Agribusiness & Water Security: ROOTS Project handed over the Jahally-Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, aiming to boost rice productivity and support The Gambia’s rice self-sufficiency agenda by 2030. Creative Industry Boost: NCAC convened over 30 stakeholders to push growth in The Gambia’s creative sector, urging young artists to treat their craft as a serious economic driver. Maritime & Legal Reform: Nigeria’s Chief Justice called for stronger legal protection for the maritime sector, while Nigeria’s SGF pledged to translate maritime seminar resolutions into policy and legislation—signals for regional shipping governance. Energy & Regional Infrastructure: ECOWAS-backed progress on the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) continues, with the intergovernmental agreement signed in Freetown—route includes The Gambia. Border & Farming Disruption: Farmers along the Gambia–Senegal border are abandoning prepared fields due to renewed security fears and boundary uncertainty. Local Environment & Urban Risk: Banjul Mayor Lowe sounded the alarm over sand mining, linking it to coastal erosion, flooding risk, and threats to fishing and tourism. Tech & Business Innovation: Marong Analytica highlights AI and robotics work that could improve agricultural automation and sorting efficiency. International Trade Rules for Fisheries: WTO Fish Fund approved $2.2m in grants to help countries implement the fisheries subsidies agreement, including reporting and regulatory strengthening.
AGP Executive Report
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Creative Industry Boost: NCAC hosted “artists without borders” in Fajara, bringing together musicians, filmmakers, dancers, writers and students, with MOTAC urging young creatives to treat music and the arts as a serious economic and cultural driver. Irrigation & Rice Production: ROOTS Project handed over the Jahally–Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, targeting better water management to support The Gambia’s rice self-sufficiency agenda by 2030. Local Governance & Environment: Banjul Mayor Lowe warned sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and flooding, calling for stricter, transparent permit controls to protect fishing and tourism. Made in The Gambia Roadmap: Stakeholders validated the revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037, a 10-year push to strengthen value chains, MSMEs and export growth. Agrifood Sector Skills: Youth, Parliament and partners discussed how to transform Gambia’s agrifood sector, with emphasis on youth leadership. Border Farming Disruption: Farmers in border communities are abandoning prepared fields due to uncertainty from the Gambia–Senegal boundary dispute and recent security tensions. Regional Energy Integration: ECOWAS backed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with the planned route expected to pass through The Gambia and other West African states. Public Health & Waste: Officials warned poor waste management could turn the rainy season into a public health crisis, urging better household disposal and stronger municipal collection. Tech & AI for Industry: Gambian entrepreneur Bakary Marong is building AI and robotics solutions aimed at improving business automation and agricultural harvesting efficiency.
Waste & Public Health: A Gambian official warned that rainy-season relief can quickly turn into a public health crisis if blocked drains, overflowing bins and stagnant water are left unchecked, urging households to separate waste and councils to improve collection and disposal. Border & Sovereignty: Tensions with Senegal flared again after Senegalese troops demolished part of a Gambian military fence at Bullock, prompting calls for calm and renewed diplomacy as farmers in border areas reportedly abandon fields over security fears. Maritime & Trade Justice: Nigeria’s Chief Justice called for stronger legal protection and faster, trusted maritime dispute resolution to boost investment, while Nigeria’s marine ministry urged the judiciary to prepare for new cases tied to autonomous ships and digital shipping. Regional Energy (AAGP): ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a corridor expected to run through The Gambia and other Atlantic states, with construction targeted to start in 2028. Agrifood Jobs for Youth: A youth-parliament retreat pushed practical steps to modernise The Gambia’s agrifood sector and expand youth participation, linking agriculture transformation to jobs and skills. Local Environment (Sand Mining): Banjul’s mayor warned that sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and flooding risks, calling for stricter, transparent permit controls. Governance & Finance: The National Audit Office said government owes over D8.5bn in unpaid subscribed capital contributions, highlighting pressure on public financial discipline. ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS approved new commissioners and judges for 2026–2030, including Awa Bah of The Gambia as a judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Cooperatives Reform: The cooperative sector is set for an upgraded legal framework to better regulate diverse cooperative types and strengthen governance, supervision and member protection.
