AGP Executive Report

Energy & Infrastructure Deal: President Adama Barrow announced Aliko Dangote’s US$2bn pledge for The Gambia—covering a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel tank farm to boost power supply and strengthen fuel storage. Telecom Modernisation: GAMCEL and YCELL signed a landmark Share Investment and Network Modernization agreement, including 4G/LTE and 5G rollout, core upgrades, and hybrid power for tower sites. Health Systems Boost: WAHO and AfDB handed over 10 ambulances plus medical equipment worth about $3.4m to strengthen emergency response capacity. Skills & Agribusiness/Fisheries Training: Government validated designs for two Centres of Excellence under the $13m RISE project—one for agribusiness and one for fisheries/aquaculture—aimed at industry-focused training and jobs. Environment & Land Use Pressure: Ebo Town’s wetland is facing threats from illegal backfilling and construction, with debris dumping and new houses reported inside wetland buffer areas. Migration Policy Push: ECOWAS Parliament urged tougher anti-trafficking laws and more youth jobs to tackle irregular migration, following a Banjul citizens’ engagement. Digital Payments at Scale: UNDP plans to expand blockchain-based humanitarian payments via a “standing capability” approach, including pilots in The Gambia. Media & Data Skills: CJID called for a journalism rethink across West Africa, pushing data skills and regional cooperation to better fight disinformation.

Energy & Infrastructure: Aliko Dangote pledged US$2bn for The Gambia after meeting President Adama Barrow, including a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel tank farm to boost power supply and strengthen fuel storage. Digital Connectivity: GAMTEL and YCELL signed a landmark Share Investment and Network Modernization deal, committing GMD 6.1bn to expand 4G/5G, upgrade core networks, and modernize billing and CRM. Health Systems: WAHO and AfDB handed over 10 ambulances plus medical equipment worth about $3.4m to strengthen emergency care. Skills & Industry: Government validated plans for two Centres of Excellence under the $13m RISE TVET push—one for agribusiness and one for fisheries/aquaculture. Agri & Environment: Ebo Town’s wetland faces pressure from illegal backfilling and construction, threatening coastal protection and biodiversity. Policy & Finance: IMF support of about $22.5m sparked debate, with GAP warning against continued reliance on external financing. Trade & Payments: UNDP plans to scale blockchain-based humanitarian payments via Stellar beyond pilots.

Energy & Infrastructure: President Adama Barrow says Aliko Dangote has pledged US$2bn for a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel tank farm, aiming to cut power import dependence and strengthen fuel storage and supply security. Digital Connectivity: GAMTEL and YCELL sign a landmark deal to invest GMD 6.1bn in telecom network modernisation, including 4G/5G rollout, core upgrades, and hybrid power for tower sites. Healthcare Delivery: FaBB Foundation commissions The Gambia’s first Accident & Emergency (A&E) Unit at Bansang General Hospital, while WAHO/AfDB hands over 10 ambulances and medical equipment to boost emergency response. Environment & Construction Pressure: Ebo Town’s Tanbi Wetland faces rising threats from illegal backfilling and construction, risking biodiversity and coastal protection. Skills & Industry Training: Government unveils a US$13m plan for Centres of Excellence in agribusiness and fisheries under the RISE project. Regional Integration & Youth: ECOWAS launches School Clubs in The Gambia to promote integration and youth leadership. Media & Governance: CJID summit urges West African journalism to rebuild around data skills and regional cooperation.

