By Yunus S. Saliu, Banjul
The Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Abdoulie Jobe, on Monday visited the construction site of Sama Hotel in Bijilo, behind the OIC Building. The visit marked his first official inspection of the project, which is described as the country’s first sustainable five-star hotel.
Minister Jobe was accompanied by the Director General of the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), Ida Jeng Njie, and senior officials from MOTAC and GTBoard. Sama Hotel is being developed by Arezki Construction Company and is planned as a luxury, eco-friendly hospitality facility.
Speaking to journalists, Minister Jobe said the visit aimed to assess project progress, engage investors, and address any operational challenges. He commended the investors for following due process and starting construction after securing the necessary approvals.
“This is the first sustainable five-star hotel in The Gambia. Our purpose is to interact with the investors, understand the challenges they may be facing, and work together to find solutions,” the minister said. He added that the government remains committed to facilitating private sector investments and will continue regular engagement to ensure timely completion of major tourism projects.
Minister Jobe also highlighted the potential for the hotel to partner with international brands, which could boost the country’s profile as a competitive tourism destination.
Speaking on behalf of Arezki Construction Company, proprietor Ali Arezki outlined the project’s features. Sama Hotel will be a 10-floor luxury business hotel with a spa, gym, swimming pools, restaurants, standard rooms, luxury suites, presidential suites, and eight exclusive villas for VIP guests.
Arezki emphasized the hotel’s eco-friendly design, noting it will operate primarily on renewable energy. “The hotel will rely on solar power to meet 100 percent of its energy needs during the day and 50 percent at night, supported by the national grid and generators,” he said. He added that the project is expected to create over 100 jobs and serve as a landmark investment for the country.
GTBoard Director General Ida Jeng Njie welcomed the initiative and the minister’s visit. She said Sama Hotel would enhance Gambia’s tourism offerings and help attract high-spending tourists, benefiting the wider economy. She encouraged investors to consider similar projects in other regions to support tourism diversification.
The Sama Hotel project is expected to reshape the Bijilo area and contribute to the modernization and sustainability of Gambia’s hospitality sector.
