Gambia to Boost Basalt Imports in New Cape Verde Trade Deal
The Gambia is set to ramp up imports of Cape Verdean volcanic rock as the two West African nations move to solidify their economic partnership. A new bilateral agreement signed in Praia on Friday marks a significant step forward in cross-border trade, with a particular focus on raw materials for infrastructure and large-scale construction.
Building a Stronger Foundation
The protocol, signed between the Sotavento Chamber of Commerce (CCS) of Cape Verde and the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), formalizes a strategic alliance aimed at streamlining market access. Central to the deal is The Gambia’s growing demand for basalt and other aggregates essential for its domestic development projects.
“The Gambia is currently a major importer of aggregates from Cape Verde and intends to extend those imports specifically in the area of basalt,” said Marcos Rodrigues, President of the CCS. He noted that while exports are already flowing between the two markets, this agreement provides the framework needed to scale operations significantly.
Identifying New Sectors for Growth
Beyond construction materials, the week-long business mission identified several high-potential sectors for mutual investment, including:
- Agri-food: Strengthening supply chains and food security between the islands and the mainland.
- Tourism: Leveraging The Gambia’s investment capacity to boost hospitality infrastructure in both regions.
- Digital Economy and Quality Control: Knowledge sharing regarding intellectual property and technological innovation.
- Professional Training: Joint programs to upskill entrepreneurs and ensure businesses in both countries meet international standards.
Closing the Distance
Fatou Jallow, Vice-President of the GCCI, emphasized that the protocol is about more than just trade—it is about integration. “We can bring businesses from two different countries together to collaborate more,” she stated, while also highlighting a critical hurdle for future growth: logistics. Jallow advocated for increasing the frequency of flights between Cape Verde and The Gambia to facilitate easier travel for investors and goods.
The Gambian delegation’s visit included high-level meetings with Cape Verde’s Tourism Institute and various regulatory bodies. By aligning their standards and improving connectivity, both nations hope to transform this diplomatic protocol into a thriving economic corridor.
Image: Pexels – Carlo Jünemann
