Join us for a high-level business and investment promotion event introducing concrete opportunities for Finnish companies in West Africa, with a focus on The Gambia and Senegal. The event will provide first-hand insights from senior government representatives, investment authorities, and business leaders on market entry, investment incentives, and priority sectors.
Date: Tuesday, 24 March 2026, 13.30–16.00
Location: Business Turku
Address: Tykistökatu 4B, 20520
The Gambia and Senegal are part of the ECOWAS economic region, providing access to a market of more than 400 million people. Senegal is one of the most politically stable and fastest-growing economies in West Africa, serving as a regional hub for logistics, finance, and international business. The Gambia offers an investor-friendly regulatory environment, competitive operating costs, and strategic geographic access along the West African coast.
Finland and West Africa already share growing economic ties. Finnish expertise is highly relevant in sectors such as renewable energy, digitalisation, education, infrastructure, maritime solutions, and sustainable technologies. Finnish organisations such as Finnfund have financed private sector projects across Africa.
Both Senegal and The Gambia are actively seeking international partners to support economic growth, infrastructure development, and private sector expansion. This event offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with senior decision-makers, understand the investment landscape, and explore partnership and expansion opportunities for Finnish companies.
Program
13.30–13.40 | Welcome Words & Opening Remarks
H.E. Raam Faal, Ambassador-at-Large as communicated by the delegation
13.40–14.10 | Overview of The Gambia & Senegal Economic outlook, political landscape and regional developments
H.E. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom
14.10–15.00 | Doing Business in The Gambia
• Investment climate and regulatory environment
• Priority sectors and incentives
• Market entry pathways for Finnish companies
Mod K. Ceesay, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment
Ousainou Sheikh Senghore, CEO, Gambia Investment & Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA)
15.00–15.30 | Business Opportunities for Finnish Companies
• Sector-specific prospects
• Current demand, ongoing initiatives and partnership models
Njundu Fatty, President, Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)
15.30–15.55 | Cultural Insights & Business Practices in West Africa
Communication styles, decision-making and relationship-building
H.E. Raam Faal, Ambassador-at-Large as communicated by the delegation
15.55–16.00 | Closing Remarks
This event is intended for companies, investors, public sector organisations, and business development professionals interested in expanding into emerging African markets and building strategic partnerships in West Africa.
The event is open to everyone and free of charge but requires an advance registration.
Registration to the event will be opened during February.
