Gambia, Turkey sign landmark energy cooperation

On the sidelines of the just concluded 5th Turkey-Africa Economic and Business Forum, the governments of the Republic of The Gambia and Turkey on Friday signed a landmark renewable energy cooperation aimed at bolstering the existing bilateral relations and investment ties between the two countries.

The Gambia’s minister for Energy, Petroleum and Natural Resources, Nani Juwara, who led the Gambian delegation signed on behalf of the Gambia while Turkish Minister of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar signed on behalf of his country.

This energy agreement, which started/ starts in earnest, is seen as a significant development in broadening the existing cooperation between the two countries especially in addressing some loopholes in energy generation and investment.

Speaking to journalists shortly after signing this agreement, Minister Juwara, described the move as a significant development for both countries.

“We’ve been working together in the past, but mainly through Turkish companies. However, this cooperation agreement is mainly between the Government of the Gambia and also Turkey. So the essence is aimed at strengthening the relationship in terms of our energy sector. The areas that we are focusing on in the agreement is mainly on renewables and also conventional in terms of generation in our energy sector.”

Moreover, Minister Juwara acknowledged the presence of Turkish companies in The Gambia in the past, making reference to Karpowership, which has been important in supplying power grid in The Gambia as an IPP.

“But that contract has ended, and we are now looking forward to collaborating with other Turkish companies that have interest in investing in our energy sector, but of course through the support of the Turkish government. Because bilateral arrangements are normally more sustainable, and in terms of cost, they are more sustainable.”

Further on this energy cooperation agreement with the Turkish government, Minister Juwara maintained that at least they can support and address some existing loopholes especially in terms of technological advancement.

Hydrocarbon

The energy minister also hinted that they have also included in the cooperation agreement areas in the hydrocarbons.

This, he said, is one area that they wanted to have companies, be it national companies or private companies operating in the oil and gas sector in Turkey, to come to The Gambia and invest.

The Gambia, he added, also has potentials for hydrocarbons, just like “our neighbors” – Senegal and other West African countries, Mauritania, Guinea Conakry, and Guinea-Bissau.

“We all have some potential for hydrocarbons, but we are yet to discover them, apart from Senegal, for example. Explorations are very expensive and the government alone can’t do it because we don’t have the capital to do so. So, we are encouraging Turkish companies to come to the Gambia and explore our oil resources so that we can also discover our oil, and do the exploration; so that our resources can benefit our people.”

The Minister made reference to the country’s conducive economy and investment environments, saying companies can exploit without challenges.

Alparslan Bayraktar, Turkish minister of Energy, also made similar remarks, expressing Ankara’s resolve to expand their investment opportunities in Africa especially in key sectors of development.

The event was graced by delegates from different African countries currently attending the event.

Source: The Point