By Fatou Dahaba
The American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) in The Gambia held the second edition of the U.S.-Gambia Diaspora Summit at Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi, aiming to strengthen trade ties and foster investment between The Gambia and the United States. The summit brought together stakeholders to promote partnerships, encourage diaspora contributions to national development, and highlight the critical role of Gambians abroad in driving economic growth.
Eric Mahler, Deputy Head of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, underscored the deepening bilateral relationship between the two nations, noting the significant impact of the Gambian diaspora. “In 2024, remittances exceeded $700.075 million, representing 30% of The Gambia’s GDP,” Mahler said, emphasizing the diaspora’s potential to fuel economic progress. He highlighted a U.S. policy shift in Africa from aid-driven support to trade-focused initiatives, encouraging private-sector growth.
Mahler praised U.S. companies in The Gambia for creating jobs, supporting communities, and adhering to labor standards and transparency. “These businesses pay taxes in line with the law, prioritize fair treatment, and introduce new technology, all of which support growth and development in The Gambia,” he said. However, he acknowledged challenges, including regulatory hurdles and unfair business practices faced by American firms, which he said require government commitment to resolve.
The deputy ambassador stressed that investor confidence depends on strong legal protections, respect for the rule of law, transparent systems, and enforceable contracts. “Gambians, Americans, and other investors will only invest if these elements are in place, but this is not always the case,” Mahler noted, expressing optimism about private-sector opportunities in The Gambia and West Africa with sustained collaboration.
Momodou Lamin Drammeh, CEO of AMCHAM, thanked attendees, partners, and sponsors for their contributions to the summit’s success. “One of our core values is advancing the interests of both countries by promoting and facilitating trade and investment,” Drammeh said, reaffirming AMCHAM’s commitment to economic collaboration.
The summit featured presentations from key stakeholders, including AGRO Incubator Hub, Peace Network, Trust Bank, Africell, and INNOVARX, showcasing their contributions to The Gambia’s development. A networking session highlighted Gambian-made products and services, earning praise from Mahler for its role in raising brand awareness.
The event underscored the importance of diaspora-driven investment and private-sector partnerships in unlocking The Gambia’s economic potential, setting the stage for continued U.S.-Gambia collaboration.
