Date:21st February 2025

Venue:Kairaba Avenue

Honourable Dignitaries,  Distinguished Guests,  The Founder of the Q-Group Muhammed Jah Ladies and Gentlemen,

Impressed by the consistent performance of the QGroup, which is now a household name in the country, I am proud and delighted to have been invited to inaugurate the head branch of the first Islamic bank in The Gambia, AGIB Bank. In all fairness, this moment is not only a milestone for AGIB Bank but also an affirmation of the growing strength and vibrancy of our nation’s private sector.

The occasion is all the more special as it is part of the country’s historic Diamond Jubilee Independence Day Anniversary celebrations. It is hence a powerful reminder of our shared history, unity, and unwavering commitment to forging a brighter future for all Gambians.

At the heart of my government’s development plan is the vision of an inclusive, dynamic, and resilient economy driven by the people, which includes a vibrant private sector. This is reflected by the theme for our Diamond Jubilee celebrations, Marching in Solidarity for Self-Reliance and National Development. In accordance with the theme, AGIB Bank’s success is a shining example of what Gambian entrepreneurship, innovation, and commitment to national development can achieve.

As the first Islamic bank in The Gambia, AGIB Bank provides an alternative banking model that caters for all those who seek interest-free financial solutions. This surely contributes significantly to our economic diversity, ensuring that banking services are accessible to all Gambians, regardless of their financial preferences.

Today, we are here to jointly celebrate this imposingstructure and the enduring legacy of an institution that has paved the way for the growth of Islamic finance in the country. I am hopeful that all these efforts will inspire the establishment of more Islamic financial institutions and contribute to diversifyingour banking landscape.

By virtue of his mandate, I acknowledge the presence of the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia, whose leadership task is to ensure that our financial sector remains stable, transparent, and progressive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I wholeheartedly commend the Founder and Chairman of the QGroup and CEO of AGIB Bank, Mr. Muhammed Jah, who is surely a visionary businessman and a true patriot.  

Within just over two decades, he has successfully built a string of enterprising companies, under the QGroup trademark; QGroup has now become a powerhouse that connects with various sectors. I have particularly noted that the philanthropic arm of this business empire, the QGroup Foundation, generously supports educational initiatives and responds to appeals of help from needy Gambians and non-Gambians alike.

This comprehensive approach to business development is a means of strengthening our economy, as well as creating jobs and opportunities for our people. Mr. Jah has consistently demonstrated that, with dedication and purpose, everything is possible. His efforts portray the transformative image of the private sector as a real pillar of economic growth and a vital partner in nation-building.

As we celebrate this grand occasion, I reaffirm my government’s commitment to fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, investors feel confident, and innovation is encouraged. We will continue to provide the necessary support and policy framework to ensure that institutions, like AGIB Bank and the entire private sector, contribute meaningfully to our country’s development.

We encourage you, the management and staff of AGIB Bank, to continue striving for excellence. Similarly, I pray that this new chapter inspires you further to deepen your service to the Gambian people, empower businesses, and contribute even more robustly to our nation’s development.

Let this new head office be more than mere bricks and mortar; make it a place where dreams are realised, communities are uplifted, and where The Gambia’s promise is fulfilled.

I hope the occasion serves as a reminder and clear evidence that The Gambia is open for business. We are building a nation where ambition complementsopportunity, where entrepreneurs can dream big and turn their dreams into reality.  AGIB Bank is a beacon of that vision, and I have no doubt that it will continue to grow and serve as a model for financial excellence in the country.

My government has made the development of the private sector a national priority because we recognise its capacity to drive sustainable development, foster innovation, and create opportunities for our citizens. The inauguration of AGIB Bank’s new head office is a confirmation of what can be achieved when public and private sectors work hand in hand to achieve a shared vision for progress.

Congratulations to AGIB Bank! May this mark the beginning of an era of greater successes.

With this, it is my honour to officially inaugurate the head branch of AGIB Bank.

May Allah bless The Gambia.