Lawmakers Warn Over Risks Hidden Inside Investment Deals

Written by: Alieu Jallow

The Chairperson of the National Assembly Select Committee on Trade, Kebba Jallow, has called for Bilateral Investment Treaties (BITs) to remain balanced, transparent, and beneficial to all parties, stressing the need for investment agreements that promote sustainable development and mutual prosperity in The Gambia.

Jallow made the remarks during an engagement forum on Bilateral Investment Treaties organised by ActionAid The Gambia on Friday, May 22nd 2026. The forum brought together lawmakers, civil society actors, and key stakeholders to deliberate on the implications of BITs on trade, investment governance, national development, and public accountability.

Bilateral Investment Treaties are agreements between two countries aimed at protecting and promoting investments made by investors from either state. While such treaties are often designed to attract foreign direct investment and strengthen economic cooperation, concerns have increasingly emerged globally over dispute settlement mechanisms, national sovereignty, and whether the agreements adequately protect the interests of developing countries.

Addressing participants, Kebba Jallow acknowledged the significance of investment agreements and the opportunities they create for economic growth, but stressed the importance of ensuring fairness and transparency in their implementation.

“Our discussion today should therefore focus not only on attracting investment but also ensuring sustainable development and mutual prosperity,” he stated.

The lawmaker further noted that investment agreements must serve national interests while creating a fair environment for investors.

Speaking at the forum, the Executive Director of ActionAid The Gambia, Ndela Faye Colley, highlighted that despite the legally binding nature of bilateral agreements and their role in supporting national development agendas, many countries across the world continue to face costly dispute settlement cases arising from such treaties.

She noted that developing countries, including The Gambia, are often vulnerable to the financial implications of these disputes and called on African nations to critically review and reform existing BIT frameworks.

“In recognition of these challenges, it is important that African countries review and reflect on these BITs. We are not calling for rejecting them entirely, but rather looking at where reforms are needed because while the initial intentions may have been good, along the line some have become counterproductive,” she said.

Ndela Faye Colley underscored the important oversight role of the National Assembly in reviewing bilateral agreements before ratification, noting that parliamentarians are strategically positioned to ensure that both state and citizen interests are protected.

“As representatives of the people, you are in a better position to critically examine these agreements and ensure that the interests of the state and the population are protected before prioritising the interests of foreign investors,” she added.

She further stressed that poverty and structural inequalities continue to affect many Gambians due to historical systems that have not always worked in favour of ordinary citizens. She therefore called for stronger collaboration between parliament and civil society organisations in advancing social justice and equitable economic policies.

“Together with civil society and the population, we can work collectively to ensure the social justice we all seek is achieved. This can only happen when treaties and conventions are critically assessed to determine who truly benefits from them,” she stated.

The engagement forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen public understanding of investment-related policies, promote inclusive dialogue, and encourage constructive collaboration between policymakers, civil society organisations, and relevant institutions on issues affecting national development.