AGP Executive Report

Livestock & Food Safety: The Philippines has ordered a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and related products from at least 23 countries, including The Gambia, after lab-confirmed foot-and-mouth disease reports. Energy Costs: The Gambia approved new retail fuel pump prices effective Sept. 1, with petrol at D109.80/litre, diesel at D120/litre and kerosene at D112.64/litre, citing higher international crude and refined product prices. Transport & Trade: Sanyang Beachside Road (EPC Lot 9) was inaugurated to boost coastal connectivity, support the planned deep-sea port, and unlock trade, tourism and investment. Higher Education Financing: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens online applications on Sept. 15 (deadline Sept. 30) for interest-free tuition loans for students at UTG, CSU, UEG and USET. Science & Innovation Policy: MoHERST advanced a draft National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy 2027–2035 and an STI Bill 2026, aiming to fix past gaps via better funding, coordination and an STI Secretariat. Markets Regulation: A bill to create a comprehensive law regulating Gambia’s markets has passed First Reading and heads to committee for the September session.

Livestock & Trade Controls: The Philippines has ordered a temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and related products from at least 23 countries, including Gambia, after lab-confirmed foot-and-mouth disease reports. Digital Government & Identity: Gabon is looking to Rwanda for help building a digital government ecosystem, including online public services, civil registration and identity, AI policy, and cybersecurity. Digital Economy Push in The Gambia: EFF-Gambia leader Prince Ebrahim Sanyang says broadband should be treated as an economic right, with tech hubs in every region and full digitisation of government services to cut corruption. Regional Diplomacy for Industry: President Adama Barrow concluded a visit to Guinea focused on cooperation across agriculture, trade, energy, fisheries, tourism, science and technology. ECOWAS Leadership Change: Senegal’s Birame Diop has taken over as President of the ECOWAS Commission, inheriting priorities like connectivity and the Eco single currency. Energy Costs: The Gambia approved new retail fuel pump prices, with petrol at D109.80/litre and diesel at D120/litre, citing higher international crude and refined product prices. Transport & Connectivity: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated to boost coastal access and support future trade links, including the planned deep-sea port. Higher Education Financing: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications on September 15 for interest-free tuition support via an online platform. Science & Innovation Policy: MoHERST advanced a draft National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2027–2035) and an STI Bill 2026 to strengthen research, innovation, and university-industry collaboration. Markets Regulation: A bill to regulate and manage Gambia’s markets has passed first reading and is set for committee consideration in the September session. Ports & Power Integration: West Africa is expanding cross-border electricity links (4,000km+) to widen access, while ports are urged to cut waiting times through better coordination.

Digital & Telecoms: Liberia’s LTA is rolling out a Consumer Support Center in Buchanan as part of a wider push to bring telecom services and oversight closer to people. Agribusiness & Biosecurity: The Philippines has banned imports of animals and products susceptible to Foot and Mouth Disease from at least 23 countries, including The Gambia, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks. Energy & Costs: The Gambia approved new retail fuel pump prices, with petrol at D109.80/litre, diesel at D120/litre and kerosene at D112.64/litre, blaming higher international oil and refined product costs. Transport & Infrastructure: Sanyang Beachside Road (EPC Lot 9) was inaugurated to boost coastal connectivity and support future trade links, including the planned deep-sea port corridor. Higher Education Finance & Innovation: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications on Sept 15 (interest-free tuition support), while MoHERST is validating a new National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2027–2035) and STI Bill 2026. Markets & Governance: A bill to regulate and manage Gambia’s markets has passed First Reading, aiming for cleaner, safer, better-organised trading spaces. Regional Finance Security: ECOWAS appointed Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow as GIABA Director-General to strengthen anti–money laundering and counter-terror financing systems. Electricity Integration: A World Bank update says West Africa has expanded cross-border power links by over 4,000km, improving access for millions including in The Gambia.

Road & Connectivity: Sanyang Beachside Road (EPC Lot 9) was inaugurated, with President Barrow linking better coastal access to jobs, trade, tourism and future deep-sea port connectivity. Higher Education Finance & Innovation: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications Sept. 15 (interest-free tuition support for eligible students at UTG, CSU, UEG and USET). MoHERST also validated a new National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2027–2035) and STI Bill 2026 to fix past gaps in funding, coordination and legal frameworks. Energy Costs: Gambia raised retail fuel pump prices effective Sept. 1, citing higher international crude and refined product costs and Middle East supply uncertainty. Markets & Public Health: A bill to regulate and standardise Gambia’s markets advanced to First Reading, while recent inspections again highlighted poor sanitation and waste management at major markets. Regional Finance & Compliance: ECOWAS appointed Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow as GIABA Director-General to strengthen anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing. Youth & Jobs: EFF-Gambia renewed its push on poverty and unemployment with plans spanning food security, agriculture support, fishing, healthcare and infrastructure. Sports Logistics: Determine Girls FC says it faces an accommodation crisis in Gambia after being told to vacate its hotel while return flights remain scheduled.