Telecom Modernisation Deal: GAMTEL and YCELL signed a landmark investment and network modernisation agreement, including 4G/LTE and 5G rollout, core upgrades, new OSS/BSS and CRM systems, hybrid power for towers, and a modern corporate head office—aimed at boosting connectivity and fraud controls. Healthcare Upgrade: FaBB Foundation commissioned the first-ever Accident & Emergency (A&E) Unit at Bansang General Hospital, strengthening emergency response outside Banjul/Kanifing. Regional Health Support: WAHO and AfDB handed over 10 ambulances and major medical equipment to The Gambia under a $3.4m health system boost, building resilience beyond COVID-19. Energy Push: President Barrow announced Dangote’s $2bn pledge for a 250MW solar plant and a modern fuel tank farm—key steps for power reliability and fuel storage security. Skills & Industry Training: Government validated plans for two Centres of Excellence under the $13m RISE project—agribusiness at Ndemban and fisheries/aquaculture at Tujereng—geared toward labs, processing units, workshops and innovation hubs. Digital Payments at Scale: UNDP plans to expand blockchain-based humanitarian payments via Stellar, moving from pilots to a standing capability for country offices, including work already done in The Gambia. Policy & Trade for Industry: The Gambia backed WTO discussions on trade-investment integration to drive industrialisation, alongside other LDCs. Media Capacity for Democracy: CJID’s summit in Accra urged West African journalism to rebuild around data skills and regional cooperation as AI reshapes information flows.

Energy & Power Investment: Aliko Dangote has pledged US$2 billion to The Gambia, with plans for a 250MW solar power plant and a modern fuel tank farm to boost electricity supply and strengthen fuel storage and price stability. Skills & Industry Training: The government unveiled a US$13M plan to create two Centres of Excellence under the World Bank-backed RISE project—one for agribusiness (Ndemban, Foni Brefet) and one for fisheries & aquaculture (Tujereng, Kombo South)—with labs, processing units, workshops and incubation spaces. Trade Finance for Businesses: ITFC signed a US$250M three-year framework with The Gambia to support trade finance, energy imports, food security and private sector development. IMF Support & Economic Debate: The IMF approved about US$23M in new funding and extended ECF/RSF programmes by six months, while GAP leaders questioned whether repeated IMF disbursements signal deeper economic weaknesses. Digital & Youth Innovation: A UNICEF-backed showcase highlighted young Gambians’ digital solutions for children’s learning and exam prep, including an AI-powered virtual teacher pilot. Prosthetics Manufacturing Tech: A pilot in The Gambia uses 3D scanning and printing to produce prosthetic sockets faster and more precisely, aiming to improve access and reduce costs. ECOWAS Integration for Youth: ECOWAS launched School Clubs in The Gambia to promote regional integration, peace and sustainable development. Road Safety vs Motorsport: Calls are growing for a safer, regulated approach to drifting for Gambian youth, shifting debate from street danger to structured motorsport spaces. Art Industry Boost: ART27 Gallery is set to become a permanent home for Gambian artists, with plans for exhibitions, workshops and revenue-generating spaces.

Energy & Investment: Aliko Dangote has pledged US$2 billion for The Gambia—covering a 250MW solar plant and a fuel tank farm to boost renewable power and strengthen fuel storage and price stability. Skills & Industry Training: The government unveiled a US$13M plan to create two Centres of Excellence under the RISE project—agribusiness in Ndemban (Foni Brefet) and fisheries/aquaculture in Tujereng (Kombo South)—with labs, processing units, workshops and incubation to feed jobs and industry. Trade Finance: ITFC signed a US$250M three-year framework with The Gambia to support trade finance, energy imports, food security and private sector development. IMF Support: The IMF approved about US$23M in new funding for The Gambia and extended ECF/RSF programmes by six months, citing resilience but warning of inflation and Middle East-linked risks. Digital & Youth Innovation: UNICEF-backed young Gambians showcased digital prototypes aimed at improving children’s lives, including an AI-powered virtual teacher pilot and education tools for disability inclusion. Prosthetics Manufacturing: A UK charity STAND launched a 3D scanning and printing pilot in The Gambia to produce prosthetic sockets faster, more precisely and at lower cost. Art Industry Boost: ART27 Gallery plans a permanent 360-square-metre space in Kartong to give artists a stable exhibition and income model. Regional Integration for Youth: ECOWAS School Clubs were launched in The Gambia to promote regional integration, peace and youth leadership.

