Access Bank Gambia Limited has approved a loan facility of D269 million to support the expansion and modernisation of poultry operations at G Farm and Serbiji Farm, in a move aimed at strengthening The Gambia’s food value chain and boosting local food production.

The investment forms part of the bank’s broader commitment to support agriculture and promote sustainable economic development by empowering local businesses within the country’s agribusiness sector.

Speaking at the ceremony formalising the financing agreement, Dominic Mendy, a board director of Access Bank, said the initiative reflects the institution’s belief that lasting economic progress depends on supporting industries that form the backbone of national development.

He explained that the financing will enable the two farms to expand their production capacity, modernise their facilities and significantly increase productivity.

“The investments being formalised today will support the expansion, modernisation and increased productivity of these two farms, enabling them to play a transformative role in meeting the needs of our nation,” Mendy said.

He added that the partnership also highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government institutions, regulators and entrepreneurs working together to strengthen the country’s agribusiness sector.

Managing Director of Access Bank Gambia, Stephen Urban, said the bank remains committed to supporting sectors that contribute directly to economic growth, particularly agriculture and food production.

Urban noted that the bank would remain open to expanding its investment in the agricultural sector if the pilot phase of the poultry project proves successful.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, Musa Huma, Director-General of the Department of Agriculture, underscored the important role the private sector plays in transforming the national food system.

He commended Access Bank for supporting agricultural development and emphasised the need for innovation, investment and effective management across the agricultural value chain.

“I want to thank Access Bank for the provision of D269 million to support the poultry sector, which is a key sub-sector in transforming our food system,” Huma said.

Beneficiaries of the facility also expressed appreciation for the bank’s support, noting that limited access to finance has long been a major constraint for poultry farmers in The Gambia.

Ibrahim Asimaha, General Manager of G Farm, and Kemo Cham, Executive Officer of Serbiji Farm, said the funding will enable them to expand operations and modernise their facilities.

They noted that agriculture remains central to national development and stressed that increased investment in poultry production could significantly reduce the country’s dependence on imported poultry products.

“With this support from Access Bank, we will scale up production and work towards meeting local demand. There is no country that grows without agriculture,” one of the beneficiaries said.

The investment is expected to contribute significantly to increasing domestic poultry production while reducing reliance on imported poultry products.

By Adama Makasuba