State House, Banjul, 21st July 2025: His Excellency President Barrow has today, received the Secretary General of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), H.E. Wamkele Mene, and delegation on a courtesy visit at the State House in Banjul.

The delegation briefed the President on the implementations, progresses, and challenges faced in their pursuit to support The Gambia's National Development Plan.

Among the key issues discussed were industrialisation as a driving force in development and job creation, reduction of Africa's dependency on other parts of the world, and interventions for The Gambia to leverage the AfCFTA market in production, special economic zones, enhancement of productive capacity, and agriculture.

H.E. Wamkele Mene, also highlighted their commitment to mobilise resources and development partners to support The Gambia’s National Development Plan. He added that they have established an action plan and roadmap to support The Gambia in trade and infrastructure, addressing challenges with urgency.

In his remarks, President Adama Barrow said Africa is challenged with maximising intra-trades within the continent. He commended the AfCFTA team for the visit and advised on setting clear guidelines for the free movement of people and goods. "When all members respect the rules, we can achieve our goals. Africa must prioritise industrialisation and intra-trade," President Barrow emphasised.

Additionally, the President opined that with a united Africa and unshaken political will of African leaders, an impactful implementation of the AfCFTA is possible to take the African economy to a higher level.

President Barrow urged the AfCFTA team to take the task entrusted to them with commitment and help Africa with sustainable strategies.

The Gambia though small, has taken important steps to align the AfCFTA protocols with its National Development Plan, 'YIRIWA' and towards the implementation, an opportunity for Industrialisation, job creation and ensured food security.