IMF Support for Industry & Reforms: The IMF approved about US$23m in new funding for The Gambia and extended its ECF and RSF programmes by six months, with disbursement of SDR16.58m and tighter fiscal steps after 2025 spending overruns. Trade Finance Boost: ITFC signed a US$250m three-year framework with The Gambia to back trade finance, energy imports, food security and private sector development, replacing a fully drawn prior facility. Industrial Development Push: Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar told the African Caucus that stronger policy and tax measures are key to raising industrial output, jobs and exports, while noting gaps in capital, markets, energy/transport and skilled labour. Energy & Investment Signal: Aliko Dangote’s pledged US$2bn for The Gambia—highlighting solar power and fuel storage—was framed as a major vote of confidence that could improve electricity reliability and fuel security. Digital Manufacturing Trial: STAND launched a pilot using 3D scanning and printing to produce prosthetic sockets in The Gambia, aiming for faster, more precise production and lower costs. Regional Integration for Youth: ECOWAS launched School Clubs in Gambia to promote integration, peace and sustainable development, with youth and students at the centre. Payments & Financial Inclusion: Coverage also highlighted regional momentum in digital payments and central banking reforms across Africa, including awards and new payment infrastructure.

ECOWAS Youth Integration: The Gambia has launched ECOWAS School Clubs to train students and youth leaders on peace, unity and sustainable development, with officials urging critical thinking and warning against misinformation. IMF Support for Industry-Linked Growth: The IMF approved about US$23m for The Gambia and extended its reform programmes, citing resilience but flagging inflation pressure and the need for tighter fiscal control and stronger revenue. Trade Finance Boost: ITFC signed a US$250m three-year framework with The Gambia to back trade finance, energy imports, food security and private sector development. Port and PPP Oversight: A National Assembly committee warned over the Gambia Ports Authority’s port expansion/PPP deal, calling for stronger monitoring as cargo discharge times and congestion remain problematic. Land and Compensation Debate: A new analysis revisits compensation for compulsory land acquisition under the Land Use Act, highlighting valuation disputes and impacts on farmers and investors. Digital Manufacturing Pilot: A 3D printing trial targets prosthetic socket production in The Gambia, aiming to cut fitting errors and speed up delivery. Environment Enforcement Pressure: Government says plastic ban enforcement is still hard, with court cases pending, while reforms aim to strengthen environmental officer capacity and waste recycling support.

Central Banking & Gold: Tanzania’s central bank says it bought and stockpiled about 28 tonnes of gold over 18 months to strengthen foreign exchange reserves, support the shilling, and boost stability—paying miners within 24 hours at London market prices and opening 4,000+ accounts. Gambia-Linked Finance & Payments: UNDP expanded its Stellar blockchain payments partnership after pilots in Haiti, Syria, Kenya, Guatemala and The Gambia cut aid distribution costs (Syria: 10% to 2%) and improved resilience during outages. Gambia-Regional Trade & Ports: A National Assembly committee warned over Gambia’s Port Expansion PPP, urging stronger monitoring of investment obligations, service standards, jobs and revenue protection after audit findings on cargo handling delays. Environment & Compliance: Government pledged tougher enforcement under a new environmental law, including reforms to empower 50+ environmental enforcement officers and tackling plastic bag compliance challenges. Agriculture Inputs: Rice farmers in the Central River Region and Greater Banjul area warned urea shortages could cut this season’s harvest, with some forced to buy from Senegal at higher prices. Digital Economy (Regional): Verve says it now operates in 13+ African countries, including The Gambia, pushing broader access to digital payments for consumers and businesses.

Social Security & Workers’ Rights: Nigeria’s Labour Minister praised NSITF reforms and backed a partnership with The Gambia’s SSHFC, as NSITF hosts a Gambian delegation to study the Employees’ Compensation Scheme and improve claims delivery. Central Banking & Finance: Central Bank of Liberia Governor Henry F. Saamoi received an African Central Banking Award, calling for trustworthy, bankable markets to attract global capital. Digital Payments: BanffPay (Liberia) secured a PSP license from the Central Bank of Liberia and plans to launch a unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API to simplify wallets, remittances, and payouts across Africa. Port & Trade Oversight: A National Assembly committee warned over Gambia’s Port Expansion deal, urging stronger monitoring of the PPP concession after audit concerns on cargo handling and worsening vessel turnaround times. Environment & Compliance: Government pledged tougher enforcement under a new environmental law, including reforms to strengthen plastic bag ban compliance and expand environmental enforcement capacity. Agriculture & Food Security: Rice farmers warned of a urea fertiliser shortage threatening the harvest, while a GIRAV matching grant story highlighted groundnut value addition and rural jobs. Energy & Community Development: Energia and Oando reinforced sustainable community development through host-community trust governance. Digital Identity & Aid Tech: UNDP expanded Stellar blockchain payments after pilots in The Gambia and elsewhere cut aid distribution costs and improved payment resilience.

