By Ndey Sowe
In a bid to unlock critical investment in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and other sectors essential for economic growth, the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, Development Perspectives UK Ltd, and SaHel Investment Management International commenced a three-day Public-Private Partnership (PPP) course on Tuesday, 11th November 2024.
The event, titled “Master Class on Project Finance” and themed “Leveraging Finance Planning and Techniques for Sustainable Development in The Gambia,” is being held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.
This intensive course aims to equip participants with a deep understanding of the project finance lifecycle, spanning from feasibility studies to financial close. Central to the course is the concept of “Bankability”—the capacity of a project to secure financing from investors, banks, and development institutions. Participants are learning techniques to structure deals that mitigate risks, ensure regulatory compliance, and secure vital financing.
Through hands-on sessions, key financial metrics such as the Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Net Present Value (NPV) are being underscored as essential tools for assessing project viability.
Essa Jallow, Deputy Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), emphasized the value of continuous professional development for improving knowledge and productivity.
“Project finance, especially, is a critical tool for facilitating public-private partnership, which is vital for sustainable development,” Jallow noted.
Ebrima Sillah, the Minister of Works, Transport, and Infrastructure, highlighted the transformative role of infrastructure in socio-economic development.
“Infrastructure is not just about roads, bridges, and ports; it is the foundation upon which sustainable economic growth and social prosperity are built. It creates jobs, improves connectivity, and enhances the quality of life for all citizens,” Sillah remarked. “Infrastructure development remains at the core of our strategy to achieve inclusive economic growth and enhance the well-being of all Gambians.”
Representing the President, Baboucarr Boye, Minister of Public Service, Administrative Reform, and Delivery, discussed the lessons from the 2023 Africa Investment Forum (AIF).
“This Project Finance Masterclass holds immense importance as we gather to explore the transformative potential of infrastructure development in The Gambia. We are not just here to discuss technical aspects of project finance but to seize the opportunity to shape a future of progress, sustainability, and prosperity,” Boye stated.
Boye also stressed that The Gambia’s future success hinges on a collaborative approach.
“Let this masterclass serve as a launchpad for new partnerships, fresh ideas, and transformative action. Let us commit to the task of building a prosperous, resilient Gambia, together,” he said.
Abdoulie Touray, Chairman and CEO of Sahel Investment Management International, along with Ebrima A Faal, Managing Director of Development Perspectives UK Ltd, echoed the course’s mission to empower participants to navigate the complexities of project finance, making projects investment-ready, sustainable, and bankable.
Alain Thierry Mbongue, Acting Regional Chief Operating Officer for Anglophone West Africa, and Gabriel Edgal, Chairman and CEO of Oakwood Green Africa Limited, added their support, sharing similar views on the importance of the masterclass.
With a focus on delivering skills for world-class project documentation and feasibility studies, this course aims to help government and business leaders lay the groundwork for sustainable, impactful projects across The Gambia.
