By Fatou Sillah
President Adama Barrow has announced a $204 million investment aimed at accelerating industrialization, creating jobs, and addressing irregular migration among young people.
Delivering his 2026 State of the Nation Address before the National Assembly on Thursday, the president said the government is prioritizing the development of industrial parks, urban agricultural hubs, and special economic zones to transform the country’s economic landscape.
According to him, the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency has facilitated the issuance of Special Investment Certificates and Export Processing Zone licenses to 16 businesses. The combined investment, valued at $204 million, is expected to generate significant employment opportunities.
President Barrow acknowledged that irregular migration continues to deprive the country of its youthful population, noting that the government is treating the issue with urgency by expanding access to decent job opportunities.
He emphasized that ongoing investments in industrial parks, agricultural hubs, and special economic zones are part of a broader strategy to shift The Gambia’s economy away from reliance on raw exports toward value addition, manufacturing, and export diversification.
The president further highlighted reforms undertaken in 2025 to strengthen trade governance, competition, and regional integration as part of efforts to promote inclusive economic growth. He noted that amendments to the Essential Commodities Act 2015 are underway to enhance stock and price monitoring while maintaining a liberal market system.
In addition, President Barrow disclosed plans to introduce new legislation that will consolidate competition and consumer protection frameworks. The proposed bill seeks to repeal the Competition Act 2007 and the Consumer Protection Act 2014, replacing them with a unified legal framework.
He also pointed to progress in strengthening technical and vocational education and training (TVET) systems, alongside bilateral labour agreements designed to facilitate safe, regular, and orderly migration. These initiatives, he said, have enabled Gambians to secure legal employment opportunities in Europe and the Middle East.
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