Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Finance Minister Seedy Keita has informed lawmakers that a new Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Bill aimed at attracting greater private sector investment into national development projects has been completed but is still awaiting Cabinet approval.
The minister made the disclosure while responding to a question in the National Assembly on the legal and policy framework guiding the government’s efforts to mobilize private sector financing for development.
Keita explained that the government is currently operating under a revised PPP policy, which was updated and launched in 2023. He added that a new PPP bill designed to strengthen the legal framework governing investment partnerships has been finalized and submitted to the cabinet for consideration.
According to the minister, his ministry is also working closely with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to identify, develop, and structure viable projects capable of attracting both domestic and foreign investors.
He further stated that all PPP projects are awarded through competitive bidding processes in line with international best practices, a measure intended to promote transparency, fairness, and equal opportunity for private sector participation.
Concerns Over Investor Protection Measures
During the session, lawmakers questioned whether the existing PPP policy adequately addresses key investor concerns, including risk mitigation, procurement standards, and blended financing arrangements.
In response, Keita maintained that these issues are already covered under the current PPP policy framework.
The exchange briefly prompted procedural clarifications in the chamber, with some members seeking confirmation that the minister had fully addressed the question posed. The Speaker subsequently ruled that the response was satisfactory, particularly regarding the status of the proposed legislation.
Addressing Development Financing Gaps
Public-private partnerships are widely used around the world to enable governments and private companies to jointly finance, build, and manage public infrastructure and services. They are increasingly viewed as an important mechanism for addressing development financing gaps and accelerating the delivery of critical public projects.
The proposed PPP Bill is expected to provide a stronger legal foundation for such partnerships and enhance investor confidence once it receives Cabinet approval and is subsequently presented to the National Assembly.
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