For Immediate Release: National Investment Commission Executive Director, Hon. Melvin Sheriff participates in Launch of Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS)

PRESS RELEASE: National Investment Commission Executive Director, Hon. Melvin Sheriff participates in Launch of Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS)

September 23, 2024 – The Gambia

The National Investment Commission is pleased to announce that its Executive Director, Hon. Melvin Sheriff, participated in the signing of the statute reconstitution the Investment Promotion Agencies of West African States (IPAWAS). This historic event marks a milestone in enhancing regional investment projects across West Africa, fostering deeper cooperation among the region’s Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs).

In his remarks, Hon. Sheriff urged the newly elected IPAWAS Secretariat to take swift actions in developing comprehensive roadmaps and timelines to implement key initiatives that will enhance regional investment collaboration. He emphasized the importance of establishing a robust database of private sector companies operating across West African states, which will serve as a critical tool for identifying investment opportunities and fostering greater private sector participation.

Hon. Sheriff further called on IPAWAS to engage in negotiations with regional bodies to secure investment guarantees, thereby providing greater confidence to both local and international investors. These guarantees will help mitigate risks and create a more secure environment for foreign direct investment in the region.

Additionally, he highlighted the need to identify and prioritize key regional projects that will be presented for approval at the next sitting of CEOs. These projects, he noted, should align with the broader goals of economic integration and sustainable development, positioning West Africa as a unified and competitive destination for global investments.