Your Excellency, The Gambia is one of the smallest countries of Africa; it has a rather low profile image in the international community. What have been the main achievements that contributed to give your country a higher profile and a better international recognition since you took power in 1994?
Of course our two years at the United Nations Security Council have raised the Gambia's profile. Our efforts to maintain peace within the sub-region are now well known by the international community. As far as the country is concerned, when we arrived in 1994 we decided to focus our development policy on four main sectors: Education, Health, Agriculture and infrastructure. Unfortunately, many countries in Africa face the same level of underdevelopment. Conflicts partly explain those situations. These usually arise from ignorance and unless we get rid of this ignorance, we will never move forward. In terms of natural resources, these are often under-exploited or misused because of this very ignorance. Therefore, the only way to eradicate this ignorance is through education, especially as the rest of the world is advancing with the development of new technologies and as international competition is getting fiercer. So, education is a vital necessity if we are to get through the 21st century successfully and this is one of my government's main priorities.
Secondly, I believe health is very important in its contribution to the development of a nation. Diseases impede development and an underdeveloped nation cannot live in peace. Thus, Education, health and peace are interdependent. By tackling these three issues, we hope to set up a solid foundation for socio-economic development.
In 1994, the way the government was changed attracted a lot of international attention. During the two-year transition period, we were almost in 'war' with the rest of the world who insisted on the fact that the take-over had not been democratic. There were many divergences of views with the international community but, today, after 6 years, some countries have come to acknowledge our credibility as a government and our will to develop this country. For example, among our many development projects, we constructed the first highway in this country since Independence in 1965. This commitment to development is basically what has given us a better profile throughout the world.
You seem to be very active in international mediation and peace negotiation, especially in the sub-region. What is your philosophy of political stability?
No matter who is in power, that individual should know that he is a servant of the people. He should act in their interest and make sure he lives up to their expectations. As a leader, not only do you have to understand the people but you should also let them understand you. It is a question of mutual trust. You have to make sure that there is no exclusion. All citizens must be seen as equal and their welfare should be your main concern. Also, as a political leader, you must understand the rights of your citizens. Most importantly, it should be noted that Governments alone cannot bring about peace and stability; it takes every single citizen to ensure stability. If all of us understand the rules of our society and our obligations towards our country and towards each other as human beings, we will be able to avoid most of the trouble that is presently being experienced around the world. We must understand and accept that each and everyone of us is different and so are our nations. That difference should be used in a positive way and not the contrary. We must interact more, learn about each and cooperate for our mutual benefits. It must be made clear that there can be no development without peace and stability and vice versa. There are so many examples in Africa today depicting the consequences of political stability on the one hand and war and instability on the other.
However, among 14 African countries, The Gambia has recently been excluded from the US African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). From the American point of view, this would be due to poor Human rights records and the pursuit of economic policies incompatible with free trade. What is your opinion on that issue and how do you intend to react to that decision?
As far as the reality is concerned, on the issue of human rights, we have a better human rights record than the United States of America sometimes. The US preaches what it does not practice. But we have to realize that this debate is political and sometimes, political views are different from economic reality. Today, many countries under dictatorial rule do trade with the US. This is simply because the US has economic interests in those countries. In such cases the issue of human rights is completely ignored or down played by the USA. Since my Government came into power in 1994, the US has never given us any assistance and we still managed to develop at an impressive pace even more impressive than most African countries. Of course, we still need the US but I must say the US also need us. We knew from the day we came into power that we were blacklisted, but I was and still am firmly convinced that I have and will always have the interest of my people at heart and translate this into my work. The United State of America is free to express its views as long as it does not hinder our freedom. I mean, whatever our policies, or our ideologies are, they are designed with the love of our country in mind?. We try to do what is in the best interest of The Gambia and its people. If what we are being accused of is true, do you think we would be so popular in this country? In short, with or without the support of some countries, what is certain is that we will do our best to develop our country. Perhaps today, we are not the best of friends with the USA, but who knows? tomorrow it might be the contrary. I have a principle: "if you do not want me to tell you how to live in your house, I see no reason why you should tell me how I should live in my house." We ought to respect each other, and admit that we are different. The type of democracy, which exists in the United States of America, will never exist anywhere in Africa because the cultures are different, the economies are different, the laws are different, and the societies are very different indeed. These are the basic facts. Thus, the implementation of a carbon copy western type democracy in Africa will never work.
Recently, you have been personally active in promoting The Gambia's trade & investment capabilities as evidenced in your engagement of prominent American businessmen during the millennium summit and with the State visit of Taiwanese President Chen Shui-Bian. What structures are in place to effectively attract foreign investment into the Gambia?
We have the best incentive package in Africa. And they are designed for honest, transparent, and straightforward investors. We want to attract investors who not only want a quick return on investment but also who have a project that will be beneficial to the country. The business climate in The Gambia is conducive, we have peace, stability and a viable market which is the first criteria any investor will look for. Our strategic geographic location is also a natural incentive. We have put in place an investment court that is open and transparent and we are currently introducing laws that businessmen can refer to in case of any problem.
The Department of State for Trade and Industry has been working on an Investment Promotion Council together with the private sector on this project. Before this is finalised, we still have to complete a comparative study with what is in place in other countries in order to be sure that what will be implemented in The Gambia is conducive. Our logic is to put ourselves in a sub-regional and regional context, and this is the reason why it has taken a while but nonetheless it will definitely be out by mid 2001.
| The privatisation has always been seen as a profound signal towards economic liberalization and investment attraction. How far has your administration gone with the privatisation process and what are your expectations?
