AGP Executive Report

Culinary Tourism: Liberia’s tourism authority joined WAFFEST 2026 in The Gambia, where more than 30 countries are showcasing food and developing culinary skills. Liberia says it hopes to host a future edition. Climate Services: IOM donated D2.2 million in weather equipment to the Department of Water Resources to strengthen climate data collection. Agriculture: A ROOTS-backed cold store in Ndungu Kebbeh is expected to help North Bank vegetable growers cut post-harvest losses and improve sales. Technical Skills: USET staff gave the government 14 business days to address funding and operational concerns, warning that idle production machinery is deteriorating for lack of trained operators. Infrastructure: President Barrow said the 200km Kabada roads project is complete and pledged electricity for remaining communities in the Lower River Region. Land Restoration: A new US$78 million Great Green Wall programme includes The Gambia and aims to restore degraded land and support livelihoods across nine countries.

Climate Monitoring: IOM donated D2.2 million in weather-station equipment to the Department of Water Resources, supporting climate data collection. Food and Tourism: WAFFEST 2026 is bringing culinary professionals from more than 30 countries to The Gambia, with the government highlighting skills development and culinary tourism. Agriculture: A ROOTS-backed cold store in Ndungu Kebbeh is expected to cut post-harvest losses and help vegetable farmers improve their incomes. Technical Education: USET staff gave the government 14 business days to address funding and operational concerns, warning of an indefinite strike; they say production machinery is idle for lack of trained operators. Land Restoration: The Gambia is among nine countries in a new US$78 million Great Green Wall programme to restore degraded land and support livelihoods. Investment Climate: ECOWAS’s 2025 investment reports include The Gambia and note regional progress on investor services, alongside persistent infrastructure and logistics gaps. Industrial Outlook: Across Africa, plans to process more minerals locally face a major obstacle: costly, unreliable electricity.

Land Restoration: A new US$78 million Great Green Wall programme includes The Gambia among nine countries set to restore 270,000 hectares and support livelihoods for five million people. Urban Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow has promised a Banjul-style roads and drainage project for Serekunda, one of the country’s largest urban centres. Investment Climate: ECOWAS’ 2025 investment reports include The Gambia and point to regional strengths such as digital investor services, alongside persistent infrastructure and logistics gaps. Trade Links: Indonesian businesses are exploring export and investment opportunities in The Gambia and five other West African countries, including agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing and energy. Farming: An ActionAid study featuring Gambian examples says agroecology can cut input costs and strengthen yields and climate resilience; separately, 13 young Gambians are preparing for practical agricultural training in Israel. Clean Cooking: A new e-cooking guide draws on community trials in rural Gambia, examining electric cooking as an alternative to charcoal and firewood.

Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow pledged to replicate Banjul’s roads and drainage project in Serekunda, one of the country’s largest urban centres. Trade: Indonesian and West African businesses explored partnerships in agriculture, food, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure; The Gambia was among six countries represented at the forum. Environmental Regulation: The National Environment Agency handed customs refrigerant-testing equipment worth about US$20,000 to help detect mislabelled imports and enforce environmental rules. Tourism and Skills: Banjul is hosting WAFFEST through October 21, bringing chefs from about 35 countries to showcase regional cuisine and promote culinary skills, jobs and tourism. Agriculture: Thirteen young Gambians are set to receive advanced agricultural training in Israel, while ActionAid is urging greater investment in agroecology to lower input costs and strengthen food security. Household Energy: A new e-cooking guide documents community trials of electric cooking as a cleaner, potentially more affordable alternative to charcoal and firewood.

Regional Trade: Indonesia is courting West African partners, with 44 regional companies meeting Indonesian businesses to explore exports and joint ventures in agriculture, food, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and energy. The Gambia is among six countries targeted for closer trade ties. Tourism & Hospitality: Banjul is hosting WAFFEST through October 21, bringing culinary professionals from about 35 countries. The festival puts Gambian cuisine in the spotlight, with calls to turn the event into lasting tourism, skills and job opportunities. Agriculture: Thirteen young Gambians are set to train in advanced agriculture in Israel. An ActionAid study covering The Gambia and nine other African countries says agroecology can raise yields, lower costs and improve climate resilience, and urges greater public investment. Environment & Customs: The NEA has provided the GRA with refrigerant-testing equipment worth about US$20,000 to help customs identify mislabeled imports and enforce environmental rules. Clean Energy: Mbolo Association has launched a practical e-cooking guide based on household trials in rural Gambia, exploring electric cooking as a cleaner alternative to charcoal and firewood. Digital Payments: Sao Payment Global has expanded into Ghana; the company also operates in The Gambia and three other African markets.

