Mall of The Gambia opens doors for business

The Trade, Regional Integration and Employment minister, Abdoulie Jobe, inaugurated it on behalf of President Jammeh as part of activities marking the week-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of the 22nd July Revolution.

The mall, with 180 shops, is expected to spur stronger economic activities in the country, and in the process, decongest the Serrekunda Market, which is a few metres away from it. 

In his launching statement, Abdoulie Jobe, said the inauguration of the mall is one of the many developments that the government has achieved over the last 20 years. 

“Since we started this celebration over the last few days, many projects have been launched, which are clear strives made by the government. You will therefore agree with me that the development of the nation fully depends on the provision of the requisite public goods, infrastructure or other services,” he said.

Minister Jobe promised that the government under the leadership of the president would continue to provide the necessary infrastructure for the better life of the people. “Public-private partnership, which is amply manifested here, is critical and necessary to achieve these noble objectives. So the investment that we are witnessing here today is symbolic to private sector contribution to the vibrancy of The Gambian economy,” he told the gathering. 

While thanking the investor for what he called a worthwhile investment, the minister said, “this Mall was developed as planned and commercially located. It will offer businesses with common interest in soliciting sells. The act of coming together will help to build stronger and healthier business entities that are better poised to take advantage of the market access opportunities.

The deputy managing director of Mustaqbal Express Limited, Sharif Sahal Shiqaalow, said putting up such an investment is not an easy job. However, he noted that with the prevailing peace and the unique investment environment in The Gambia, they had the faith to put in place this kind of enterprise.

“The idea of opening this edifice could not have come at a better time than during celebrations making the 20 years of sustained development under the APRC government. Besides the facilities that are available here, there is a mosque for worshipers at the back yard, ATM machines, three arch-entrances, a mini-market and restaurant,” he told the gathering.  

He said once the mall is fully utilised, it has the potential of creating employment for hundreds of young Gambians, thus reducing the stress on the back way as well as the challenge of unemployment.

The mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Yankuba Colley, said the mall came as a result of the long-standing relations between KM and The Gambia’s ambassador to Qatar, Ansumana Jammeh, whom he said, introduced the proprietor to them.

“As a council, we will continue to promote the policies and programmes of our visionary leader. What we are witnessing today is a clear manifestation of that. This land was given to Mustaqbal Express Limited free of charge,” he informed.

Present at the ceremony were cabinet ministers, senior government officials, cultural groups and APRC militants.