Fuel Prices & Energy Costs: The Gambia approved new retail pump prices effective Sept. 1, with petrol at D109.80/litre, diesel at D120 and kerosene at D112.64, citing higher international crude and refined product prices plus Middle East supply uncertainty. Parliament & Consumer Protection: The National Assembly resumes Sept. 7, with lawmakers set to consider bills including Competition and Consumer Protection, Cyber Crime, and the Gambia Immigration Bill, alongside 2027 revenue and expenditure estimates. Markets Regulation: Serekunda lawmaker Musa Cham tabled a bill to create a comprehensive law regulating and managing all markets, aiming for safer, cleaner trading spaces and clearer responsibilities for authorities. Water & Power Operations: The GIRAV project donated four Toyota pickup vehicles to NAWEC to boost field operations and improve WASH delivery, alongside smart meter rollout to cut losses and improve accountability. Tourism Push: The Gambia Tourism Board will join Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept. 13–15) to expand its tourism footprint, with a Sept. 12 promotional reception and a focus on MICE opportunities. Regional Finance Leadership: Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow has assumed office as GIABA Director-General, tasked with strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing across West Africa. Regional Power Integration: The World Bank reports West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links by over 4,000km, improving access for millions including in The Gambia.

Fuel Prices & Energy Costs: The Gambia has raised retail pump prices effective Sept. 1, with petrol at D109.80/litre, diesel at D120 and kerosene at D112.64, citing higher international crude and refined product costs and Middle East supply uncertainty. Parliament & Consumer Protection: The National Assembly resumes Monday, with lawmakers set to consider bills including a Competition and Consumer Protection Bill, a Cyber Crime Bill, and a Gambia Immigration Bill, alongside budget scrutiny for 2027. Markets & Public Health: A bill to regulate and manage all Gambia markets has been tabled after concerns over unclear rules and sanitation problems; separate reporting highlights ongoing poor market sanitation and calls for stronger council accountability and trader cooperation. Regional Finance Leadership: Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow has assumed office as GIABA Director-General, tasked with strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing across West Africa. Agriculture & Water Services: The GIRAV project donated four Toyota pickup vehicles to NAWEC to boost field operations, alongside smart meter rollout to improve water and electricity efficiency. Tourism Push: The Gambia Tourism Board will take part in Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept. 13–15) to expand its tourism footprint, with a Destination Gambia reception on Sept. 12. Maritime & Trade Efficiency: West Africa’s ports and regional power links remain in focus, including calls to cut waiting costs and World Bank-backed grid expansion reaching over 4,000km.

GIABA Leadership: Gambian financial economist Mam Cherno Jallow has assumed office as Director-General of ECOWAS’ GIABA, tasked with strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing across West Africa. Port & Logistics Efficiency: A report highlights how West African ports lose money when ships wait at anchor, pointing to better coordination models like Rotterdam’s PortXchange that cut waiting times and improve predictability. Power & Industry Supply: The World Bank says West Africa has expanded cross-border electricity links by over 4,000km, boosting access for millions including The Gambia and supporting regional power trade. Tourism Push: The Gambia Tourism Board is set to boost its Nigeria footprint at Akwaaba 2026 in Lagos, with a Destination Gambia reception and a focus on MICE. Water & Sanitation Operations: Under the GIRAV project, NAWEC received four Toyota pickup vehicles to strengthen rural WASH field work, alongside smart meter rollout plans. Drug Enforcement: DLEAG reports a major seizure in The Gambia—9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a suspected drug-processing machine—raising concerns about synthetic drug production. Parliament & Competition: The National Assembly resumes Monday, with bills including Competition and Consumer Protection and a Cyber Crime Bill on the agenda.

