Gambiaj.com – (Sun City, South Africa) – The Gambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Her Excellency Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay (FJC), positioned The Gambia as a prime destination for investment and trade during the 2025 North-West International Market Access Forum held at Sun City Resort, South Africa, from March 26-27.

The annual forum, a premier trade and business networking event, served as a strategic platform connecting businesses in South Africa’s North West Province with global opportunities. This year’s edition focused on fostering collaboration between financial institutions, small and medium enterprises (SMMEs), venture capitalists, and supply chain entities to strengthen economic linkages and investment potential.

Throughout the two-day event, high-level presentations and panel discussions featured industry experts, trade commissioners, diplomats, capital firms, and government representatives. Key topics included navigating international markets, trade regulations, and potential partnerships with participating countries.

A highlight of the forum was the business-to-business (B2B) matchmaking sessions, which facilitated direct engagements between enterprises and investors. The event culminated in an exclusive red-carpet networking evening, where discussions centered on global trade dynamics and future collaborations.

During this high-profile session, High Commissioner Fatoumata Jahumpa Ceesay (FJC) urged participants to explore investment opportunities in The Gambia. She emphasized the country’s growing economic potential, highlighting sectors such as finance, tourism, and trade as key areas for expansion.

“The Republic of The Gambia offers a conducive environment for business and investment. I encourage all stakeholders present to consider the vast opportunities our country has to offer,” FJC stated. She also announced The Gambia’s intention to participate in the forum’s next edition, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to fostering international trade ties.

The conference concluded with several commitments, pledges, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) geared towards the BOJANALA RURAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCE, an initiative led by traditional leaders to manage development and investment in the traditional lands of Bojanala.

According to High Commissioner Jahumpa Ceesay, the forum served as a critical “starter-pack” for this initiative, aligning with broader economic development goals in the region.

The Gambia’s engagement at the forum marks a significant step in strengthening its trade relations within the SADC region and beyond, setting the stage for future collaborations that could drive economic growth and foreign investment in the country.