AGP Executive Report

Power Supply: Two 10.5MW generators arrived at Banjul Port on 5 October, with commissioning expected by the end of the month as NAWEC responds to ongoing power shortages. Seafood Supply Chains: A new global investigation into fishmeal production highlights pollution, labor abuses and pressure on wild fish stocks; past protests in Sanyang show the risks can reach Gambian communities. Land Restoration: The Gambia is among nine countries covered by a new $78 million Great Green Wall programme targeting land restoration and livelihoods for five million people. Tourism Services: The Gambia Tourism Board and Tourism Security Unit are stepping up preparations for the winter season, focusing on visitor safety and coordination across tourism areas. Climate Finance: Gambian representatives joined a regional REDD+ workshop in Ghana, where officials shared how forest-monitoring systems helped secure $21.8 million in results-based funding.

Power Supply: Two 10.5MW generators arrived at Banjul Port on October 5, with commissioning expected by month-end, NAWEC’s managing director says. A third unit is reportedly on the way, while questions remain over the deal’s financing and transparency. Land Restoration: The Gambia is among nine countries covered by a new $78 million Great Green Wall programme targeting restoration of more than 270,000 hectares and improved livelihoods for five million people. Tourism: The Tourism Board and Tourism Security Unit are stepping up preparations for the winter season, reviewing operational gaps and security across tourism areas to help protect visitors and support the sector. Climate Finance: Gambian representatives joined a regional workshop in Ghana on building systems to qualify for forest-conservation funding; Ghana says it received $21.8 million for verified emissions reductions. Agriculture: Gambian cooperative and rural-finance representatives are taking part in an international training programme in India focused on strengthening management skills.

Tourism: GTBoard and the Tourism Security Unit are tightening plans for the 2026/27 winter season, aiming to reassure visitors and support tourism businesses. Agriculture & Climate Finance: The Gambia joined a West African workshop on building systems to access REDD+ climate funding. Separately, a $78 million Great Green Wall programme includes the country and targets land restoration and livelihoods across nine nations. Agribusiness: Nigeria’s Johnvents Industries is raising up to ₦80 billion for working capital as the cocoa season begins; the company has entered The Gambia through its premium rice business. Power: The Gambia has bought two large generators to help tackle crippling electricity cuts, a key concern for businesses and households. Fish Processing: An investigation revisits protests in Sanyang over pollution linked to a fishmeal plant, highlighting the environmental and community pressures facing the industry.

Tourism: The Gambia Tourism Board and Tourism Security Unit are strengthening safety plans ahead of the 2026/2027 winter season, a key test for the country’s visitor economy. Power Supply: Two new generators, adding 21 megawatts of capacity, have arrived in Banjul as the government seeks to ease prolonged blackouts; NAWEC says they are due to be commissioned by month-end. Land Restoration: The Gambia is among nine countries covered by a new $78 million Great Green Wall programme, which aims to restore more than 270,000 hectares and improve livelihoods for five million people. Climate Finance: Gambian representatives joined a regional REDD+ workshop in Ghana on building the forest-monitoring and governance systems needed to access results-based climate funding. Construction: The Gambia Revenue Authority shut down the Indian firm building the $53 million UTG Faraba campus over unpaid taxes.

Homegrown HealthTech: Gambian startup BTS Health Technologies says CEO Ousman Manneh’s upcoming regional award will bolster its push to develop affordable patient-monitoring technology for African health systems. Power Supply: Two new generators, with a combined capacity of 21 megawatts, have arrived in Banjul to ease prolonged blackouts; NAWEC expects to install and commission them by month’s end. Green Investment: The Gambia is among nine countries set to benefit from a $78 million Great Green Wall programme targeting restoration of more than 270,000 hectares and improved livelihoods for five million people. Trade and Public Services: A new digital duty-waiver system aims to replace paper applications and speed processing through the SmartPort platform. Climate Finance: The Gambia joined a regional workshop on building the policy and technical systems needed to access REDD+ funding. Regional Mobility: The country is one of seven ECOWAS members to launch the bloc’s biometric ID card, with mutual recognition at regional borders targeted by December.

Startup Funding: Gambian venture Baykart reached the ECOWAS Startup Awards final, part of a regional programme that drew about 9,000 entries and offers a deal room with potential investment opportunities of up to US$5 million. Power Supply: The Gambia has received two generators with a combined 21-megawatt capacity to ease prolonged blackouts; NAWEC says they are due to be installed and commissioned by month-end. Digital Trade: A new duty-waiver system on the SmartPort platform aims to replace paper applications with faster, more transparent processing. Energy Infrastructure: Nigeria’s N473.8 billion gas-project financing includes the proposed Nigeria–Morocco pipeline, whose planned route crosses The Gambia and could create future regional energy links. Rural Development: President Adama Barrow pledged an additional D50 million for women’s empowerment and announced the final electrification phase for communities in Central River Region North. Cross-Border Commerce: The Gambia is among seven ECOWAS countries that have launched the bloc’s biometric ID card, with mutual acceptance at regional borders targeted by December.

