By: Binta Jaiteh
Gambia’s Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy K.M. Keita, has called for stronger investment, innovation and inclusive economic policies to unlock Africa’s potential and address the continent’s development challenges.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 2026 African Caucus Meeting in Banjul on Wednesday, Keita said Africa must take decisive measures to transform its economies and create opportunities for its growing population.
The three-day meeting brought together African Governors of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group (WBG) to discuss strategies for accelerating economic transformation under the theme: “Transforming Africa’s Economies through Investment, Innovation and Inclusion.”
Keita, who chaired the meeting in his capacity as Governor for The Gambia to the IMF and World Bank Group, said the continent has vast resources and opportunities but continued to face structural challenges requiring urgent action.
He identified access to development financing as a major priority, stressing that African countries need to strengthen domestic revenue mobilization, improve public financial management and develop domestic capital markets to reduce dependence on expensive borrowing.
Keita also highlighted the role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as key contributors to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction, calling for greater support to help them expand.
He urged African countries to move away from reliance on raw commodity exports by promoting value addition, industrialization and regional integration.
He said investment in energy, transport, logistics and digital infrastructure would be essential to improving productivity and unlocking Africa’s economic potential.
On human capital development, he emphasized the importance of education, skills development and technical training to prepare the continent’s growing youth population for future economic opportunities.
The minister further called for stronger collaboration among African countries, international financial institutions and the private sector to bridge financing gaps and support sustainable development.
Keita said the outcomes of the Banjul meeting would be presented to the leadership of the IMF and World Bank Group during their 2026 Annual Meetings.
He reaffirmed the commitment of African Governors to working together to build resilient, inclusive and job-creating economies that deliver lasting benefits for citizens.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of the Banjul Declaration 2026 which outlined Africa’s priorities on economic transformation, sustainable financing and inclusive growth.
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