Digital Identity Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System (NIMS), enabling instant issuance of the GAM ID after biometric enrolment, with President Barrow receiving the first card; the system is delivered by Margins ID Group’s MIDSA under a BOT deal. Agribusiness & Jobs: The GIRAV matching grant is boosting groundnut value addition in North Bank, supporting processing into oil and creating jobs for women and youth. Food Safety Enforcement: A National Audit Office review found weak enforcement by the Food Safety and Quality Authority—only 1 fine was issued out of 519 unsafe-food cases, despite penalties under the law. Fertiliser Supply Crunch: Rice farmers in Central River and parts of Greater Banjul warn a urea fertiliser shortage could cut this season’s harvest and say some are forced to buy from Senegal at high prices. Energy & Trade Logistics: CMA CGM announced July 2026 peak season surcharges affecting West Africa, including Gambia, while UNDP expands Stellar blockchain payments after pilots in countries including The Gambia. Environment Regulation: Concerns are raised over plastic ban enforcement after reports of D1.2m spent in five days, with plastic bags still widely visible. Education & Youth: Barrow pledged higher education funding, teacher recruitment, and youth skills/apprenticeships during an NPP students’ bantaba.

Digital Identity: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System (NIMS), enabling instant issuance of the GAM ID after biometric enrolment, with a July 6–29 pilot for selected institutions and delivery by Margins ID Systems Applications under a BOT deal. Food Safety Oversight: The National Audit Office says the Food Safety and Quality Authority weakly enforces unsafe-food rules—only 1 fine out of 519 sampled cases. Agri Value Addition: A GIRAV matching grant beneficiary in North Bank says support is boosting groundnut processing into oil and creating jobs for women and youth. Agroecology & Food Systems: The CIRAWA Agroecology Conference in Ghana backed nature-based solutions to strengthen resilient farming across West Africa, including The Gambia. Banking for SMEs: Trust Bank reports total assets rising to D14.69bn and highlights stronger deposits and capital, while FirstBank Gambia opens a Brusubi branch aimed at serving SMEs and expanding corporate lending. Shipping Costs: CMA CGM announced July 2026 peak season surcharges affecting West Africa routes, including Gambia. Road Works: NRA inspectors report 85% physical completion on West Coast Region’s EPC Lot 4 road project, with drainage improvements ahead of rains. Plastic Ban Compliance: A report questions the cost and lasting impact of recent plastic bag enforcement after spending about D1.2m in five days.

Digital Identity Upgrade: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, enabling instant GAM ID issuance after biometric enrolment, with a July 6–29 pilot for selected institutions and delivery by Margins ID Systems Applications under a BOT deal. Food Safety Enforcement: The National Audit Office says the Food Safety and Quality Authority fined just 1 out of 519 sampled unsafe-food cases, with 99.8% of offenders not fined, raising concerns about compliance follow-through. Tax Modernisation: GRA begins a pilot electronic invoicing system to cut paperwork, improve audit trails, strengthen compliance risk management, and reduce tax leakages ahead of wider rollout. Agribusiness Support: The Agriculture Minister says major farming projects are on track for rice and broader food security, while government plans free organic fertiliser (10,000 metric tonnes) targeting horticulture farmers, especially women. Infrastructure & Transport: NRA’s technical team inspected West Coast Region road works under EPC Lot 4, reporting about 85% physical completion across multiple road sections. Skills & Youth Enterprise: GYCC marks 10 years with a forum on turning skills into jobs and businesses, pushing youth-led innovation and enterprise. Regional Trade & Industry: Indonesia and The Gambia reaffirm cooperation through the relaunch of the ARFTC agricultural training hub and JCBC follow-ups, positioning The Gambia as a gateway to the wider West African market. Banking for SMEs: FirstBank Gambia opens a new Brusubi branch to expand lending, trade finance, and services for SMEs in fast-growing corridors.