Border Tensions Impact Farming: Farmers along The Gambia–Senegal border are abandoning prepared fields after the July Bullock fence demolition and fears of renewed cross-border security operations, leaving communities in limbo and harvests at risk. Regional Energy Push: ECOWAS heads signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a roughly $25bn, 6,000–6,900km project expected to move up to 30 bcm of gas annually across 13 countries including The Gambia, with construction targeted from 2028. Local Industry Roadmap: Stakeholders validated The Gambia’s revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan (2027–2037), aiming to boost value addition, MSMEs, local value chains, and export growth under the “Produce and Consume Local” agenda. Public Finance Pressure: The National Audit Office says government owes over D8.5bn in unpaid subscribed capital contributions, with arrears building after defaults and no payments for more than two years. Banjul Sand Mining Alarm: Banjul’s Mayor Lowe warned sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and threatening flooding, fishing, and tourism, calling for tighter, transparent permit regulation. Co-op Sector Update: The revised cooperative legislation is set to broaden the legal framework for cooperative types, strengthen governance and supervision, and support a more resilient cooperative movement.
ECOWAS Energy Push: ECOWAS leaders in Freetown signed off the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), a roughly $25bn, 6,000–6,900km corridor expected to move 30bcm of gas annually and pass through The Gambia among other countries, with construction targeted to start in 2028. Regional Appointments: ECOWAS also approved a new 2026–2030 lineup, including Awa Bah of The Gambia as a judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and new commissioners for the ECOWAS Commission. Gambia Industrial Roadmap: Stakeholders validated the revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037, aiming to boost local value chains, MSMEs, product quality and export access under the “Produce and Consume Local” agenda. Border Tensions Watch: Gambian soldiers at Darsilami were put on high alert after rumours of possible Senegalese action following the Bullock border fence demolition, while officials urged calm and diplomacy. Co-op Sector Reform: The cooperative movement is set for a stronger legal framework as revised cooperative legislation and a national cooperative policy move forward to improve governance and member protection.
Regional Energy & Infrastructure: ECOWAS has endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000–6,900km project expected to move 30bcm of gas annually and run through The Gambia and 12 other countries, with construction targeted to start in 2028. ECOWAS Governance: ECOWAS approved new appointments for 2026–2030, including Gambia’s Awa Bah as a judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and new commissioners and institution heads. Local Industry Roadmap: Stakeholders validated The Gambia’s revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037, aiming to cut import dependence, boost value addition, strengthen local value chains, and expand exports. Border Tensions: Gambian soldiers at Darsilami were put on high alert after rumours of possible Senegalese action, following the Bullock fence demolition; officials praised restraint and pushed for diplomatic resolution. Women & Skills: Ambassador Liu Jin highlighted women’s empowerment as a national development driver, while youth-parliament discussions focused on transforming Gambia’s agrifood systems and boosting youth participation.
ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS approved new leadership across its institutions for 2026–2030, including Ghana’s Amin Suleiman as Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, plus new commissioners and judges. Energy Corridor: ECOWAS also signed off on the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with Gambia’s foreign minister welcoming the Intergovernmental Agreement as a boost for regional energy integration. Gambia–Senegal Border Tension: Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bullock border camp fence, prompting Gambian calls for calm and restraint and renewed diplomacy to prevent escalation. Agrifood Push for Youth: A youth-parliament retreat urged transforming Gambia’s agrifood sector through modern, tech-driven farming and stronger CAADP implementation. Cooperatives Reform: The cooperative movement is entering a new era as revised legislation aims to broaden regulation beyond traditional agricultural co-ops. Digital Finance Growth: Wave Gambia highlighted rapid progress in financial inclusion as mobile money expands access nationwide. Petroleum Commission Revenue: Gambia’s Petroleum Commission reported over US$1m earned from upstream activities in 2025. Coastal Resilience Works: Residents along Kotu Stream raised concerns over WACA ResIP 2 impacts as the rainy season approaches, with project management responding.
