AGP Executive Report

Telecom Reform: PURA unveiled a new nine-digit national telephone numbering plan for The Gambia, with the switch starting at midnight on 4 September 2026—changing mobile numbers from seven digits to nine while keeping SIM cards, phones and balances. Digital Identity: President Adama Barrow launched the National Identity Management System (NIMS) via a public-private partnership, becoming the first enrollee and highlighting faster, secure identity verification for governance, security and financial inclusion. Agribusiness & Jobs: Government announced free organic fertiliser distribution (10,000 metric tonnes) for the 2026 season, alongside subsidised chemical fertiliser, with caps and anti-diversion warnings. Rice Push: The Agriculture Minister set out a roadmap to reach rice self-sufficiency by 2030, targeting 20,000 hectares and 200,000 metric tonnes annually, supported by improved seeds and mechanisation. Football Industry: Stakeholders will validate a business plan to establish The Gambia’s first professional football league, aiming to professionalise the sport and create jobs across a wider football ecosystem. SME Support: GYIN Gambia and WIDU Africa signed a contract to coach 20 entrepreneurs, prioritising women and youth and linking support to measurable business growth. Standards & Quality: ISO Secretary-General visited The Gambia Standards Bureau to deepen cooperation on quality, innovation and competitiveness. Infrastructure for Farming: NRA is set to construct a culvert in Banni village to restore access to rice fields and improve transport and road safety. Fraud & Training: A global anti-fraud scholarship drive backed by the ACFE Foundation awarded $85,000 to future fraud examiners. Crime Case: Banjul High Court sentenced two men to 20 years each for violently robbing an elderly victim at knifepoint.

Telecom Modernisation: PURA unveiled a new nine-digit national telephone numbering plan, with all mobile numbers switching from seven digits to nine digits from midnight 4 September 2026, starting a major telecom change for Africell, QCell and Comium. Digital Identity & Inclusion: President Adama Barrow launched the National Identity Management System (NIMS) via a public-private partnership, with biometric enrolment and instant national ID issuance for the first enrollee. Agribusiness & Food Security: The government announced free organic fertiliser distribution (10,000 metric tonnes) plus subsidised chemical fertiliser for 2026, while farmers in URR still report delays at the Basse depot—highlighting ongoing supply and access gaps. Rice Push: Agriculture Minister Dr. Demba Sabally set out a roadmap to reach rice self-sufficiency by 2030, including 20,000 hectares of developed land, improved seeds and mechanisation. Infrastructure for Farming: NRA is set to construct a culvert in Banni village after a bridge collapse left residents cut off from rice fields for over 20 years. Energy & Jobs: The World Bank approved $160m for the RAISE energy project in The Gambia and $163m for regional social cohesion work across Togo, Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. SME Growth: GYIN Gambia and WIDU Africa signed a contract to deliver coaching and business growth support for 20 entrepreneurs, prioritising women and youth. Professional Football Industry: Football stakeholders will validate a business plan for a proposed professional league, aiming to professionalise the sector and create jobs across clubs, media and matchday services. Standards & Trade Readiness: ISO Secretary-General visited The Gambia Standards Bureau to deepen partnerships on quality, innovation and competitiveness.

Electricity & jobs funding: The World Bank approved two regional packages worth $323m—$160m for The Gambia and Togo under the RAISE energy project and $163m for northern Gulf of Guinea social cohesion—aiming to expand power access, cut connection costs, and create jobs. Fertiliser rollout pressure: The Gambia government says subsidised organic fertiliser is free nationwide at scale, but farmers in URR still report delays at the Basse depot, with sales awaiting final approval. Fuel cost relief: President Barrow said fuel pump prices will be reduced from July 2026, linking the move to easing living costs. Power expansion doubts: Residents question whether new roads and electricity networks are improving livelihoods, citing unstable power and high tariffs hurting small businesses. Agriculture politics: The Gambia For All (GFA) hit back at Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally over claims of late fertiliser deliveries, weak financing for smallholders, and neglect of horticultural gardens. Maritime governance: The RMU chancellor role rotated to The Gambia’s transport minister, while regional maritime governance efforts under the Abuja MoU continue to build port safety capacity. Healthcare infrastructure: Barrow inaugurated the Farato emergency treatment centre and biomedical engineering unit, with plans to expand into a larger teaching hospital. Business & trade links: Verve says it is expanding digital payments across Africa including The Gambia, and a 3D-printed prosthesis project launched in The Gambia with EU support.

