Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock & Food Security, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, held an Investment Forum on October 10, 2024, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Center in Banjul. The event, facilitated by Alliance Française Banjul and Gambia Tech, gathered government officials, investors, development banks, and local agri-preneurs to explore investment opportunities within The Gambia’s agricultural sector.

The forum centered on identifying avenues for foreign direct investment, innovative financing solutions, and potential public-private partnerships to drive growth in agrifood systems. It also served as a preparatory step for Gambian stakeholders to join the FAO Hand-in-Hand (HIH) International Investment Forum, which annually convenes in Rome, Italy. This global initiative supports country-led strategies to transform agrifood systems by focusing on poverty eradication (SDG1), hunger and malnutrition reduction (SDG2), and inequality reduction (SDG10).

By aligning national priorities with international investment, the forum underscored the importance of collaborative financing models that can bolster food security and agricultural development in The Gambia. Additionally, it offered a platform for local entrepreneurs to pitch agribusiness opportunities to a diverse audience, from private investors to international development agencies, aiming to build sustainable and resilient food systems.