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.