Power & Utilities: The Gambia received two new China-bought generators totaling 21MW to ease crippling blackouts, with installation and commissioning expected by month-end. Women & Electrification: President Barrow pledged an extra D50m for women and announced the final phase of CRR electrification contracts to extend power to remaining communities. Trade & Customs Tech: MoFEA, GRA and the Gambia National Single Window ran a workshop on a digital duty waiver application system via the SmartPort platform to cut manual document handling. Port/Logistics Tech: Rotterdam is testing “smart” sensor-enabled berth bollards to monitor real mooring forces, aiming to improve safety and maintenance planning—an idea West African ports can learn from. Education Governance: WAEC appointed Nigerian Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as Registrar/CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sep 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia. Regional Identity & Borders: ECOWAS public sensitisation is pushing mutual recognition of the ENBIC biometric card at borders by December 2026 to reduce travel and trade friction. Illicit Trade: A TCDI dashboard report flags illicit cigarette prevalence in Gambia at 8.6%, linking the trade more to enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities than tax levels.

Electricity & Power Supply: The Gambia received two new China-bought generators totaling 21MW to ease crippling blackouts, with installation and commissioning expected by month-end. Rural Development Pressure: Residents in Kaur Wharf Town and Kalen Jawbeh used President Barrow’s “Meet the People” tour to push for better roads, reliable electricity, functioning schools and healthcare access—highlighting gaps in how public investment reaches communities. Women & Electrification: Barrow pledged an extra D50m for women and announced the final phase of CRR electrification contracts to extend power to remaining communities. Trade Facilitation Digitisation: MoFEA, GRA and the Gambia National Single Window ran a training workshop on a digital duty waiver application system via SmartPort, aiming to cut manual paperwork and improve transparency. Regional Business & Startups: ECOWAS Startup Awards crowned Nigeria’s HubPharm Africa (US$30,000) with Baykart from The Gambia among finalists, alongside a push for a regional private-sector development academy. Education Governance: WAEC named Nigerian Dr Amos Dangut as Registrar/CEO for 2026–2031, succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia. Sustainability Recognition: Waste to Wonder Worldwide received the UK King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainability 2026 for turning unwanted workplace furniture into measurable environmental and social value.

Power & Infrastructure: The Gambia received two new mega-generators from China, adding 21MW to ease crippling blackouts; installation and commissioning are expected by month-end. Energy Finance (Regional): Nigeria’s NNPC says it committed ₦473.8bn to gas infrastructure, including the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline route that would pass through The Gambia. Trade & Customs Digitisation: The Gambia launched training for a Digital Duty Waiver Application System, moving approvals onto the SmartPort platform to cut manual document handling and boost transparency. Regional Identity & Border Efficiency: ECOWAS public awareness campaigns are pushing mutual recognition of the ENBIC biometric ID card across air, land and sea borders by December 2026, with The Gambia among early adopters. Education & Regional Standards: WAEC appointed Nigerian Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as Registrar/CEO for 2026–2031, succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia. Illicit Tobacco (Regional): TCDI data flags illicit cigarette prevalence in The Gambia at 8.6%, with enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities driving the trade. Women & Rural Electrification: President Barrow pledged an extra D50m for women and announced the final phase of CRR electrification contracts. Media & Skills: Gambian journalist Bakary Ceesay is set to speak at Austria’s re:think media conference on trust and credibility in journalism.

Digital Trade Facilitation: The Gambia Government has started a two-day training workshop on the Digital Duty Waiver Application System, using the SmartPort platform via the Gambia National Single Window, to move away from manual document handling and improve efficiency, transparency, and access. Energy & Women’s Empowerment: President Adama Barrow pledged an additional D50 million for women and announced the final phase of CRR electrification, with contracts awarded to extend electricity to remaining communities in Central River Region North. Tax Enforcement in Construction: The Gambia Revenue Authority temporarily shut down Shapoorji-Pallonji Mideast, the Indian firm building the US$53.46m University of The Gambia Faraba campus, citing unpaid taxes and non-compliance with the Income and Value Added Tax Act. Regional Business & Startups: ECOWAS Startup Awards crowned Nigeria’s HubPharm Africa with a US$30,000 prize, while Gambia’s Baykart reached the finals. Education Leadership: WAEC named Nigerian Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as Registrar/CEO for a five-year term starting October 2026, succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia. Public Health & Migration Context: Coverage also highlighted illicit tobacco trade enforcement gaps in the region and renewed calls for stronger Africa-EU migration governance after deadly incidents near Gambia and elsewhere.