Trade and Investment: Indonesia is courting West African partners, with 44 regional companies meeting Indonesian businesses to explore exports and joint ventures in sectors including agriculture, food, fisheries, manufacturing and energy. The Gambia is among six countries targeted for expanded trade. Food and Tourism: WAFFEST 2026 is bringing chefs from about 35 countries to Banjul through October 21, showcasing regional cuisine and the potential to grow tourism, hospitality skills and jobs. Agriculture: A new ActionAid study covering The Gambia and nine other African countries says agroecology can raise yields, cut reliance on costly imported inputs and improve climate resilience; Gambian advocates are urging greater public investment. Energy: The Mbolo Association and research partners launched an e-cooking guide based on community trials, exploring electric cooking as a cleaner, safer alternative to charcoal and firewood. Border Controls: The National Environment Agency gave customs refrigerant-testing equipment worth about US$20,000 to help detect mislabelled imports and enforce environmental rules.

Trade Links: Indonesia is seeking stronger commercial ties with The Gambia and five other West African countries, with businesses exploring partnerships in agriculture, food, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, energy and infrastructure. Food and Tourism: WAFFEST runs in Banjul through October 21, bringing chefs from about 35 countries to showcase regional cuisine and build opportunities in tourism, hospitality and employment. Farm Resilience: A new ActionAid study covering The Gambia and nine other African countries says agroecology can lift yields, cut farmers’ costs and improve resilience to climate shocks; local advocates are urging greater government investment. Clean Cooking: The Mbolo Association’s new e-cooking guide draws on community trials of electric appliances as a cleaner alternative to charcoal and firewood. Customs and Environment: The NEA has given the GRA about US$20,000 in refrigerant testing equipment to help customs identify mislabelled imports and enforce environmental rules. Agriculture Skills: Thirteen young Gambians are preparing for practical training at an advanced agriculture centre in Israel.

Environmental Compliance: The National Environment Agency has given customs refrigerant-testing equipment worth about US$20,000, donated by UNIDO, to help detect mislabeled imports and strengthen border enforcement. Tourism and Hospitality: WAFFEST runs in Banjul from October 15 to 21, bringing chefs from more than 30 countries to showcase West African cuisine and skills. Organisers say the festival can help grow culinary tourism and create opportunities for young people. Agriculture: A new ActionAid study covering The Gambia and nine other African countries says agroecology can raise yields, cut farmers’ reliance on costly imported inputs and improve climate resilience. Clean Cooking: The Mbolo Association has launched a practical e-cooking guide based on community trials, exploring electric cooking as a cleaner alternative to charcoal and firewood. Farm Skills: Thirteen young Gambians are set to take part in an agricultural internship in Israel, gaining practical training in advanced farming and agribusiness.

Food and Hospitality: The West African Food Festival is underway in The Gambia through October 21, with chefs from more than 30 countries showcasing regional cuisines and competing in cooking events. Nigeria’s delegation is using the Banjul festival to promote local ingredients and culinary traditions, highlighting opportunities for tourism and hospitality businesses. Clean Energy: Mbolo Association and research partners have launched an e-cooking guide based on community trials, promoting electric cooking as a cleaner alternative to charcoal and firewood. Agriculture: Thirteen young Gambians are set to gain practical training at an advanced agriculture centre in Israel, while local partners support community gardens and climate-smart farming. Tourism Investment: The Gambia Tourism Board has warned investors against acquiring land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorised sellers, urging buyers to verify land status directly with the Board. Farming: ActionAid The Gambia is calling for greater investment in agroecology, including support for organic fertiliser, to ease farmers’ input challenges and help reduce food insecurity.

Agriculture: Thirteen young Gambians are set to train in advanced farming in Israel, with the programme aimed at building practical skills and boosting local production. Farmers in Sabach Sanjal are also turning upland fields to rice as prices rise and households seek more affordable food. Clean Energy: Mbolo Association has launched a practical e-cooking guide based on community trials, exploring electric cooking as a cleaner alternative to charcoal and firewood. Energy Investment: Senegal is offering 104 oil and gas blocks to investors and seeking partners for a gas project that could supply power and fertiliser production. Digital Payments: Sao Payment Global has launched in Ghana, extending its network after entering The Gambia and three other African markets. Tourism and Food: The Gambia Tourism Board warns investors to verify land within the Tourism Development Area before buying; WAFFEST is also under way this week, bringing chefs and food professionals from more than 30 countries to Banjul.

