A port stakeholder meeting on the switch to the new Public-Private Partnership under the Port Concession was successfully held on January 7, 2025, by the Gambia Ports Authority in collaboration with the Albayrak group of firms. The Atlantic Hotel in Banjul hosted this event.
Outlining the goals of the concession and expectations, GPA Managing Director Ousman Jobarteh led the discussions on the modernising agenda. He underlined that the Gambia Ports Authority is actively involved in this project, which is set up as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and seeks to increase productivity and efficiency. Given its potential to spur growth and enhance operations, Mr. Jobarteh urged port users and the shipping industry to welcome the change with optimism.
The benefits of technology integration and more digitisation were also emphasised by the Commissioner of Customs, who also discussed transitioning plans and access control protocols from Albayrak’s general manager. In particular, concerns about job security, small and medium-sized businesses operating within the Port, vendors, the truck drivers’ association, dockworkers, shipping agencies, clearing and forwarding agents, statutory agencies required to operate at the Port, casual workers, and other parties within the Port ecosystem were addressed and insightful information was gathered during a lively Q&A session.
