The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GiEPA), in partnership with GIRAV, has convened a national validation workshop on the Digital Mapping of Priority Value Chains, marking a major step forward in modernizing the country’s agricultural and trade systems.
Opening the session at GIRAV’s Head Office in Banjul, Aji Ramatoulie Hydara Sanyang, Director General of GIRAV, described the initiative as transformative. She explained that the platform allows real-time connectivity across the country, enabling investors in Banjul to identify and engage farmers in remote regions like Basse. “This simplifies linking producers with markets nationwide,” she said.
GiEPA’s Chief Executive Officer, Ousainou Senghore, officially launched the workshop, reaffirming GiEPA’s role in promoting exports and facilitating trade. He stressed that the validation was not just procedural but strategic, with plans to expand the platform’s database to include sectors such as tourism and fisheries. Senghore urged stakeholders to take ownership of the platform to ensure its sustainability.
Providing an overview, Carlos Gomez, Director of Export and Enterprise, highlighted the extensive data collection process behind the mapping exercise. He commended the consultant team for their dedication. Lead consultant Dr. Malanding S. Jaiteh then presented the findings, outlining how clean, reliable data can strengthen value chain development.
Closing the workshop, Suun Faye, Digital Information Technology Specialist, encouraged participants to fully utilize the platform. He emphasized its importance in strengthening agriculture and driving data-driven decision-making across sectors.
The validation marks a milestone in The Gambia’s efforts to harness digital tools for inclusive growth, connecting farmers, investors, and institutions in ways that promise to reshape the country’s economic landscape.
