President Adama Barrow has said his government will introduce a policy that will require foreigners doing business in The Gambia to partner with Gambians, as part of efforts to strengthen local participation in the private sector.

“That’s why we will come up with a policy. If you are doing business in this country and you are a foreigner, you have to partner with a Gambian,” Barrow said during a visit to the headquarters of Gach Global Manufacturing Company in Banjulunding.

The president said the proposed policy is aimed at ensuring Gambians benefit directly from foreign investments through ownership, skills transfer and long-term continuity.

He explained that partnerships would encourage Gambians to remain in the country, act as representatives of the project, and learn from foreign investors.

“If you partner with a Gambian, one, the Gambian will remain in The Gambia. Two, the Gambian will be an ambassador in that project. Three, the Gambian will learn from that,” he said.

He said such arrangements could also allow Gambians to eventually take over businesses.

“Maybe, at the end of the day, you will be able to sell your business or you will be the one who will end up continuing the business,” he added.

The president said his administration remains committed to private sector development, describing the private sector as the driver of the economy and the main source of jobs.

He said The Gambia must reduce its heavy dependence on imports by increasing local production, noting that the country currently imports most of what it consumes.

President Barrow said the Gach Global investment reflects the type of industrial development the country needs, adding that it will create jobs and contribute to economic growth.

By Adama Makasuba