gambia partnership. “Whether it is through the training of foreign service officers, professionals, or entrepreneurs, India is committed to sharing its expertise and knowledge with The Gambia, with the aim of empowering individuals and institutions in The Gambia to drive their own development and contribute to the country’s progress.
The Vice President went on to highlight many other areas of cooperation between India and The Gambia including healthcare in which he noted the possibility of pursuing unexplored areas in health such as partnerships in healthcare management, telemedicine, and pharmaceuticals to improve health services in The Gambia.
He also mentioned the possibility of technology transfer, renewable energy to adopt sustainable practices; promotion of cultural exchanges to strengthen people-to-people ties through art exhibitions, music festivals, and culinary exchanges that celebrate both cultures; agricultural productivity through advanced farming techniques and practices; and the empowerment of young entrepreneurs and innovators, helping them gain access to resources and mentorship.