Energy & Power: China has pledged a new 91 million RMB grant to support the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project, as The Gambia continues to face power cuts. Rural Electrification: President Adama Barrow says the government has awarded contracts for the second and final phase of CRR electrification, and he also pledged an additional D50 million to empower Gambian women during his Meet the People tour in Central River Region North. Tourism & Regulation: The Gambia Tourism Board is under mounting criticism after suspending beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area, with activists questioning the legal basis and the lack of clear details on the security concerns. Women’s Skills & Jobs: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into income. Education & Regional Industry: WAEC appointed Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar/CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia. Business & Innovation: ECOWAS Startup Awards crowned Nigeria’s HubPharm Africa as overall winner; The Gambia’s Baykart made the finalists list.

ECOWAS Startup Awards: HubPharm Africa (Nigeria) won the US$30,000 grand prize at the 2nd ECOWAS Startup Awards in Abuja, with Baykart (The Gambia) among the top finalists; the event also launched ECOWAS startup support initiatives to boost regional entrepreneurship. Education Leadership: The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) appointed Nigerian Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as Registrar/CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia, with a focus on digital exam reforms. Power & Infrastructure: China’s ambassador pledged a 91 million RMB grant for the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project to ease power cuts. Tourism & Entertainment: Gambia Tourism Board faced criticism after suspending beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area, with activists questioning the legal basis and economic impact. Skills & Jobs: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative to create income. Governance & Development: President Adama Barrow began a 19-day “Meet the People” tour, including site visits to roads, health and agricultural projects, ahead of the December election.

WAEC Leadership Change: The West African Examinations Council has appointed Nigerian education administrator Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar and CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia, with Dangut taking office on Oct 1, 2026. Power & Infrastructure: China’s ambassador to The Gambia, Liu Jin, says a new 91 million RMB grant will support the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project to ease power cuts. Tourism Regulation Pushback: Gambia Tourism Board’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area (TDA) is drawing criticism from rights groups, who question the security basis and the impact on tourism jobs and businesses. Women’s Skills & Jobs: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative to help create income. Governance & Elections: President Adama Barrow has started a 19-day “Meet the People” tour, including site visits to roads, health and agriculture projects, urging peaceful campaigning and a transparent Dec election.

WAEC Leadership Change: The West African Examinations Council has appointed Nigerian education administrator Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar and CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia; the role follows WAEC’s ratification at its Accra meeting in March 2026 and Dangut’s prior push for digital exam reforms in Nigeria. Power & Infrastructure: China’s ambassador to The Gambia, Liu Jin, announced a new 91 million RMB grant for the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project to address ongoing power cuts. Tourism Business Pressure: The Gambia Tourism Board’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area is drawing criticism from human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, who says the move lacks clear details and could hurt jobs and local businesses. Skills for Income: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to boost self-employment and economic independence. Politics & Development Visits: President Adama Barrow has started a 19-day “Meet the People” tour, including site visits to roads, health facilities, and agricultural and fisheries projects.

WAEC Leadership Change: The West African Examinations Council has appointed Nigerian education administrator Dr. Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar and CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia; WAEC says Dangut previously led the WAEC Nigeria National Office and helped drive digital exam reforms. China–Gambia Power Support: China’s ambassador to The Gambia, Liu Jin, announced a new 91 million RMB grant for the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project, as the country continues to face power cuts. Tourism Tension in TDA: The Gambia Tourism Board’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area is drawing criticism from human rights advocate Madi Jobarteh, who says the board hasn’t clearly explained the security basis or impacts on tourism workers. Skills for Women Entrepreneurs: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to boost income and economic independence. Regional Agriculture Capacity: FAO’s GIAHS programme is running a workshop in Southern Africa that includes The Gambia, focused on strengthening agricultural heritage systems and preparing dynamic conservation plans. Industry/Construction Deal: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West Africa, with expanded coverage including The Gambia.

Education Leadership: WAEC has appointed Nigerian Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as its new Registrar and CEO for a five-year term (Oct 2026–Sept 2031), succeeding Alhaji Pateh Bah of The Gambia, with the handover confirmed as Dangut assumes office on Oct 1, 2026. Power & Infrastructure: China’s ambassador says a new 91 million RMB grant will support the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project to ease The Gambia’s power cuts. Tourism & Regulation: GTBoard faces backlash after suspending beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area, with critics questioning the legal basis and economic impact on tourism workers and businesses. Skills & Livelihoods: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative to help create income. Industry & Construction: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its dealer network across West Africa, expanding coverage to include The Gambia and other markets. Public Finance Oversight: The National Assembly launched a 2026 outreach and social audit program for Greater Banjul Area, focusing on budget scrutiny and the Constituency Development Fund. Security & Enforcement: DLEAG arrested three government employees over suspected cannabis found concealed in a government vehicle at Kalaji checkpoint; the case is set for Oct 8.