Digital Identity Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, enabling instant GAM ID issuance and a July 6–29 pilot for selected institutions, delivered by Margins ID Systems Applications under a BOT deal. Food Safety Enforcement: The National Audit Office says the Food Safety and Quality Authority fined only 1 of 519 unsafe-food cases, with 99.8% of offenders escaping penalties. Tax Modernisation: GRA begins a pilot electronic invoicing system to cut paperwork, improve compliance and strengthen revenue assurance ahead of wider rollout. Agriculture Support: Government confirms free organic fertiliser for women horticulture farmers (10,000 metric tonnes nationwide) and the Agriculture Minister says major rice projects are on track. Energy & Workplace Safety: A workshop trains stakeholders on occupational health and safety using innovation and IP tools, while UNDP urges faster renewable energy transition. Banking for SMEs: FirstBank Gambia opens a Brusubi branch to expand lending and trade financing for growing corridors. Infrastructure Progress: NRA inspects West Coast road works (EPC Lot 4), reporting about 85% physical completion. Regional Trade & Industry: Indonesia–Gambia JCBC highlights renewed ARFTC operations and broader gateway ambitions into West Africa. Youth & Skills: GYCC marks 10 years with a forum on turning skills into youth-led enterprise.

Digital Identity Upgrade: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System (NIMS), enabling instant GAM ID issuance after biometric enrolment, with President Adama Barrow receiving the first card; the system is delivered by Margins ID Systems Applications under a BOT deal. Tax Modernisation: The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has started a pilot phase of electronic invoicing to cut paperwork, improve compliance and reduce tax leakages as part of its wider digital tax push. Food Safety Accountability: A National Audit Office review found weak enforcement by the Food Safety and Quality Authority, with only 1 fine out of 519 unsafe-food cases. Agriculture & Fertiliser Support: The Agriculture Ministry says major farming projects are on track, including free organic fertiliser for women horticulture farmers (10,000 metric tonnes nationwide). Infrastructure & Roads: NRA technical teams inspected West Coast Region’s EPC Lot 4 road works, reporting about 85% physical completion. Energy & Workplace Safety: Government is preparing to reduce occupational accidents and diseases via an IP-and-safety training-of-trainers workshop; UNDP also urged faster renewable energy transition. Bilateral Trade & Training: Indonesia and The Gambia reopened the ARFTC in Jenoi to boost regional food security and farmer capacity. SME & Youth Enterprise: GYCC marked 10 years with a skills-to-enterprise forum, pushing youth-led innovation and jobs.

Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, enabling instant issuance of the GAM ID and real-time service access, delivered by Margins ID Systems Applications under a BOT deal. Food Safety Enforcement: A National Audit Office review found the Food Safety and Quality Authority fined just 1 out of 519 unsafe-food cases, with 99.8% of offenders escaping penalties. Tax Modernisation: GRA begins a pilot electronic invoicing system to cut paperwork, improve compliance and strengthen revenue assurance as part of its digital tax push. Agriculture & Inputs: The Agriculture Ministry says major rice projects are on track and announced free organic fertiliser for women horticulture farmers—10,000 metric tonnes nationwide. Road Works Monitoring: NRA inspected West Coast Region EPC Lot 4 road projects, reporting about 85% physical completion across five roads. Energy & Safety Training: Government is set to reduce occupational accidents and diseases via an IP-and-innovation training-of-trainers workshop spanning construction, manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and mining. Bilateral Trade & Training: Indonesia and The Gambia reopened the ARFTC in Jenoi and discussed using the country as a gateway to the wider West African market. SME/Banking Support: FirstBank Gambia opened a Brusubi branch to expand lending and trade financing for SMEs in the Airport Road–Brikama corridor. Education & Skills: GES and UMA-Subika held a reading competition in Asutifi North, while GYCC marked 10 years with a youth-led skills-to-enterprise forum. Tech & Jobs: Google Play launched a $1m Indie Games Fund for African studios, offering equity-free capital, mentorship and technical support.