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By Fatou Krubally
The President of the Confederation of Gambian Industries (CGI) stated the Gambia’s 60th independence anniversary gives a second for reflection on the place Gambians have come from, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the “bright future” that lies forward for the manufacturing sector.
Our Business and Finance reporter, Fatou Krubally, sat down with Farimang Saho, President of Confederation of Gambian Industries (CGI), and so they mentioned the identify change, challenges, and the way forward for the Gambia’s manufacturing sector.
Read on:
Fatou Krubally: What is behind the identify change from Association of Gambian Manufacturers (AGM) to Confederation of Gambian Industries (CGI) CGI?
Farimang Saho: The transition from AGM to CGI represents a brand new imaginative and prescient—one that’s extra dynamic, inclusive, and aligned with the evolving wants of Gambian producers. CGI is devoted to fostering industrial development, advocating for coverage reforms, and driving financial growth. The new identify signifies our broader mission to strengthen native industries and place The Gambia as a hub for manufacturing excellence.
Fatou Krubally: What are among the key challenges and achievements within the nation’s manufacturing business?
Farimang Saho: Over the years, the manufacturing business has confronted hurdles equivalent to restricted infrastructure, excessive manufacturing prices, and entry to finance. However, now we have additionally seen exceptional achievements, together with elevated native manufacturing, worth addition to uncooked supplies, and the expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The sector has change into extra resilient, creating jobs and contributing to financial stability.
Fatou Krubally: Tell us in regards to the evolution of the manufacturing sector since independence.
Farimang Saho: Since 1965, Gambian manufacturing has shifted from primary manufacturing to a extra diversified sector. We have seen enhancements in agro-processing, textiles, consuming water, drinks, and building supplies. The introduction of recent applied sciences and industrial insurance policies has facilitated regular progress, though challenges stay in scaling up operations and competing internationally.
Fatou Krubally: What is the CGI’s function and plans?
Farimang Saho: CGI has been instrumental in supporting native producers by offering advocacy, capacity-building applications, and entry to regional and worldwide markets (e.g., serving to members to amass ETLS certificates, serving to members to take part in regional commerce gala’s, strategic partnering by signing MoU with key establishments or sister organizations. Looking forward, we purpose to reinforce industrial infrastructure, foster partnerships, enhance membership, take part extra in regional commerce gala’s, and create insurance policies that help sustainable manufacturing development.
Fatou Krubally: What are the most important obstacles and proposed options?
Farimang Saho: Some of the important thing challenges embody: Access to financing: We advocate for low-interest and long-term credit score amenities for producers.
- High power prices: Partnering with the federal government to discover renewable power options.
- Limited expert labor: Promoting vocational coaching and technical schooling (e.g., TVET) to construct a talented workforce.
- Market competitors: Encouraging “Made in the Gambia” branding and supporting native industries by procurement insurance policies (e.g., Passing the Local Content Bill).
Fatou Krubally:: What is the extent of CGI’s collaboration with the federal government and stakeholders?
Farimang Saho: CGI works carefully with the federal government, non-public sector, and growth companions to enhance the enterprise atmosphere for producers. We have interaction in coverage dialogue, funding promotion, and public-private partnerships to create an enabling ecosystem for industrial development.
Fatou Krubally: What is the influence of know-how and innovation on the stage of CGI?
Farimang Saho: Technology has reworked manufacturing in The Gambia, enhancing effectivity, lowering prices, and opening new market alternatives. Automation, digital advertising, and e-commerce have allowed companies to scale past borders. Embracing innovation is vital to future success.
Fatou Krubally: How does the CGI encourage younger entrepreneurs and startups?
Farimang Saho: We should encourage the subsequent technology to see manufacturing as a viable profession path. This requires entry to startup capital for younger entrepreneurs, mentorship applications connecting established producers with aspiring industrialists, funding in technical coaching to equip youth with sensible expertise, launch startup grants incubators (e.g., concentrate on round financial system fashions) and combine entrepreneurship into schooling and, spotlight success tales and simplify licensing processes for younger innovators.
Fatou Krubally: What are the CGI’s insurance policies and reforms in direction of boosting native manufacturing and exports?
Farimang Saho: To strengthen our manufacturing base, we advocate for incentives for native manufacturing by tax breaks and grants, export-driven insurance policies that improve market entry, infrastructure growth to help industrial zones, encourage high quality requirements to compete regionally and free import responsibility on uncooked supplies.
Fatou Krubally: Any message for Gambians on the event of the Gambia’s diamond jubilee?
Farimang Saho: As we mark this historic milestone, we should reaffirm our dedication to nationwide growth by industrialization. Manufacturing is the spine of financial prosperity, and collectively, we are able to construct a thriving sector that creates jobs, fosters innovation, and drives The Gambia ahead. The future of producing hinges on innovation, youth, and collaboration. CGI is dedicated to driving an industrial RENAISSANCE – rooted in sustainability. Let us embrace native manufacturing, help Gambian companies, and work collectively in direction of future generations of financial independence and industrial energy.
Happy sixtieth Independence Anniversary to The Gambia!
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