Banjul, The Gambia —The Vice President, His Excellency, Mohammed B.S Jallow, at State House on Thursday, 19th October, 2023, received in audience the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCC), Alice Albright, accompanied by United States Ambassador to The Gambia, Her Excellency, Sharon L. Cromer with a high-level delegation from Washington, DC.
Their visit provides the opportunity to continue discussions regarding the MCC’s two main areas in The Gambia; the Threshold and Compact Programs.
MCC CEO, Alice Albright underlined the significance of the Threshold Program, which aims to improve the availability of energy in the country. She highlighted that the Compact Program is one of their largest Programs. As such, the MCC will be exploring the potential of The Gambia River for opportunities to invest in The Gambia Ports Authority (GRA) among others.
Moreover, the Program aims to invest in the Education sector of the country in order to create more opportunities for the youth of The Gambia especially, in the crucial areas of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The US Ambassador to The Gambia, Sharon L Cromer, commended The Gambia Government and its people for its incredible democratic and economic strives in the past seven years. According to Ambassador Cromer, the CEO’s visit demonstrates the deepening partnership between the US and the people of The Gambia.
Following the meeting, Vice President Jallow led the MCC delegation together with the Ministers of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Finance and Economic Affairs, the Gambian Ambassador to the US, Secretary to Cabinet and other senior Government officials on a conducted tour of The Gambia Ports premises. The tour provided the delegation with first-hand information regarding the structure and system of GRA, which will guide the MCC investment process in understanding The Gambia’s energy sector.
The Managing Director of The Gambia Ports Authority, Mr Ousman Jobarteh said the MCC will open greater opportunities for The Gambia and improve the energy and transportation system, among others.