Editorial,

It could be argued that the most direct impact of infrastructural development on the economy is a trickle-down effect. And arguably, investment is the most immediate economic good of a national economy.  In essence, all by itself, infrastructural development may not be immediately economical on the nation, but through some inherent factors, it breeds economic growth. One significant factor is investment. Though the empirical evidence on the existence of positive productivity externalities is sobering, there is a widespread belief among policy makers that investment in particular generates positive productivity effects for a nation.

Such an investment in the economy can occur through adoption of technology which can happen via licensing agreements, imitation, competition for resources, employee training, and knowledge export spill overs. However, the objective of investment cannot be met with the lack of proper infrastructure in place. With the right infrastructure in place, investors are motivated to seek for more investment opportunities to invest in the country, and bring about the comfortable movement of goods and services for economic growth. It provides a conducive environment for industrial advancement. Infrastructure like adequate energy supply, perfect lighting system, and good roads among others, are a source of encouragement for any meaningful investment undertaking.

Today, the Gambia can boast of having such infrastructure in place for the modernization of our economy, thanks to the July 22nd revolution. The Gambia, under the dynamic leadership of President Jammeh has taken a giant step towards building a viable investment zone for economic growth. Never before has the country witnessed such massive investment as we are witnessing today. The unprecedented transformation of strategic places like the Kairaba Avenue into a modern commercial epicenter, attracting more and more investors has been remarkable. It is quite evident that the installation of the lighting system along the avenue, effective energy supply, the perfect road with some economically significant edifices has contributed to its prominence.  

In fact, the high influx of businesses ranging from commercial banks, estate developers, light industries and a host of other trading groups illuminate the fact that the dynamic leadership of President Jammeh is placing this country at the front seat of development in the sub-region. What is even more important is that it is evident that our economy is becoming a home for progress. The peace and stability that the leadership of President Jammeh embodies is attracting more and more investors into the country. There is the need for attitudinal change, particularly on the part of the youths, to venture into enterprising avenues for a desirable future. Learning a trade will help generate success in such ventures.