Independent presidential aspirant Papa Secka has pledged to make energy more affordable in a bid to attract investment, stimulate industrial development and create sustainable employment opportunities for young Gambians if elected in the December 5, 2026 presidential election.
Speaking to journalists after submitting his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), Secka said successive discussions on job creation had often lacked concrete planning, stressing that employment opportunities can only be created sustainably through industrial growth.
“We’ve been talking about job creation as if it is a toy. Job creation has to be done in a very concrete and planned way. What drives job creation is industry, and we have not ever really done well on industry,” he said.
According to Secka, the primary responsibility of government is to create an enabling environment that encourages private-sector investment rather than directly creating jobs.
He identified affordable and reliable energy as a key factor in attracting investors and boosting economic activity.
“I will ensure that first, the most important critical factor, which is energy, is dealt with directly to be affordable and reasonable enough for investors to come and invest,” he said.
The independent candidate also expressed gratitude to Gambians and supporters who assisted him throughout the nomination process, enabling him to successfully submit his papers to the IEC.
Explaining his decision to enter the presidential race, Secka said he was motivated by what he described as a gap between the ideas currently dominating the political landscape and the solutions he believes are necessary for the country’s development.
“When I looked around in our politics today and at the ideas I’ve been seeing put forward, they are not really aligned with what I believe,” he stated.
Secka outlined three key areas that will form the foundation of his campaign agenda: natural resources, land management and public finances.
On natural resources, he pointed to challenges in the fisheries sector, arguing that Gambians are not benefiting adequately from the country’s fish resources and that greater national control is needed to maximise returns from the industry.
Regarding land management, he called for greater transparency and honesty in the allocation and utilisation of land across the country.
He also highlighted the management of public funds as a major concern, particularly in relation to corruption and accountability.
Asked whether he was prepared to hold those responsible for the misuse of public resources accountable, Secka pointed to his record in public service as evidence of his commitment to integrity and responsible governance.
His remarks come as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 presidential election, with aspirants outlining their visions for addressing the country’s economic and governance challenges.