Well, I have a different opinion to what you just mentioned. I do not think privatisation is a good signal of economic liberalization; it is rather part of an economic process. We have a privatisation scheme underway and we have unfortunately inherited from these some problems in the agricultural sector, especially in the groundnut industry. The privatisation of our groundnut company has been a disaster. In many African countries, governments are being obliged to privatise sensitive institutions. In The Gambia, donors and citizens invested around 4 million USD into the groundnut processing industry which was originally state-owned, and then privatised it for 2 million USD, - does that make sense? This particular industry used to employ 14000 skilled workers, which means that a great number of farmers depended on this industry. After its privatisation, there were only 300 workers left. The result is that The Gambia, which used to export refined cooking oil, from its own groundnuts is now importing this instead oil. Thus, from a major exporter to Europe, the Gambia is condemned to import from Senegal and elsewhere.
I am not saying privatisation is bad. The way it is carried out will determine its degree of success or failure for the Government. The groundnut experience was a disaster for The Gambia. I still do not understand why so many millions were invested in that institution when everybody knew that at the end it would not be worth more than 2 million USD. That particular privatisation was not sufficiently well prepared for especially when you think of the consequences - the destruction of an industry as vital as that of groundnut processing for our national economy. So, why privatise? Do we privatise to create more problems or do we privatise to bring more income for the Government and to the country? The key issue is to think of the consequences of privatisation. If it is justified and will indeed benefit the nation then good, otherwise no. Before any privatisation, one must definitely take into consideration the interest of and benefits to the nation.
I believe the strongest signal of liberalization depends on the types of incentives that you bring in and the type of conducive environment that you create. As far as we are concerned, The Gambia has one of the best telecommunications system in the continent and the laws are very liberal. You can bring in and repatriate any amount of capital as long as your intention are clear and you are ready to seriously invest in the country. We have various incentives for every sector of the economy - be it in health, agriculture, tourism etc. We allocate land free of charge with a lease period of 99 years for investment purpose. All these incentives show that we welcome Foreign Direct Investment. These incentives and more are provided in our vision 2020 program, which clearly demonstrates The Gambia's will to have a full-fledged private-sector led economy. Our desire is to create a real partnership between local and international companies.
You have promised a 98% availability of electricity in less than a year. However, it was recently unveiled that the 75M$ deal between Eskom and Nawec was more than threatened. So, Can you briefly come back on the reasons that decided you to put the energy portfolio under your direct supervision, and what is your strategy to address the electricity issue?
The energy sector was also once privatised and Gambians suffered tremendously from troubles arising from lack of efficiency of the new entity. Today, our wish is to ensure that energy is to be available, affordable and reliable. We welcome any company wishing to take up the challenge. I believe the energy problem will be solved; our doors are open for all and the private sector is very welcome to participate. Last year, we negotiated with Eskom and signed a Memorandum of Understanding. A deadline for the finalization and signing of an agreement was fixed for April'99 but this never materialised. We also looked at some other IPP deals to provide electricity to NAWEC (National Water and Electricity Company). There were so many incentives given to Eskom, but despite all that they turned out not be the best partner. We gave them exclusivity and they tried to take advantage of it. The energy sector needs the best attention from us as the country's highest authorities. Without constant supply of electricity, there is no way a country can industrialize. So far, I admit that I have succeeded in making significant impact in all areas except that of the energy sector. So the big question is how do we intend to solve the problem? Concentrating on the urban areas will not be a solution because this will never bring about balanced development within the entire country and such actions would be partisan. This is the reason why I decided to put the energy portfolio under my office so as to ensure that all hands are an deck and the issue is given top-most priority and the entire country electrified within the shortest possible time. I am very much determined and do not see anything that can prevent me from succeeding in this area.
Our partnership with Eskom is still on but we have to further negotiate and make sure that we can come up with a firm long-term partnership in the interest of all concerned - i.e. the entire Gambian nation and Eskom.
You are perhaps the youngest president in the world, which definitely contributes to giving your country a young and dynamic image. What would be your final message to the international community and especially to potential investors?
Honest investors are very much welcomed. We prefer them to deal directly with Government when they come into the country. Dealing with intermediaries is not always the best solution because investors may be misled and frustrated in the end. We have a Department of State for Trade & Industry which is responsible for investment matters in the country. So, if you are interested in investing in The Gambia, it is advisable that you address your interest or queries first to this agency which will provide you with all the necessary information and guidelines. It is Government's desire to ensure that any investor coming into this country is protected and that they receive a quick return on their investment. I must also add that there are no restrictions what so ever on those companies wishing to enter our into direct partnership with private companies or individuals be they Gambians or non-Gambian.s for investment purposes. The caution is that it is safer to seek advice from the Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment or Gambia Chambers of Commerce so as to be on the right track.
Finally, The Gambia may be small in terms of its population and size, but you have to remember that when investing in The Gambia, you are not only targeting its 1.2 million citizens but the over 200 million consumers in the West Africa sub-region.
The Gambia has a natural advantage over its neighbours considering its strategic geographic location and liberal market policies which gives it an easy access to the ECOWAS market. Thus by being an ECOWAS Member State with a market more liberal and esily accessible than any other in the sub-region, it will be wise to invest in The Gambia than elsewhere.
Remember when investing in The Gambia, you are not only enjoying its market but also the markets of the entire sub-region.
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