Africa-Press – Gambia. President Adama Barrow on Monday held a meeting with His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and his delegation at State House in Banjul. The discussions centered on The Gambia’s National Development Plan, with particular focus on overcoming challenges related to industrialization, job creation, and reducing the country’s reliance on external markets.
According to an official statement from State House, the AfCFTA delegation provided updates on the progress made in supporting The Gambia’s development agenda, as well as the obstacles encountered during implementation.
“His Excellency President Barrow has today received the Secretary General of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), H.E. Wamkele Meme, and delegation on a courtesy visit at the State House in Banjul. The delegation briefed the President on the implementations, progress, and challenges faced in their pursuit to support The Gambia’s National Development Plan,” State House said in a statement.
According to the statement from State House, the meeting highlighted key priorities, including the use of industrialization as a driver of economic growth and job creation, reducing Africa’s reliance on external markets, and identifying ways for The Gambia to take advantage of the AfCFTA framework. This includes boosting local production, developing special economic zones, enhancing productive capacity, and strengthening the agricultural sector.
The statement further noted that Secretary General Wamkele Mene reaffirmed AfCFTA’s commitment to mobilizing resources and collaborating with development partners in support of The Gambia’s National Development Plan. He also outlined the Secretariat’s action plan and roadmap aimed at addressing trade and infrastructure challenges with urgency.
“H.E. Wamkele Meme also highlighted their commitment to mobilise resources and development partners to support The Gambia’s National Development Plan. He added that they have established an action plan and roadmap to support The Gambia in trade and infrastructure, addressing challenges with urgency,” State House said.
In his remarks, President Barrow acknowledged the challenges Africa faces in maximizing intra-continental trade. He commended the AfCFTA team for their visit and emphasized the critical need for clear guidelines to facilitate the free movement of people and goods across the continent.
“When all members respect the rules, we can achieve our goals. Africa must prioritise industrialisation and intra-trade,” President Barrow emphasized. The statement noted that the Gambian President further expressed his conviction that a united Africa, coupled with the unwavering political will of its leaders, can lead to an impactful implementation of the AfCFTA, thereby elevating the African economy to new heights.
“Additionally, the President opined that with a united Africa and unshaken political will of African leaders, an impactful implementation of the AfCFTA is possible to take the African economy to a higher level. President Barrow urged the AfCFTA team to take the task entrusted to them with commitment and help Africa with sustainable strategies,” the statement concluded.
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