ECOWAS Energy Push: ECOWAS leaders in Freetown backed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, signing the Intergovernmental Agreement and framing it as a major boost for regional energy security and industrial growth. Gambia–Senegal Border Tensions: Gambian officials praised soldiers’ restraint after Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bullock border camp fence, while Banjul called the act “provocative” and urged diplomacy to prevent escalation. Telecom Modernisation: A GAMCEL–YCELL partnership is set to modernise The Gambia’s mobile network with a GMD6.1 billion agreement aimed at improving service quality and digital inclusion. Made-in-The-Gambia Strategy: Government validated a revised 10-year “made in The Gambia” strategy to strengthen local value chains, MSMEs, and product quality for measurable industrial results. Financial Inclusion Gains: Wave Gambia highlighted rapid growth in mobile money as FinScope data shows financial inclusion rising sharply to 82% by 2025. Agrifood Resilience: Justice for All Union acquired borehole drilling machines to support year-round farming and reduce reliance on seasonal rainfall. Petroleum Revenue Update: The Petroleum Commission reported earning over US$1m from upstream activities in 2025, including payments for seismic and geological data. Quality Infrastructure: Gambia Standards Bureau validated a new 5-year strategic blueprint to strengthen standards and conformity assessment for industry. Diaspora Politics: UDP flag-bearer Ousainu Darboe pledged diaspora voting rights and deeper inclusion, linking trust to transparency and fair play. WACA ResIP 2 Response: WACA management addressed concerns from residents along Kotu Stream as the coastal resilience project moves into its next phase.
Made-in-The-Gambia Push: The government validated a revised 10-year “made in The Gambia” strategy aimed at turning local production into a measurable engine for value addition, better quality, wider market access, and stronger MSME competitiveness. Quality Infrastructure: The Gambia Standards Bureau (TGSB) shared plans to operationalise its strategic blueprint using a balanced scorecard, targeting standards and conformity services to support industrial growth. Energy & Power Reliability: NAWEC said outages in parts of Greater Banjul and Brikama are linked to overloaded feeders, faulty transformers, and reduced imports from Senegal, with the Tranquil feeder and Jamisa transformer highlighted. Petroleum Revenue & Oversight: The Petroleum Commission reported earning over US$1m from upstream activities in 2025, while FPAC flagged spending of over D7m on travel and training under an unapproved regulatory framework. Digital Finance Growth: Wave Gambia said mobile money is driving financial inclusion, citing a sharp rise in formal inclusion to 82% in 2025. Agriculture for Year-Round Farming: Justice for All Union bought borehole drilling machines to expand irrigation and cut reliance on seasonal rainfall. Regional Logistics Boost: ECOWAS commissioned the Logistics Depot in Lungi, strengthening regional preparedness and emergency response. Tourism Land Clarity: GTBoard stakeholders were briefed on the legal framework for the Tourism Development Area, including government ownership and GTBoard’s administration role. Banking Recognition: Access Bank won 16 Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026 across digital banking, SME support, customer experience, and sustainable finance.
Border Tensions: Senior Gambian officials visited the Bullock Military Border Post after Senegalese troops demolished over 200 meters of perimeter fencing, with Banjul calling the act “provocative” and insisting on diplomacy over force. Local Industry Strategy: Government validated a revised 10-year “made in The Gambia” strategy aimed at turning local production into measurable economic transformation, with support for value addition, MSMEs, and the Made in The Gambia brand. Quality & Standards: The Gambia Standards Bureau validated a new 5-year strategic blueprint to strengthen standards and conformity assessment, targeting better product quality and support for industrial development. Energy Reliability: NAWEC said power outages in parts of Greater Banjul and Brikama stem from overloaded feeders, faulty transformers, and occasional import reductions from Senegal. Agrifood & Water for Farmers: Justice for All Union acquired borehole drilling machines to push year-round farming and reduce reliance on seasonal rains. Petroleum Oversight: FPAC reported the Petroleum Commission spent over D7.6m on travel and other items under an unapproved regulatory framework. Digital Finance: Wave Gambia highlighted rapid gains in financial inclusion, citing mobile money’s role in expanding access across the country. IP for Startups: WIPO/ARIPO urged Gambian businesses to pair company registration with intellectual property protection to attract investment and compete better.
