President Adama Barrow today touted self-sufficiency in his independence day address to the nation. 

Speaking at the 57th Independence Day celebration in Banjul, President Barrow said: “Although it is my view that absolute economic independence is impractical, it is certain that we can reduce our heavy dependence on the outside world. The question is: how can we do this meaningfully?

“The solution depends hugely on how practical we are and how far we choose to go in raising our productivity and production capabilities and outputs, while minimising imports and maximising exports. 

“The imbalance between imports and exports for the country is enormous, and this needs to be offset. Generally, there is a great need to transform the population into a more productive resource.”

The president continued: “To free ourselves from economic dependence, among other strategies, we must invest more freely in the productive sectors, produce as much of what we consume as we need, and eat more home-made products. 

“By the same token, we need to expand and patronise local businesses, while developing, encouraging and tapping local talent.”

According to the president, “a lot of potential to increase national income generation lies in organising our communities to set up joint businesses, engage in more productive ventures.

“And make the most of our natural resources. Old and ineffective approaches have to give way to greater application of technology and modern techniques of production.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba