By Seedy Jobe
The leader of the United Democratic Party, ANM Ousainu Darboe, pledged on Friday to reshape the government’s relationship with Gambians living abroad, promising policies that would position the diaspora as a long-term partner in national development rather than primarily as a source of remittances.
Speaking to Gambians in the diaspora in a video message on July 17, Mr. Darboe said successive governments had benefited from the economic contributions of citizens abroad without fully integrating them into national development planning.
“The diaspora will not be seen as an ATM, not as an afterthought, but as a strategic national development partner of value,” Mr. Darboe said.
Mr. Darboe outlined a series of proposals that he said a UDP-led government would pursue to encourage greater diaspora investment and participation in the country’s economy. The initiatives would provide Gambians abroad with access to national investment opportunities in sectors including agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, housing, infrastructure, digital innovation, and the creative industries.
He also said the party would seek to involve the diaspora in the privatization of state-owned enterprises through public-private partnerships, while pledging that such processes would be conducted transparently.
To encourage investment, Mr. Darboe proposed the introduction of diaspora bonds, measures to reduce the cost of remittance transfers, and the development of specialized savings and investment products in partnership with financial institutions.
Beyond financial contributions, Mr. Darboe said the UDP would seek to harness the expertise of Gambian professionals abroad by establishing a diaspora think tank to provide policy advice and research. He said professionals in the diaspora would also be recruited as consultants and technical advisers in sectors including health, education, infrastructure, public finance, and technology.
He added that the party would promote skills-transfer initiatives and support innovation and entrepreneurship programs driven by diaspora expertise, with particular emphasis on mentorship opportunities for young people and women.
Mr. Darboe also proposed strengthening the Diaspora Affairs Directorate within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by expanding its mandate and resources. He said the office would coordinate diaspora participation in national consultations, maintain a database of professional skills and investment interests, and improve consular services for Gambians overseas.
The UDP leader said his administration would establish reintegration programs for Gambians returning home, including support for employment and business development, while ensuring that diaspora-related policies are guided by transparency, accountability, and equal treatment.
“Together, those at home and those abroad, we will build a democratic, prosperous, and inclusive Gambia,” Mr. Darboe said. “A Gambia that values all its citizens.”
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