Made-in-The-Gambia Push: The government validated a revised 10-year “made in The Gambia” strategy aimed at boosting local production, value addition, and MSME competitiveness, with a roadmap to deliver measurable results. Quality & Standards: The Gambia Standards Bureau validated its new 5-year strategic blueprint to strengthen standards and conformity assessment, supporting industrial growth through better quality. Energy Reliability: NAWEC blamed recurring Greater Banjul and Brikama outages on overloaded feeders, faulty transformers, and reduced power imports from Senegal. Petroleum Oversight: The Petroleum Commission earned over $1m from upstream activities in 2025, but FPAC also flagged spending over D7m on travel and training under an unapproved regulatory framework. Agriculture & Water for Farmers: Justice for All Union acquired borehole drilling machines to support year-round farming and reduce reliance on seasonal rains. Digital Finance: Wave Gambia highlighted how mobile money is driving historic gains in financial inclusion. Regional Logistics: ECOWAS commissioned the Logistics Depot in Lungi, strengthening regional emergency response and preparedness. Tourism Land Rules: GTBoard stakeholders discussed the legal framework governing the Tourism Development Area and land administration responsibilities.
Immigration Enforcement: Britain’s Home Office arrested 10 Evri delivery workers in a crackdown on suspected illegal employment, with fines up to £60,000 per worker for failed right-to-work checks; among those detained were people from Gambia, Ghana and Pakistan. Made-in-Gambia Push: The government validated a revised 10-year “made in The Gambia” strategy aimed at turning local production into measurable industrial growth, with value addition, better quality, market access and stronger MSME support. Youth Agrifood Focus: Hon. Sulayman Jammeh told youth to lead agrifood systems, urging innovation, climate-smart farming, digital tools and better access to finance. Water for Farming: Justice for All Union bought two borehole drilling machines to enable year-round irrigation and reduce reliance on seasonal rainfall. Energy & Power Reliability: NAWEC blamed Greater Banjul and Brikama outages on overloaded feeders, faulty transformers and occasional reduced imports from Senegal. Petroleum Accountability: The Petroleum Commission reported earning over US$1m from upstream activities in 2025, while FPAC flagged D7m+ travel and other spending without approved regulations. Quality Infrastructure: The Gambia Standards Bureau validated a new strategic plan to strengthen standards and conformity assessment for industry competitiveness. Maritime Law Link: NSC and NJI plan an international maritime seminar in Abuja (22–24 July) with judges from The Gambia and other countries. Digital Finance Gains: Wave Gambia highlighted mobile money’s role in expanding financial inclusion, citing FinScope findings. Tourism Land Rules: GTBoard sensitised stakeholders on the legal framework for the Tourism Development Area and institutional responsibilities. Regional Mobility: Gambia published its 2026 visa-free entry list for ECOWAS citizens. IP for Startups: WIPO/ARIPO meeting urged Gambian businesses to pair business registration with intellectual property protection. Coastal Resilience: WACA responded to residents’ concerns along Kotu Stream ahead of the rainy season.
