By Seedy Jobe
The minister of petroleum and energy, Nani Juwara, on Tuesday asked lawmakers to ratify The Gambia’s membership in the Africa Mineral Strategy Group, a regional bloc aimed at strengthening cooperation among African countries in the management and development of mineral resources.
Presenting the motion before the National Assembly, Mr. Juwara said joining the group would allow The Gambia to participate in collective efforts to promote the sustainable use of mineral resources while gaining access to shared knowledge, technology, and financing opportunities.
“The rationale is for The Gambia to be part of a collective advocacy platform,” he said, adding that membership would also help improve the country’s position in the global market for critical minerals.
The Africa Mineral Strategy Group, formed in January 2024, seeks to coordinate governance frameworks and align policies among member states as global demand for minerals—particularly those used in renewable energy and advanced technologies—continues to rise.
Mr. Juwara said The Gambia’s ongoing mineral prospecting efforts could benefit from such collaboration. “Our membership in this group will significantly enhance our ability to identify and develop our mineral resources,” he said.
He pointed to minerals such as zircon, aluminite, and rutile, which are currently exported in raw form, and stressed the need for value addition to maximize economic returns.
Lawmakers raised questions about the financial and strategic implications of joining the bloc, including concerns that larger economies could dominate decision-making. Mr. Juwara responded that all member states would participate on equal footing.
“We are equals in this group, so we don’t expect any country to take advantage of us,” he said.
He added that The Gambia’s annual contribution of $10,000 would be met and that membership would not interfere with existing exploration activities. Instead, he said, it would support national efforts through capacity building, policy development, and technology transfer.
Several lawmakers voiced support for the measure but emphasized the importance of ensuring that the country’s natural resources translate into tangible economic benefits, particularly through job creation and industrial development.
The motion is expected to be debated further before a final vote in the Assembly.
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