The Gambia has signed an MoU with Jospong Group to enhance waste management solutions. Led by Rohey John Manjang, the initiative aims to establish a waste treatment plant in six months via a Public Private Partnership. The partnership reflects an emphasis on homegrown solutions for Africa and encourages collaboration between public and private sectors.
The Gambia has initiated a partnership with the Jospong Group of Companies (JGC) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at implementing African-centric waste management solutions. Spearheaded by Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, Rohey John Manjang, and Joseph Siaw Agyepong, Executive Chairman of JGC, the signing took place in Accra, Ghana, on March 3, 2025. This collaboration is perceived as a crucial step towards self-sufficient solutions to waste management issues within the continent.
Minister Manjang emphasized the necessity for innovative and indigenous strategies to address Africa’s challenges. She proposed establishing a waste treatment plant in The Gambia within six months through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). She articulated, “I know, for Africa to go forward with our limited resources, we need to be innovative in making sure that we fix our problems.”
The MoU followed a five-day tour of JGC’s waste management facilities in Ghana by a Gambian government delegation, which included government ministers and members of the National Assembly. Manjang expressed her belief that collaboration between government and the private sector is essential for success and set a goal to establish a waste management unit within six months. This project marks the beginning of a comprehensive waste management initiative for Gambia.
Reflecting on her experiences in Ghana, Manjang noted the innovative potential that exists in Africa and criticized reliance on foreign assistance when local solutions can be effective. “What we saw this past three days was amazing… this is an African made solution,” she stated, highlighting the holistic potential of waste management strategies that do not necessitate extensive foreign investment.
Mr. Agyepong shared his conviction that the Group’s successes were the result of divine intervention. He reiterated the importance of ideas and strategies over monetary aid and pointed out that such dependency has stalled African progress. He mentioned, “If over the years, we’ve been happy with grants and loans… today Donald Trump has told us that we should go and develop our minerals.” His remarks underscore the importance of local initiative and determination in shaping the continent’s future.
As part of their visit to Ghana, the Gambian delegation met with Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, to discuss protecting Ghanaian investors and promoting trade. Murtala Mohammed stressed the historical ties between the two nations and the necessity for secure investment climates, urging Jospong to act as a responsible corporate citizen in The Gambia.
Gambia’s Minister acknowledged the shared challenges faced by the two nations and expressed commitment to finding collective solutions. Specifically stating, “We have a lot in common with Ghana, and we believe that by working together, we can find solutions to our environmental challenges.” Furthermore, the delegation toured multiple Jospong facilities, learning about sustainable and environmentally friendly waste management practices.
The signing of the MoU between The Gambia and Jospong Group represents a significant step towards the implementation of localized waste management solutions in Africa. It emphasizes the value of collaborative efforts among governments and the private sector to tackle environmental issues. The initiative highlights the importance of self-reliance and innovative strategies in addressing waste management, paving the way for sustainable development in The Gambia and potentially across the continent.
Original Source: 3news.com