Agrifood & Youth Skills: Hon. Sulayman Jammeh urged Gambian youth to lead agrifood systems, calling for innovation, climate-smart farming, digital tools and better access to finance. Irrigation & Farming Inputs: Justice for All Union bought borehole drilling machines to push year-round farming and cut reliance on seasonal rains. Local Industry Push: Government validated a revised 10-year “made in The Gambia” strategy aimed at boosting local production, value addition and MSME competitiveness. Digital Finance Boom: Wave Gambia says mobile money is driving record financial inclusion, with formal inclusion rising sharply in recent survey findings. Energy & Power Reliability: NAWEC blamed outages in parts of Greater Banjul and Brikama on overloaded feeders, faulty transformers and reduced imports from Senegal. Oil Sector Oversight: The Petroleum Commission reported earning over US$1m from upstream activities in 2025, while FPAC flagged spending over D7m on travel and training under an unapproved framework. Telecom Modernisation: YCELL and GAMTEL signed a GMD6.1bn network modernisation deal to expand 4G/LTE and 5G and upgrade core systems. Maritime Legal Capacity: NSC and NJI will host an international maritime seminar for judges in Abuja, with regional chief justices including The Gambia. Tourism Land Rules: GTBoard stakeholders discussed the legal framework for the Tourism Development Area and clarified institutional roles and land ownership. IP for Startups: WIPO/ARIPO urged Gambian businesses to register and protect intellectual property to attract investment. Visa-Free Travel Update: Immigration published 2026 visa-free entry rules for ECOWAS citizens.
Made-in-The-Gambia Push: The government has unveiled a revised 10-year “made in The Gambia” strategy to boost local industry, focusing on value addition, better product quality, market access, and stronger MSME value chains. Digital Finance Leap: Wave Gambia says mobile money is driving a major jump in financial inclusion, citing FinScope results showing formal inclusion rising sharply since 2019. Telecom Upgrade Deal: YCELL and GAMTEL signed a GMD6.1 billion network modernisation agreement, including 4G/5G rollout, core system upgrades, fraud controls, and hybrid power for tower sites. Quality Infrastructure Planning: The Gambia Standards Bureau validated a new strategic plan to strengthen standards and conformity assessment, using a balanced scorecard for execution. Energy Reliability Update: NAWEC attributes recent Greater Banjul and Brikama outages to overloaded feeders, faulty transformers, and reduced imports from Senegal. Maritime Legal Capacity: NSC and NJI will host an international maritime seminar for judges in Abuja (22–24 July), with participation from senior courts across West Africa including The Gambia. Tourism Land Governance: GTBoard stakeholders were sensitised on the legal framework for the Tourism Development Area, clarifying government ownership and GTBoard’s administration role. Petroleum Oversight: Parliament’s FPAC says the Petroleum Commission spent over D7.6m on travel and other items under an unapproved regulatory framework. Youth in Agrifood: Hon. Sulayman Jammeh urged youth to lead agrifood systems through innovation, climate-smart farming, digital tools, and better access to finance. Visa-Free Entry Update: Immigration published 2026 visa-free entry rules for ECOWAS citizens, plus extra privileges for four suspended states. Creative Industry Loss: NCAC paid tribute to veteran graphic designer and publisher Ruth Carrol, known for major logos and book design.
Telecom Modernisation: YCELL and GAMTEL signed a GMD6.1 billion Share Investment and Network Modernisation deal to upgrade GAMCEL with 4G/LTE and 5G, new core systems, fraud controls, hybrid power at tower sites, and a new headquarters—aimed at boosting connectivity and the digital economy. Energy Reliability: NAWEC says Greater Banjul and Brikama outages are driven by overloaded feeders like the Tranquil feeder, faulty transformers (including the Jamisa transformer), and occasional lower electricity imports from Senegal. Tourism Land Governance: The Gambia Tourism Board ran a stakeholder workshop clarifying the legal status and administration of the Tourism Development Area (TDA), stressing that TDA land is government-owned and GTBoard manages it on government’s behalf. Petroleum Sector Capacity: The Petroleum Commission of The Gambia and Ghana signed an MoU to strengthen regulatory cooperation and technical knowledge sharing as The Gambia moves toward the next phase of petroleum development. Business & IP Support: A WIPO/ARIPO session urged Gambian startups and businesses to pair company registration with intellectual property protection to attract investment and protect innovations. ECOWAS Mobility: Immigration published the 2026 visa-free entry list for ECOWAS citizens, plus extra entry privileges for four suspended states under a separate arrangement. Youth Jobs Focus: ECOWAS Parliament’s engagement in The Gambia highlighted unemployment, weak vocational training, and low incomes as key drivers of irregular migration, calling for more decent jobs and tighter anti-trafficking laws.
