By Mariatou Ngum and Abdou Mbye
His Excellency Mohammed BS Jallow, Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, recently represented President Adama Barrow at the 6th Annual Bankers Dinner & Awards Night, delivered a compelling address highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the financial sector as a driver of sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, VP Jallow commended the Gambia Bankers Association (GBA) for its leadership in the sector. He noted that this year’s theme, “Driving Economic Empowerment through Financial Intermediation,” underscores the critical role banks play in advancing national development.
He emphasized that the country’s remarkable progress is anchored on peace, stability, and democratic governance factors that enhance investor confidence, foster innovation, and provide a strong foundation for financial sector growth.
“The peace, stability, and democratic governance we maintain remain the cornerstone of our economic aspirations,” VP Jallow stated. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to infrastructural development, institutional reforms, and economic diversification, aimed at making The Gambia a competitive investment destination in the sub region.
Highlighting strides in financial inclusion, he pointed to the expansion of mobile and agency banking, digital platforms, and a modernized national payment system that now enables seamless real-time transactions, key achievements under the government’s Digital Gambia Agenda.
VP Jallow stressed the banking sector’s role in supporting priority areas such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing, tourism, and trade, while promoting economic self-reliance and empowerment through strategic partnerships and credit expansion. He also noted the industry’s importance as a leading employer, particularly for young graduates, and praised its focus on human capital development and professional training.
Commending banks for advancing women’s participation in leadership, he encouraged commercial bank executives to strengthen collaboration with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), support climate-resilient projects, renewable energy initiatives, and green investments.
Looking ahead, VP Jallow highlighted opportunities in cybersecurity, digital finance, and cross-border trade, emphasizing the potential of the nation’s growing digital ecosystem for innovation and economic growth.
In his closing remarks, VP Jallow reaffirmed the government’s commitment to economic transformation: “Through continued collaboration, innovation, and financial stewardship, we can build a future of shared prosperity and resilience for all Gambians.”
The evening also recognized outstanding contributions to financial excellence, innovation, and leadership within the sector, bringing together government officials, banking leaders, and private sector stakeholders.