Energy Investment: Senegal is offering 104 oil and gas blocks to investors, with plans to develop gas for power, fertiliser and industry and pursue a second refinery. Agriculture: Gambian advocates are urging investment in agroecology to cut food insecurity and reliance on imported fertiliser, while farmers in Sabach Sanjal are expanding upland rice fields to feed their families as rice prices fluctuate. Trade and Cooperation: The Gambia and Spain say they want bilateral agreements to deliver practical gains in trade and economic development; President Adama Barrow has also highlighted modern farming and equipment as priorities in cooperation with Russia. Tourism: The season’s first direct charter from London arrived with 139 passengers, raising hopes for more UK flights. The key test will be spreading tourism income beyond coastal resorts to local businesses and rural communities. Fisheries: A UNIDO-backed project in Tanji, Gunjur and Brufut is promoting climate-resilient fish processing, better post-harvest practices and waste management.

Economic Resilience: The African Caucus and IMF reaffirmed their partnership at the annual meetings, with The Gambia’s Finance Minister Seedy Keita chairing the caucus. They cited rising energy costs, debt pressures and declining aid as risks to growth. Trade and Cooperation: The Gambia and Spain called for bilateral agreements to deliver practical gains in trade and economic development; Spain has also donated patrol boats to support maritime surveillance. Fisheries: Ahead of President Barrow’s October 16 visit to Tanji, fisheries officials and local workers joined a clean-up linked to a project helping coastal businesses adapt to climate change and improve processing. Agriculture: Farmers in Sabach Sanjal are expanding upland rice cultivation as prices rise, aiming to feed their families and reduce reliance on bought rice. Tourism: The season’s first direct charter from London brought 139 visitors to Banjul, with the Tourism Board anticipating up to seven UK flights a week and a boost for local businesses.

Tourism Investment: The Gambia Tourism Board warned investors against buying land in the Tourism Development Area through unauthorized sellers, cautioning that such deals may not provide legal title. Food and Hospitality: Organisers say the West African Food Festival is ready to welcome more than 30 countries in Banjul from October 15 to 21, with cooking competitions and cultural events. Agriculture: Farmers in Sabach Sanjal are expanding upland rice cultivation to help feed their families as rice prices fluctuate and become less affordable. Fisheries: A climate-adaptation project at Tanji, Gunjur and Brufut aims to strengthen coastal fish-processing businesses, improve post-harvest practices and reduce waste. Tourism Season: The first UK charter flight of the 2026/2027 season brought 139 visitors to Banjul; the Tourism Board expects more connections and says about seven weekly UK flights may operate this season. Social Security: SSHFC is preparing a pilot scheme to extend social security protection to informal-sector workers, who make up a large share of the Gambian workforce. Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow hailed completion of the 200-kilometre Kabada roads project and promised electricity access for remaining communities in Lower River Region.

Food and Hospitality: Organisers say WAFFEST is ready to welcome more than 30 countries to The Gambia from October 15–21, with cooking competitions and events at GTHI and the conference centre in Bijilo. Tourism Investment: GTBoard warned buyers to verify land directly with the Board before purchasing in the Tourism Development Area, where unauthorised deals risk financial losses and title disputes. The Board also welcomed the first charter flight of the 2026/27 season, carrying 139 passengers from London. Social Protection: SSHFC is preparing a pilot of its Taye Sama scheme, extending social security coverage to informal-sector workers. Regional Trade: ECOWAS called for stronger cooperation on border management and cross-border development after a meeting in The Gambia. Agriculture and Fisheries: Farmers in Sabach Sanjal are turning upland fields to rice as prices rise, while a UNIDO-backed project is working to strengthen climate resilience and processing in coastal fishing communities. Infrastructure: President Barrow hailed the completion of 200km of Kabada roads and promised electricity for remaining communities in Lower River Region.

Regional Trade: ECOWAS is urging member states to strengthen border management and cooperation, with the aim of supporting cross-border development and freer movement across West Africa. Agriculture: Farmers in Sabach Sanjal are turning to upland rice as a way to feed their families amid fluctuating rice prices, shifting some fields from groundnuts to food production. Fisheries: Ahead of President Barrow’s October 16 visit to Tanji, fisheries officials and local workers highlighted a UNIDO-backed project to help coastal processors adapt to climate change and improve post-harvest practices. Tourism: The first charter flight of the 2026/27 season brought 139 passengers from London; the Tourism Board expects more UK connections, with about seven weekly flights possible, and says benefits should reach communities beyond the coast. Infrastructure and Power: Barrow has hailed completion of the 200km Kabada roads and promised full electrification of remaining Lower River Region communities.

Agriculture: As rice prices rise, farmers in Sabach Sanjal are turning upland fields once used for cash crops into rice farms to feed their families. Tourism: The first London charter flight of the 2026/27 season brought 139 visitors to Banjul, with about seven UK flights a week expected; the challenge is spreading tourism income beyond the coast. Fisheries: A climate-adaptation project in Tanji, Gunjur and Brufut aims to strengthen fish processing, reduce waste and build more resilient coastal businesses. Energy: Two 10.5MW generators arrived at Banjul Port on October 5, with commissioning expected by the end of the month as the country tackles power shortages.