By Sering Mass Jallow
The European Union (EU), with support from the European Regional Development Fund, on Wednesday launched the INTERREG MAC Programme in The Gambia, an initiative aimed at promoting integrated and sustainable development across West Africa.
The programme seeks to address key regional challenges, including innovation, competitiveness, internationalization, sustainable development, public administration efficiency, climate change, governance and migration.
It is implemented through cooperation among the EU’s outermost regions of the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, and partner countries including Cape Verde, Senegal, Mauritania, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Sao Tome and Principe, and The Gambia. Six projects have been approved for The Gambia under the programme.
The high-level launch event brought together government officials, representatives of Spain, and development partners.
Speaking at the ceremony held at a hotel in Kololi, the Director-General for Relations with Africa of the Government of the Canary Islands, Luis Padilla, described the initiative as a strategic step to strengthen cooperation between the EU and The Gambia in addressing shared challenges.
“The launch of this programme is a strategic step towards strengthening collective cooperation with The Gambia to respond to shared challenges and to build a more sustainable and resilient partnership,” he said.
Padilla added that the programme reflects the EU’s commitment, together with its Atlantic outermost regions, to the broader development of West Africa.
Also speaking, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Kingdom of Spain to The Gambia, Violetta Insta, said the initiative highlights the strong cooperation between The Gambia and Spain, as well as the EU’s sustained commitment to the country.
She noted that the INTERREG MAC Programme is designed to strengthen cooperation between neighbouring countries and regions, with particular emphasis on ties between the Canary Islands and The Gambia.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the Permanent Secretary and National Representative of the programme, Deputy Permanent Secretary Lamin Sanyang described the initiative as a “window of opportunity” for The Gambia.
He said the programme would support the country’s development
priorities as outlined in its 2023–2027 National Development Plan (YIRWA).
“The programme will complement government efforts to achieve its development aspirations for the people of The Gambia,” Sanyang said.
The INTERREG MAC Programme forms part of the European Union’s broader efforts to promote sustainable development and regional cooperation in West Africa.