Africa-Press – Gambia. Hon. Sir Farimang Saho, President of the Confederation of Gambian Industry (CGI) has hailed the newly inaugurated GACH Manufacturing and Processing Hub as game-changer.
In a recent press release, CGI President described the manufacturing hub located in Banjulinding, West Coast Region as “transformative milestone” for the country’s industrial development.
During President Adama Barrow’s visit to the multipurpose facility last Friday, Saho commended the government for prioritizing local manufacturing. He called for the establishment of additional industrial hubs nationwide to boost production, create jobs, and diversify the economy.
The GACH Hub is designed as a one-stop centre for agro-processing and light manufacturing. It comprises 12 units of 500 square meters each, on-site showrooms, administrative offices, accommodation facilities, and shared infrastructure, including solar power and fire suppression systems. The hub also operates under an Export Processing Zone-enabled framework to facilitate both domestic and international market access.
“By clustering production, services, and distribution in a single, coordinated environment, the hub reduces operational bottlenecks and strengthens linkages between farmers, processors, and consumers,” the press release quoted Saho as saying. He highlighted the role of such hubs in promoting import substitution, technical skills development, and industrial scale-up.
President Barrow, responding to Saho, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding industrial infrastructure and acknowledged the need for more hubs to drive sustainable growth and economic diversification.
The press release noted that in 2020, The Gambia’s merchandise trade reached GMD 36.4 billion, with a trade deficit of GMD 33.5 billion, reflecting the country’s heavy reliance on imports and limited manufacturing base.
The GACH Hub is positioned as a practical solution to these challenges, providing opportunities for skills development, employment, and enhanced competitiveness.
Saho concluded by urging continued collaboration between the government and private sector, stressing that Gambian manufacturing can thrive with coordinated efforts, strategic infrastructure, and sustained support.
