The British High Commission, in collaboration with the Government of The Gambia, the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), Africa Agenda Network, and DMA Invest, has successfully hosted a landmark UK–Gambia Trade and Investment Mission, held from February 2–3, 2026. Branded under the inspiring theme “STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIPS. CREATING OPPORTUNITIES. SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH.”
The high-level mission marked a significant step toward strengthening economic and commercial ties between the United Kingdom and The Gambia, while spotlighting the country’s vast and largely untapped investment potential. The first day of the event brought together senior government officials, UK business leaders, investors, Gambian entrepreneurs, and policymakers, creating a platform for dialogue, partnership building, and practical engagement. The mission was officially opened and presided over by the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency Hassan B. Jallow, underscoring the Government’s strong commitment to attracting foreign investment and fostering private-sector-led growth. In his keynote address, Vice President Jallow highlighted The Gambia’s strategic opportunities across key sectors including agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, fisheries, manufacturing, and health. He reaffirmed the country’s readiness to do business, stating, “The Gambia is open for business. We invite our UK partners to explore opportunities, build partnerships, and contribute to shared prosperity.” The mission featured targeted business-to-business meetings, networking sessions, and site visits designed to connect UK investors with Gambian enterprises and innovative entrepreneurs. These engagements aimed to translate dialogue into tangible partnerships that align with The Gambia’s national development agenda.
British High Commissioner to The Gambia Harriet King
Delivering the welcome remarks, Mr Ousman Senghore, Chief Executive Officer of GIEPA, extended a warm welcome to the UK delegation, noting that their presence signalled growing confidence in The Gambia’s economy. “Your participation reflects belief in our potential and our development trajectory,” he said. Mr. Senghore reaffirmed GIEPA’s role as the country’s gateway for investment, emphasizing its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ensuring long-term value for investors. “We stand ready to facilitate business and support every investor at every stage,” he added.
Ms. Fatimata Atty G. Djibrine, Director of Programs and UK Delegation Lead at DMA Invest, expressed appreciation to the UK delegates for honoring the mission and encouraged Gambian participants to engage fully. “Take the time to network, interact, and seize every opportunity this mission presents,” she urged. Speaking on behalf of one of the mission’s key partners, Mr. Saul Frazer, President of Africa Agenda Network, emphasized the importance of credible partnerships in shaping Africa’s economic future. “Our role is to unlock economic cooperation and build sustainable partnerships,” he said. He described Africa Agenda Network as a regional communications, branding, and high-level investment platform focused on showcasing The Gambia and Africa as trusted and credible business destinations. Also addressing the gathering, His Excellency Harriet King, British High Commissioner to The Gambia, praised the country’s business environment and regulatory standards. “It is impressive to see that The Gambia meets key international business standards, reinforcing our confidence and belief in the potential for deeper collaboration,” she noted.
As part of the mission, the UK delegation is scheduled to hold further meetings with senior Gambian government officials, tour strategic institutions and project sites, and establish meaningful connections with local entrepreneurs and private-sector leaders. The UK–Gambia Trade and Investment Mission has set a strong foundation for expanded trade, increased investment flows, and long-term economic cooperation between the two nations.
