By Seedy Jobe
The United States ambassador to The Gambia, Laurence Socha, has called for greater transparency and a predictable regulatory environment to attract American investment, identifying economic cooperation, electoral integrity, and security as key priorities in relations between the two countries.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on QTV’s This Morning program, Ambassador Socha said The Gambia’s strategic location and economic potential presented significant opportunities for American businesses but emphasized that investors needed confidence in the country’s regulatory and business environment.
He identified the Port of Banjul, the international airport, energy and major infrastructure projects, including bridges, as areas with considerable potential for American investment.
However, he stressed that attracting such investment would require The Gambia to demonstrate that it was a reliable business partner, with transparent regulations, clearly defined tax structures, and consistent enforcement of commercial rules.
According to the ambassador, American investors are looking for a business environment in which regulations are predictable, tax obligations are clearly established, and companies can operate with confidence that their investments will be protected.
He said improving the investment climate would be a major focus of his tenure, pledging to engage government officials and private-sector stakeholders to strengthen economic ties between Washington and Banjul.
Turning to The Gambia’s December 5 presidential election, Ambassador Socha emphasized Washington’s expectation that the electoral process would be free, fair, credible, and transparent.
“Our expectation is that the election is free, fair, credible, and transparent. That’s what we’re looking for. And we know that The Gambia can live up to that promise,” he said.
The ambassador indicated that the U.S. Embassy would closely follow electoral developments before, during, and after polling day to assess whether the process meets those expectations.
“And so we’ll be looking for signs both before the election, on the day of the election, and then the results afterwards that live up to that,” he added.
Mr. Socha said he had identified migration, economic opportunities and electoral integrity as areas of shared interest when he presented his diplomatic credentials to President Adama Barrow, reflecting the existing cooperation between the two countries.
He described the relationship as mutually beneficial, arguing that a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Gambia would also advance American interests.
On security, Ambassador Socha highlighted ongoing American assistance aimed at strengthening The Gambia’s law enforcement capabilities and protecting its maritime resources.
He cited U.S. Coast Guard support for security operations at the Port of Banjul, alongside a $1 million forensic assistance program designed to help Gambian law enforcement agencies collect and analyze evidence.
The initiative, he explained, is intended to strengthen the country’s investigative capacity, enabling authorities to pursue criminal cases and hold offenders accountable without depending heavily on foreign forensic expertise.
The ambassador also reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to maritime security cooperation through Obangame Express, a multinational military exercise sponsored by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and organized by the U.S. Sixth Fleet.
The exercise, which involves approximately 30 participating nations, is intended to strengthen maritime cooperation, improve regional security and protect coastal waters and natural resources from illicit activities.
Ambassador Socha also outlined continued American support for The Gambia’s health and education sectors.
He noted that the United States is the largest contributor to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, an international financing mechanism supporting efforts to combat the three diseases.
In addition, he said the U.S. government provides approximately $400,000 through its Department of War to support HIV/AIDS prevention and control programs within The Gambia’s Ministry of Defence, particularly among military personnel.
On education, the ambassador highlighted a U.S.-supported Food for Education program valued at more than D2 billion, which he said benefits over 180 schools across the country.
He noted that participating schools could be identified by small American flags displayed outside their premises, reflecting the partnership supporting the initiative.
The ambassador also pointed to the recent return of $2.5 million, approximately D180 million, in funds linked to former President Yahya Jammeh as an example of cooperation between the two countries on accountability and justice.
He said the money, recovered in connection with a mansion owned by the former president in Maryland, was transferred to The Gambia’s victims’ reparations fund last month.
Mr. Socha described the restitution as a demonstration of the United States’ commitment to accountability and its support for The Gambia’s democratic transition.
The ambassador’s remarks underscored Washington’s broader diplomatic priorities in The Gambia, combining support for democratic institutions and regional security with efforts to expand trade, investment and development cooperation.
He indicated that strengthening economic opportunities, promoting transparent governance and deepening bilateral partnerships would remain central to his diplomatic engagement with the Gambian government.
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