ECOWAS–Sahel Reconnect: Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister urged the new ECOWAS leadership to intensify dialogue with AES countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) and push Vision 2050, with peace, trade and infrastructure at the core. Parliament Watch: The National Assembly resumes Monday, 7 Sept, to debate key bills including Competition and Consumer Protection, Cyber Crime and Gambia Immigration, plus the 2027 revenue and expenditure estimates. GIABA Leadership: Gambian economist Mam Cherno Jallow has taken over as GIABA Director-General, tasked with strengthening regional action against money laundering and terrorist financing. Market Sanitation Push: Ministers flagged worsening sanitation at major markets, calling for real waste-management accountability from councils and market users, not just temporary clean-ups. Tourism Deal-Making: The Gambia Tourism Board will attend Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept 13–15) to grow business links and promote a MICE tourism push. Water & Power Support: GIRAV Project donated four Toyota pickup vehicles to NAWEC to boost field operations, alongside smart-meter rollout plans. Drug Enforcement: DLEAG arrested a Nigerian man in The Gambia with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a suspected drug-processing machine. Cybersecurity Certification: Cybernovr secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system. Maritime Standards: IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority partnered on training to strengthen seafarer certification assessment quality across West Africa.

NAWEC Support via GIRAV: The Gambia Inclusive and Resilient Agricultural Value Chain (GIRAV) Project handed over four Toyota pickup vehicles to NAWEC to boost field operations and improve WASH service delivery, alongside a wider push that includes smart meters to cut losses and improve accountability. Tourism Push in Nigeria: The Gambia Tourism Board will take part in Nigeria’s 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept 13–15) with a Destination Gambia promotional reception on Sept 12, aiming to grow business ties and position The Gambia as an emerging MICE destination. ECOWAS Leadership Change: Dr Omar Alieu Touray is set to step down as ECOWAS Commission president after four years, as the bloc navigates rebuilding confidence, integration, and ongoing security and development pressures. Drug Enforcement Hit: The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) says it arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian, Celestine Ikenna Godwin, with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a suspected drug-manufacturing machine—its first case of that kind. Maritime Standards (Regional): IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority partnered to strengthen maritime safety and certification through training for seafarer examiners, a move that matters for regional shipping reliability.

Maritime Safety Boost: IMO and Ghana Maritime Authority partner to strengthen West Africa’s maritime safety and certification, launching a five-day Accra workshop to close competency gaps for seafarer examiners. Water & Power Operations: The GIRAV project donates four Toyota pickup vehicles to NAWEC to improve field operations and WASH delivery, alongside smart meter rollout to cut losses and boost accountability. Tourism Push Across Borders: ECOWAS adopts a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations, with The Gambia among participating stakeholders. Gambia in Nigeria Tourism Trade: Team Gambia will attend the 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos (Sept 13–15) to expand its tourism footprint in Nigeria, including a Destination Gambia cocktail reception on Sept 12 and a focus on MICE. Drug Enforcement Hit: DLEAG arrests a 53-year-old Nigerian in The Gambia with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a suspected drug-manufacturing machine, raising fears of clandestine synthetic drug labs. Rohingya Case Timing: Gambia’s AG says the ICJ verdict in the Rohingya genocide case is expected in October 2026. Education Links: Chinese Embassy hosts a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, marking 10 years of resumed ties and announcing more students for China scholarships.

Tourism Push: The Gambia Tourism Board will take part in Nigeria’s 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept 13–15) with a Team Gambia delegation led by Tourism Minister Abdoulie Jobe, aiming to grow visitor traffic and position The Gambia as an emerging MICE destination, including a Sept 12 Destination Gambia promotional reception in Lagos. Regional Leadership Change: ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray is set to step down after four years, with an Aug 31 farewell/welcome ceremony in Abuja as the bloc navigates security shocks and integration challenges. Drug Enforcement: The Gambia Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian, Celestine Ikenna Godwin, with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine allegedly used to manufacture illicit drugs. Energy & Industry Finance: The International Solar Alliance launched its Solarising Africa strategy and the Africa50 DRE Fund, targeting solar deployment across areas like solarised agriculture and utility-scale power. Fisheries Transparency: The Mombasa Declaration is gaining support for better vessel and fisheries data disclosure, with Gambia among endorsers as FiTI and partners urge faster, verifiable implementation. Education & Skills: China’s embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, announcing more study placements and plans for a joint biology lab and a Luban Workshop for engineering training.

Drug Enforcement: The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested 53-year-old Nigerian Celestine Ikenna Godwin with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine allegedly used to manufacture and process illicit drugs—DLEAG says it’s the first such equipment case recorded locally. Tourism & Trade: The Gambia Tourism Board will join Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept 13–15, Lagos), led by Minister Abdoulie Jobe, to grow business ties and push a stronger Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) presence, including a Destination Gambia promotional reception on Sept 12. Agriculture & Climate Risk: El Niño is intensifying global heat stress, threatening planting schedules, crop yields, livestock health, and fishery output—raising the need for heat-tolerant farming and faster seasonal guidance. Innovation & Energy: The International Solar Alliance launched its Solarising Africa strategy and Africa50 DRE Fund, with a focus on solarised agriculture and wider energy access. Fisheries Transparency: FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency backed global vessel transparency efforts but warned that signed commitments must turn into verifiable implementation.