Telecom Investment: GAMTEL and YCELL signed a GMD6.1 billion network modernisation deal, with YCELL taking an 80% stake in GAMCEL and pledging upgrades to 4G/LTE and 5G, core systems, revenue assurance, and hybrid power for tower sites. Tourism Land Governance: GTBoard held a stakeholder workshop clarifying the legal status of the Tourism Development Area, stressing that TDA land is government-owned and GTBoard administers it on behalf of the state. Energy Reliability: NAWEC said Greater Banjul and Brikama outages are driven by overloaded feeders, faulty transformers (including the Jamisa transformer), and occasional reduced electricity imports from Senegal. Petroleum Sector Capacity: The Petroleum Commissions of The Gambia and Ghana signed an MoU to strengthen regulatory cooperation and technical knowledge sharing as The Gambia moves toward the next exploration and development phase. Business & Innovation Support: A WIPO/ARIPO session urged Gambian startups and businesses to pair company registration with intellectual property protection to attract investment and protect innovations. Regional Jobs Push: ECOWAS Parliament urged West African governments to create decent youth jobs and tighten anti-trafficking laws, citing unemployment and weak vocational access as drivers of irregular migration. Visa Access Update: The Gambia published its 2026 visa-free entry list for ECOWAS citizens, plus a separate arrangement for four additional suspended states.
Gambia–Indonesia Food Security Push: The two countries’ Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation prioritised agriculture and food security, focusing on rice irrigation, mechanisation, agro-processing and technology transfer through the Agricultural Rural Farmers Training Centre. Telecom Modernisation Deal: GAMTEL and YCELL signed a GMD6.1bn network modernisation agreement, with YCELL taking an 80% stake in GAMCEL and plans to roll out 4G/LTE and 5G, upgrade core systems, and strengthen revenue assurance and fraud controls. Petroleum Governance Cooperation: The Petroleum Commission of The Gambia and Ghana signed an MoU to boost regulatory capacity, technical knowledge sharing and institutional collaboration as both countries prepare for the next phase of petroleum development. Electricity Theft Rules Validated: Draft Electricity anti-theft and infrastructure protection regulations were validated with broad stakeholder participation, aiming to curb vandalism and protect critical power assets. Tourism Regulation Workshop: GTBoard convened stakeholders to sensitise them on the legal status and administration of the Tourism Development Area, clarifying roles to support investment and tourism growth. Intellectual Property for Investors: A WIPO/ARIPO-supported meeting urged Gambian businesses and startups to secure IP protection alongside business registration to attract investment and improve competitiveness. ECOWAS Jobs Agenda: The ECOWAS Parliament urged member states to create decent youth jobs and strengthen anti-trafficking laws, citing unemployment and weak training as key drivers of irregular migration. Healthcare Equipment Support: ECOWAS delivered $3.4m worth of ambulances and medical equipment to The Gambia to strengthen emergency and specialised care. Locust Alert in the Region: FAO reports an upsurge of desert locusts in Northwest Africa, with Morocco the main hotspot and Sahel countries preparing for possible summer migrations. Visa Access Update: Botswana published its 2026 visa-free entry list, including Gambia among the limited African countries eligible.
