Africa-Press – Gambia. The European Union (EU) and the Government of The Gambia have signed a financing agreement worth D1.7 billion aimed at accelerating the sustainable transformation of the country’s agri-food systems.
The initiative, titled “Accelerating the Sustainable and Inclusive Transformation of Agri-Food Systems in The Gambia,” will prioritize horticulture and place a strong emphasis on empowering women, youth, and rural communities.
The agreement was signed on Friday at the Ministry of Agriculture’s conference hall in Banjul by the EU Ambassador to The Gambia and the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs. The ceremony was witnessed by the Minister of Agriculture, senior officials from the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA), and other key stakeholders.
Officials underscored that the programme represents a major investment in modernizing agricultural practices to address food security challenges, raise productivity, and unlock new economic opportunities for communities that depend on farming.
Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seedy Keita described the agreement as a milestone in advancing rural development and food security.
“This new financing agreement marks a significant milestone in advancing rural development and food security. The new programme will contribute actively to our national goals of boosting food production, creating decent jobs for our people, and ensuring greater resilience in the face of climate change,” he stated.
The EU Ambassador to The Gambia reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Gambian farmers, especially women and young people. “Today’s agreement shows our shared commitment to support Gambian farmers, especially women and young people, to grow more nutritious food by increasing their income, accessing new markets, and adopting eco-friendly farming practices that protect the environment. In addition to strengthening food security in The Gambia, the programme will also create new green jobs and open opportunities for exports,” the ambassador noted.
Minister of Agriculture Demba Sabally expressed appreciation to the EU for its continued support of The Gambia’s agricultural sector, highlighting the critical role the partnership plays in driving growth and resilience.
The programme will focus on three priority areas: boosting investment in agriculture, increasing productivity, and enhancing opportunities for women and youth in horticulture. It will also promote sustainable agro-ecological practices, strengthen food safety systems, and advance nutrition-sensitive value chains.
As a flagship EU intervention, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for building a modernized, inclusive agri-food system that benefits farmers, consumers, and the broader Gambian economy.
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