The Association of Gambian Manufacturers (AGM) convened its first Annual General Meeting since 2017, on the 2nd March, 2024, at Senegambia Beach Hotel, Kairaba. The meeting brought together members, government stakeholders such as the Ministry of Trade’s Deputy Permanent Secretary for Trade and Integration, Mr Abdoulie Jammeh, the CEO of the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency, Mr OusainouSenghore, as well as industry leaders such as Mr Hamidou Jah of Jah Industries and Mr Cherno Jallow of A.M.E to discuss key issues and elect a new Executive Committee to lead the organisation.
The AGM has been the cornerstone for support and advocacy for the local manufacturing sector since its inception in 2005, and has strived to promote the interests of Gambian manufacturers, fostering growth, and advocating for a favorable business environment.
In his opening statement, the Chairman, Mr Mohammed Silla, recalled the historic establishment of the Association and its Founding Fathers who he described as leading industrialists in the country.
He stated that, key industry leaders such as Alh Sankung Sillah, of Sankung Sillah and Sons, Sayed Moukhtara, Of MoukhtaraHolding, the then managing director of Gambega established the Association on the foundation that there was an urgent need for industrial development, especially in the sphere of manufacturing in The Gambia and that, the functions and operations of the manufacturing subsector need to be effectively enlarged to take up the economic challenges posed by the current world industrial order.
The Annual General Meeting, funded by the European Union (EU), provided a platform for members and government stakeholders to review the Association’s progress, discuss challenges and opportunities facing the manufacturing sector in The Gambia, and chart the course for future growth and development. In his presentation, Hon. Sir Farimang Saho, now elected as the President of the Association, stated that the AGM has been instrumental in influencing key policies, such as revising electricity costs through executive orders, and securing an office within the Ministry of Trade, enabling direct engagement in policy discussions and that AGM has played a vital role in advancing the sector’s growth and sustainability, ultimately contributing to review of the Recovery Focused – National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023-2027 (“YIRIWAA”).
Sir Farimang also acknowledged the UNDP funded 5-year Strategic Development Plan for the AGM, which provided significant support in accessing the necessary assistance of the EU to restructure, re-organize and provide clear goals to the Association for the next 5 years.
DPS Abdoulie Jammeh speaking on behalf of the HonourableMinister of Trade, deliberated that the government of the Gambia wishes to reaffirm its unwavering commitment to addressing the challenges the manufacturing sector faces and are cognizant of the urgent need to reform and improve government’s policies, regulations, and investment climate to create a conducive environment for the growth, prosperity and sustainability of the manufacturing sector.
He acknowledged the significant importance of the private sector to the country’s National Development Plan. He stated that the private sector serves as a fundamental element of sustainable development across all sectors of the economy while fostering entrepreneurship, investment and innovation, that within this framework, the manufacturing sector plays a pivotal role as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and industrial transformation. Highlights of the Annual General Meeting included the election of a new Executive Committee to steer the Association’s strategic direction and advocacy efforts.
The newly elected Committee comprises nine dedicated business persons from the manufacturing industry, committed to advancing the interests of the Association members and promoting the growth and sustainability of the sector. The members of the Executive Committee include:
1. Hon. Sir Farimang Saho – President
2. Mr. Mohammed Silla – Vice President
3. Mr. Momodou Hydara – Treasurer
4. Mr. Basadi Jabbie – Executive Committee Member
5. Mr. Cherno Jallow – Executive Committee Membe
6. Mr. Hamidou Jah – Executive Committee Member
7. Mr. Manish Tilokani – Executive Committee Member
8. Mr. Mamadou Saidou Baldeh – Executive Committee Member
9. Mr. Momarr Taal – Executive Committee Member
The AGM expressed gratitude to the European Union for their generous support in making the event possible, underscoring the importance of collaboration between international partners and local stakeholders in driving positive change and progress in The Gambia’s manufacturing sector.
The newly elected Vice President, Mr Mohammed Silla, commended the EU’s intervention to support the Association in its efforts to revise its Constitution and better enhance the governance structure of the Association to cope with the new realities both in the domestic economy and globally.
The AGM also expressed gratitude to Dr. Abdoulaye Touray, the new Chairman of the National Employment Technical Committee for his support to the Association.
The newly elected Executive Committee is committed to working collaboratively with AGM members, government agencies, and industry partners to address challenges, seize opportunities, and create a conducive business environment for manufacturers in The Gambia.
