The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Amadou Sanneh has addressed the development partners forum on the Gambia’s National Development Plan (NDP) 2018–2021 at Kairaba Beach Hotel.
The Finance Minister said the country has reached a critical point in the preparation of the National Development Plan with the recent completion of the revised draft.
“As you all know, the National Development Plan is the vehicle through which we seek to define the strategies and actions to pursue to address the host of economic and social challenges that we have inherited after 22 years of poor political and economic governance under the last regime,” Finance Minister Amadou Sanneh said.
He added: “It will set the template to guide us as we seek to deliver on our promises of good governance, accountability and a revitalized and transformed economy to our citizens.”
Minister Sanneh said in preparing the National Development Plan, they have followed a very participatory and inclusive process. He said they have actively solicited the input of different development partners, civil society, community organisations and, more broadly, citizens. He also noted that they have taken due account of the Coalition Manifesto and the development priorities agreed by Cabinet and reflected in the compact from the cabinet retreat.
“I am both hopeful and proud that this document is richer and very relevant to the needs and aspirations of the New Gambia,” he interjected.
The Finance Minister identified eight strategic priority areas to focus on delivering on their goals which includes:
Governance, Human Rights and Security Sector Reform,
Macroeconomic Stabilization and Economic Management
Modernized Agriculture, Agribusiness and Fisheries
Human Capital– Health, Education, and Social Protection
Infrastructure and Energy
Tourism and Culture
Youth Empowerment and Development
Private Sector Development and Trade
Minister Sanneh further stated that they have ensured that the new National Development Plan is focus squarely on achieving results.
Meanwhile, the Finance Minister thanked in particular the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for immense technical and financial support provided during the process.