Innovation Policy Debate: A new commentary questions how The Gambia’s NaRDIC bill is being reported, urging media to publish the full text and clarify whether it will genuinely support innovation or get stuck in bureaucracy. Tourism & Trade: The Gambia Tourism Board says it will push a bigger tourism footprint in Nigeria at the 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos (Sept 13–15), with a Sept 12 promotional reception and a focus on MICE to drive partnerships and visitor traffic. Drug Enforcement: The Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) reports a major bust: a 53-year-old Nigerian arrested in The Gambia with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine allegedly used to manufacture synthetic drugs. Fisheries Transparency: FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency back global fleet transparency moves, but warn that signing declarations must quickly turn into verifiable, stakeholder-led implementation. Energy Transition: The International Solar Alliance launches its Solarising Africa Strategy and the Africa50 DRE Fund, aiming to scale solar for energy access and solarised agriculture. Maritime Security: The Gambia remains on a US port-security restrictions watch list, as the Coast Guard flags ports not meeting antiterrorism measures.

Tourism & Trade: The Gambia Tourism Board is set to boost its tourism footprint in Nigeria through the 2026 Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos (Sept 13–15), with Minister Abdoulie Jobe leading a delegation and hosting a Destination Gambia promotional cocktail reception on Sept 12 to link local tourism businesses with Nigerian agencies, airlines and investors, with a big push on MICE. Drug Enforcement: The Gambia Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian, Celestine Ikenna Godwin, with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected skunk, plus a machine allegedly used to manufacture illicit drugs—raising fears of clandestine synthetic drug production. Education & Skills: China’s Embassy held a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, noting nearly 400 Gambians have studied in China since diplomatic ties resumed, and announcing 25 more students for September scholarships plus plans for a joint biology lab and a Luban Workshop for engineering training at a Gambian higher-education institution. Fisheries Transparency: Gambia backed international moves for better transparency in fishing fleets, with FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency urging that sign-offs turn into verifiable, stakeholder-led implementation. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept The Gambia on its port-security restrictions watch list, alongside other African countries, after assessing ports as not maintaining effective antiterrorism measures.

Drug Enforcement: The Gambia Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian, Celestine Ikenna Godwin, with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected skunk, plus a machine allegedly used to manufacture and process illicit drugs—DLEAG says it’s the first such equipment case recorded locally and warns of possible clandestine synthetic drug labs. Maritime & Trade Security: The US Coast Guard kept 10 African countries, including The Gambia, on its port-security restrictions watch list, meaning extra security conditions may apply to ships calling at affected ports. Energy & Industry Finance: The International Solar Alliance launched its Solarising Africa Strategy and the Africa50 DRE Fund, with a focus on scaling solar for distributed power, solarised agriculture, e-mobility and utility-scale projects. Fisheries Transparency: FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency praised global moves to improve vessel and fisheries data disclosure, but stressed that commitments must turn into verifiable, stakeholder-led implementation. Education & Skills: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, highlighting science/engineering training plans including a joint biology lab and a Luban Workshop at a technical university. Health at Work: A West Africa survey found 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, urging employers to integrate malaria protection into health and risk-management plans.

Drug Enforcement: The Gambia Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it arrested 53-year-old Nigerian Celestine Ikenna Godwin with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected skunk, plus a machine believed to be used to manufacture and process illicit drugs—its first recorded case of such equipment, raising fears of clandestine synthetic-drug labs. International Justice: Gambia’s AG Dawda A. Jallow says the ICJ verdict in the Rohingya genocide case against Myanmar is expected in October, with accountability seen as key to a sustainable solution. Energy & Industry: The International Solar Alliance launched its Solarising Africa Strategy and the Africa50 DRE Fund, aiming to scale solar deployment across Africa with priorities including solarised agriculture and utility-scale solar. Education & Skills: China’s Embassy held a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, noting nearly 400 Gambians have studied in China since relations resumed and announcing more students and plans for a joint biology lab and a Luban Workshop for engineering training. Fisheries Transparency: FiTI and the Coalition for Fisheries Transparency back global moves for better fisheries fleet transparency, but warn implementation will be the real test. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard keeps 10 African countries, including Gambia, on its port-security restrictions watch list, citing antiterrorism measure gaps.