The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, reached a significant milestone yesterday by laying the groundwork for the first Lumo Project in Wellingara Ba, Lower River Region. This groundbreaking project heralds a new era of regional cooperation and economic growth in The Gambia.
Lumos, pivotal market centers in the country, play a crucial role in connecting border communities and facilitating regional trade. Therefore, this project marks a crucial step toward enhancing these essential hubs.
The modernization of the Lumo Project will not only enhance infrastructure and connectivity within the region but also create fresh opportunities for trade and investment. Minister Joof underscored the importance of this initiative in fostering sustainable growth and encouraging collaboration among neighboring communities.
Minister Joof stressed the significance of Lumos in promoting cross-border trade and regional integration. He emphasized their role in integrating border communities and expressed gratitude for the chance to begin their modernization. A comprehensive domestic trade plan has been formulated due to the Ministry’s recognition of Lumos’ importance to domestic trade growth, with their modernization being a key priority.
The Minister acknowledged the assistance of the ECOWAS Commission under the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Program (2023–2027). This program aims to promote socioeconomic growth in these areas by fostering greater cross-border collaboration among communities.
Minister Joof expressed gratitude for the Commission’s generous donation of $100,000 to this project, highlighting the importance of regional cooperation in promoting economic integration and development.
With the laying of the foundation stone, Lumos in The Gambia is embarking on an innovative journey that promises improved trade prospects and socioeconomic growth for border towns.
All stakeholders involved in this initiative must be committed and work together for its success, and Minister Joof is confident that great achievements can be made through collaboration.
