In his State of the Nation Address (SoNA) delivered today before lawmakers, Gambia’s Adama Barrow said, as of January 2022, Diapora contribution to national development rose to US$777 million.
“The plight and role of Gambians in the Diaspora in national development, therefore, remains high on my government’s agenda,” he said while indicating that the said amount accounts for 40% of the country’s GDP.
For over three decades, remittances from Gambians abroad have been instrumental in mitigating poverty. Despite stretching themselves in all fronts, Diaspora Gambians continue to contribute immensely to uplifting people’s livelihood.
“We will continue to engage with them meaningfully and remain active in global discussions to address migration concerns,” he assured.
President Barrow then added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Coopération and Diaspora Affairs is pushing ahead with the initiative to reformulate its strategic plan.
“Also underway is the drafting of a Foreign Service Bill and regulation to uphold excellence and efficiency within the sector.”