Intellectual Property for Growth: WIPO/ARIPO urged Gambian businesses and startups to register and protect trademarks, patents, industrial designs and copyrights to unlock investment and competitiveness. Human Rights Watch: NHRC chair Joof warned that overcrowded prisons, prolonged pretrial detention, excessive force, and abuses against women and girls remain major risks to national stability. Telecom Modernisation: GAMTEL and YCELL signed a GMD6.1bn network upgrade deal, with YCELL taking an 80% stake in GAMCEL and investing in 4G/5G rollout, core systems, fraud controls and hybrid power for towers. Petroleum Governance: The Petroleum Commission of The Gambia and Ghana signed MoUs to strengthen upstream regulation, capacity building and technical knowledge sharing as both countries prepare for the next exploration phase. Electricity Protection Rules: PURA validated draft regulations to curb electricity theft, vandalism and protect critical infrastructure, with regulators and stakeholders reviewing enforcement roles. Tourism Development Area: GTBoard convened stakeholders to clarify the legal status and administration of the Tourism Development Area, aiming to improve coordination and investment confidence. ECOWAS Jobs Push: ECOWAS Parliament, after youth engagement in The Gambia, called for decent jobs and tougher anti-trafficking laws to curb irregular migration. Waste Collection Tensions: Banjul City Council adjourned after heated debate over delays in waste collection while councillors considered a Mile 2 dumpsite rehabilitation contract. Energy Investment Talk: Dangote pledged major funding to accelerate Gambia’s energy infrastructure projects, reinforcing momentum for power sector expansion.
Telecom Modernisation: YCELL and GAMTEL signed a GMD6.1 billion Share Investment and Network Modernisation deal, with YCELL taking an 80% stake in GAMCEL and funding 4G/LTE and 5G upgrades, new digital platforms, hybrid power for towers, and fraud-revenue systems. Petroleum Governance: The Petroleum Commission of The Gambia and Ghana’s Petroleum Commission signed MoUs to strengthen upstream regulation, data management, compliance, and capacity building as both countries prepare for the next exploration phase. Electricity Protection: PURA’s Electricity anti-theft and Infrastructure Protection Regulations draft was validated with NAWEC, licensed providers, security and judiciary stakeholders, aiming to curb vandalism and protect critical grid assets. Tourism Regulation & Skills: GTBoard ran a stakeholder sensitisation workshop on the legal status and administration of the Tourism Development Area, while the Tourism Minister pushed GTHI reforms and a wider arts/creative sector revival. Health Systems Boost: ECOWAS, via AfDB support, handed over about $3.4m in ambulances and medical equipment to strengthen emergency and diagnostic care. Jobs & Migration: ECOWAS Parliament urged West African governments to prioritise decent youth jobs, citing unemployment and weak training as key drivers of irregular migration. Urban Services: Banjul City Council adjourned after a heated debate over waste collection delays and the Mile 2 dumpsite rehabilitation contract. Air Connectivity: ValueJet announced plans to induct its first Boeing aircraft to expand passenger capacity and routes, including services reaching Banjul.
Petroleum Governance: The Gambia and Ghana signed a petroleum cooperation MoU between their regulators to boost upstream regulation, capacity building, and technical knowledge sharing as The Gambia moves toward the next phase of exploration. Electricity Security: PURA’s draft Electricity anti-theft and Infrastructure Protection Regulations were validated with MDAs, utilities, and security bodies, aiming to curb power theft and protect critical grid assets. Health Systems Support: ECOWAS handed over 10 ambulances and medical equipment worth about $3.4m to The Gambia under an AfDB-funded COVID-19 resilience project, including training and upgraded emergency and diagnostic capacity. Tourism Regulation & Jobs: GTBoard ran a stakeholder sensitisation on the Tourism Development Area’s legal framework, while ECOWAS Parliament urged West African governments to create decent youth jobs and tighten anti-trafficking laws to reduce irregular migration. Food & Agriculture Cooperation: The Gambia-Indonesia commission set priorities for food security, including rice production, irrigation, mechanisation, agro-processing, and value addition. Climate & Water Risk: A report highlights saltwater intrusion damaging Gambian farming, and another notes ECOWAS’ launch of solar-powered water stations to improve access to safe drinking water. Energy & Industry Politics: An NDP leader pledged healthcare and agriculture reforms and more training for youths, and the tourism minister pushed a creative-sector revival through GTHI upgrades and arts integration.
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