Gambiaj.com – (NEW DELHI, India) – The Gambia is engaging in discussions with India to leverage its mining expertise in discovering critical minerals, which are deemed essential for the country’s economic development and national security. The dialogue was initiated during the ongoing Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) India Africa Business Conclave, reflecting a growing interest in fostering collaborative partnerships between the two nations.

Nani Juwara, The Gambia’s newly appointed Minister of Petroleum and Energy, disclosed the talks while addressing delegates at the event. He emphasized that the search for critical minerals, vital for sectors such as defense, agriculture, energy, and pharmaceuticals, is a top priority for the country. “Critical minerals are vital for our economic growth and national security, and we see immense potential in collaborating with India in this area,” Juwara remarked.

According to Minister Juwara, initial discussions with the Indian ambassador to The Gambia have already taken place. “We initiated talks when the ambassador made a courtesy call after my appointment. We believe that Indian companies, with their expertise and advanced technology, can assist our geological department in conducting thorough investigations to identify undiscovered critical minerals,” he added.

This potential collaboration is expected to benefit both countries, as the discovery of these minerals could significantly boost The Gambia’s economic prospects while providing India access to vital resources.

Additionally, Minister Juwara mentioned that The Gambia is also exploring its petroleum potential, inspired by recent oil discoveries in neighboring Senegal. The country is keen to harness this potential and sees India as a valuable partner in both the mining and energy sectors.

The CII India Africa Business Conclave has provided a platform for The Gambia to strengthen its ties with India, paving the way for future collaborations in resource exploration and development.

The discussions mark a strategic move for The Gambia as it looks to tap into resources critical to national growth while enhancing its global partnerships.