Representative Samba Baldeh

From Banjul to Basse: What The Gambia Is Ready to Become…

I traveled the length of The Gambia; from Banjul to Basse; and everywhere I went, one truth became clear: opportunity is not missing; ownership is uneven. Across the country, I saw powerful economic domains already in motion; natural resources being transformed, land and water sustaining production, culture and nature drawing global interest, and young people ready to work and innovate. Yet in many of these spaces, the commanding heights of business are largely held by foreign nationals.

I heard the stories; people who arrived in The Gambia with barely a hundred dollars, who found an enabling environment, built enterprises, earned trust, and today are awarded multi-million-dollar contracts. These stories are not told to diminish them, but to underline a deeper point: if this country can create such success for outsiders, it can—and must—do the same for its own people.

If these opportunities are deliberately organized, linked to skills training, access to finance, and fair procurement systems, there is no reason a Gambian youth should be unemployed. The work exists; in production, processing, logistics, technology, services, and value chains that keep value at home. What has been missing is a bold, coordinated strategy that places Gambians at the center.

The diaspora must be part of this equation. Not as visitors or critics from afar, but as trusted partners in national development. The diaspora brings capital, technical expertise, global networks, and lived experience of systems that work. Government must intentionally build trust with the diaspora; through transparency, predictable policy, and genuine inclusion; so that this wealth of knowledge and resources can be mobilized.

At the same time, the diaspora must engage with purpose. Beyond nostalgia. Beyond emotion. Through investment, mentorship, skills transfer, and partnerships with local communities that create real jobs and lasting impact.

The future of The Gambia is not elsewhere; it is right here. And if government, local talent, and the diaspora move together with trust and intention, opportunity will no longer be something we admire from a distance, but something every Gambian can access, build, and own.

The fundamentals are in place: resources, talent, demand, and political will. What is needed now is aligned capital and experienced partners. I invite diaspora members and investors who are ready to engage seriously in Africa to reach out to me now. Let’s structure investments that are profitable, transparent, and transformative; creating jobs today and resilient enterprises for tomorrow.

Day 3 of our trip has been truly impactful as we continue our feasibility study and participation in the WATIP Summit. We’ve had productive engagements with farmers, cashew growers, key stakeholders, and government officials, deepening our understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sector.

Meeting with representatives from the American Embassy further underscored the importance of collaboration in fostering sustainable growth and innovation.

I encourage all Africans in the diaspora to actively engage in the economic development of our communities; our contributions can truly make a difference. Don’t miss the WATIP Summit tomorrow as we bring together experts, visionaries, and changemakers to shape the future of economic empowerment and sustainable development!

Jollof Rice will served!!!