By: Momodou S Gagigo
The United Kingdom and The Gambia have taken a major step forward in bilateral economic relations with the launch of the inaugural UK–Gambia Trade and Investment Mission on February 2–3, 2026, and held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, the landmark event, branded: ” Strengthening Partnership. Creating Opportunities. Supporting Sustainable Growth.” —aims to unlock new investment flows and foster long-term collaboration.
Organized by the British High Commission in partnership with the Government of The Gambia, the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), Africa Agenda Network, and DMA Invest, the two-day mission brings together UK business leaders, investors, Gambian entrepreneurs, senior officials, and policymakers. It highlights The Gambia’s untapped potential in priority sectors, including agriculture, tourism, fisheries, renewable energy, manufacturing, health, and infrastructure.
The event was officially opened and presided over by His Excellency Muhammed B.S Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia, who delivered a keynote address emphasizing the nation’s readiness for business. “The Gambia is open for business,” Vice President Jallow declared. “We invite our UK partners to explore opportunities, build partnerships, and contribute to shared prosperity.” He spotlighted strategic advantages in key industries and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to private-sector-led growth and attracting responsible foreign investment.
In welcome remarks, Mr. Ousman Senghore, CEO of GIEPA, warmly welcomed the UK delegation, describing their participation as a vote of confidence in The Gambia’s economic trajectory. “Your presence reflects belief in our potential and our development trajectory,” he said. Senghore stressed GIEPA’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and support for investors at every stage of their journey, positioning the agency as the primary gateway for business in The Gambia.
Ms. Fatimata Atty G. Djibrine, Director of Programs and UK Delegation Lead at DMA Invest, thanked participants and urged Gambian attendees to maximize networking opportunities. “Take the time to network, interact, and seize every opportunity this mission presents,” she encouraged.
Mr. Saul Frazer, President of Africa Agenda Network, underscored the value of credible partnerships in Africa’s economic future. He presented the network as a platform for communications, branding, and high-level investment promotion, focused on portraying The Gambia and the continent as reliable business destinations.
British High Commissioner Harriet King praised The Gambia’s business environment, noting its alignment with international standards. “It is impressive to see that The Gambia meets key international business standards, reinforcing our confidence and belief in the potential for deeper collaboration,” she stated. King, who has championed the initiative, described it as a pivotal milestone in the evolving UK-Gambia relationship, rooted in shared Commonwealth values and historical ties.
The program features targeted business-to-business meetings, networking sessions, and site visits to connect UK investors with local enterprises and innovative startups. Delegates will also hold discussions with senior government officials and tour strategic institutions and project sites.
This mission builds on positive trade trends, with UK imports from The Gambia showing strong growth in recent periods, supported by tools like the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme for tariff reductions and financing options from UK Export Finance and British International Investment.
Stakeholders view the event as a foundation for expanded trade, increased investments, and sustainable economic cooperation, promising mutual benefits and concrete partnerships in the months ahead. As one participant noted, the mission sparks meaningful relationships that could lead to lasting deals for both nations.
