Third National Dialogue Opens with Calls to Prioritise Human Capital and Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth

By Seedy Jobe

The Third National Dialogue officially opened on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center, bringing together government officials, civil society organisations, citizens, and development partners to deliberate on The Gambia’s national development agenda.

Held under the theme “Harnessing The Gambia’s Human Capital and Infrastructural Resources for an Inclusive Leap to Prosperity,” the forum aims to mobilise the country’s people and physical assets to drive sustainable and equitable growth.

Opening the dialogue on behalf of President Adama Barrow, Minister of Public Service Baboucarr Bouy underscored the importance of unity and collective responsibility in achieving national development objectives.

“This distinction is a reflection of a government philosophy rooted in consultation, inclusion, and democratic maturity,” he said.

Hon. Bouy stressed that national dialogue is central to participatory, responsive, and accountable governance, noting that citizen engagement is both strategic and essential to shaping policy outcomes.

“Engagement with citizens is not symbolic. It is strategic. It enables us to integrate the needs and aspirations of our people into the implementation of our development agenda,” he added.

He reported that since the initiative began, more than 15,000 citizens have participated through district, regional, and national consultations.

“This initiative brings together the executive, legislature, judiciary, public servants, civil society, and citizens in one forum,” he said. “It reinforces transparency, strengthens trust, and deepens democratic culture.”

Highlighting the critical role of young people, Hon. Bouy described youth as the backbone of the nation’s human capital. “Our youth constitute the backbone of our human capital. If we are to maximize our demographic dividend and leverage our infrastructure investments, we must deliberately invest in their skills, innovation, and entrepreneurship.”

He also provided updates on the implementation of recommendations from previous dialogues, stating that a significant number have already been executed, while others are being addressed through established institutional mechanisms.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Seedy SK Njie highlighted progress in infrastructure development and human capital empowerment since 2017.

“Since 2017, The Gambia has experienced a developmental reawakening of unmistakable scale and consequence,” he said.

Hon. Njie noted that modern highways and feeder roads have connected communities, reduced travel time, and stimulated economic growth.

“These infrastructural gains are, at their core, investments in human capital,” he highlighted.

He cited improved highways and feeder roads as key drivers of connectivity, reduced travel times, and economic stimulation, describing these advances as foundational investments in human capital.

Hon. Njie also commended government initiatives in education, technical and vocational training, agricultural modernisation, and youth empowerment.

“Strategic interventions in these areas signal a governance model that places dignity, productivity, and opportunity at the center and state policy,” he said.

Calling for strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, he urged renewed commitment to harnessing the country’s youthful population, accelerating productive investment, and improving institutional efficiency.

“We must preserve the spirit of national cohesion that makes sustainable development possible,” he said, expressing optimism that the dialogue would reinvigorate national resolve and advance inclusive prosperity.

Also addressing participants, Chief Justice Hassan B. Jallow emphasised that sustainable national progress depends on investing in people.

“No nation, despite the wealth of its natural resources, can make sustained progress without harnessing its human capital,” he said, calling for greater prioritisation of education, training, and capacity building.

The Chief Justice further stressed the importance of peaceful and credible elections, describing them as the gateway to democracy. He urged citizens, political parties, and candidates to ensure that electoral processes remain free, fair, and peaceful.

He also appealed for responsible political discourse, cautioning against hate speech and inflammatory rhetoric, and called on all stakeholders to promote unity and safeguard national peace.

The dialogue is expected to conclude with a call to action, encouraging Gambians to work collectively to harness the nation’s human capital and infrastructure resources in pursuit of inclusive and sustainable prosperity.