Fertiliser Push Meets Delays: The Gambia has started distributing free organic fertiliser nationwide, but farmers in URR say subsidised fertiliser is still not selling at the Basse depot as distribution awaits final approval. Food Prices & Local Production: The government says it will tackle food price pressure by boosting local production and agro-processing, aiming to reduce dependence on imported essentials. Electricity Crisis Fallout: A former NAWEC director warns the power utility is under severe financial strain despite tariff hikes, citing foreign-currency pressures, ageing plants, and over-reliance on imported fuel and spare parts. Power Expansion vs Livelihoods: Residents question whether new roads and electricity networks are improving business outcomes, pointing to unstable power and high costs. Legal Accountability in Agriculture: The High Court orders the Accountant General to show cause over alleged non-compliance with a prior order involving SHYBEN A. MADI & SONS LIMITED. Maritime Education Leadership: The Regional Maritime University’s Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe takes over as RMU Chancellor, with the institution jointly owned by Gambia and other ECOWAS states. Healthcare Infrastructure: President Barrow inaugurates a Farato emergency treatment centre and biomedical engineering unit, framing it as a major upgrade to national health capacity. SME Finance & Capital Markets (Regional): Nigeria’s BOI appoints Kuramo Capital to manage the DICE Fund of Funds, while Pivot Integrated Energy’s N300bn commercial paper programme uses Pathway Advisors as lead issuing house. AI for Media: Gambia trains journalists on AI in media content as the African Union of Broadcasting Assembly convenes in Banjul.

Fuel & Power Pressure: President Barrow says fuel pump prices will drop nationwide from July 1, while residents question whether new roads and electricity expansion are improving daily business life amid unstable power and high costs. Fertiliser Supply Crunch: Despite government saying subsidised fertiliser is available at D1,100 per bag, farmers in URR report delays at the Basse depot, while others welcome the maintained price and improved distribution through NFSPMC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Agriculture Accountability Clash: The Gambia For All (GFA) rebuts Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally over “disrespectful” comments and claims fertiliser deliveries are chronically late, citing findings from the National Audit Office. Electricity Access Investment: The World Bank backs a $160m project (RAISE) to expand electricity access in Gambia and Togo, aiming to connect about 1 million people and support jobs and agro-processing. Jobs Data Under Scrutiny: The government defends claims of 163,660 new jobs from 2023 to 2026, as lawmakers demand clearer Labour Force Survey methodology ahead of end-June publication. Cross-Border Regulation: PURA and ARTP sign an MoU to strengthen cooperation on telecom and postal regulation across borders. Industry & Trade Watch: High Court orders the Accountant General to show cause in contempt proceedings tied to a dispute involving SHYBEN A. MADI & SONS LIMITED. Skills for Media & Tech: Gambia trains journalists on AI in media as AU broadcasting bodies meet in Banjul. Tourism Resource Coordination: GTBoard and Geology sign a framework agreement to protect TDA resources and streamline investor processes.

Fertiliser Supply Snag in URR: Despite government saying subsidised fertiliser is available at D1,100 per bag, farmers in The Gambia’s Upper River Region are still waiting as distribution has not started at the Basse depot. Fuel Price Promise: President Adama Barrow says fuel pump prices will be reduced nationwide from July 2026, linking the move to easing cost pressures. Power vs Progress Debate: Residents question whether new roads and electricity expansions are improving livelihoods, citing unstable power and high electricity costs hurting small businesses and farming. Electricity Investment Boost: The World Bank approved a $160m project to expand electricity access and support jobs in Gambia and Togo, aiming to connect about 1 million people. Regulatory Cooperation: PURA and ARTP signed an MoU to strengthen cross-border telecom and postal regulation, including spectrum coordination and cybersecurity. Healthcare Infrastructure: Barrow inaugurated a state-of-the-art emergency treatment centre and biomedical engineering unit in Farato, with plans to expand into a 1,500-bed teaching hospital. Jobs Figures Under Scrutiny: The government defended claims of 163,660 new jobs between 2023 and 2026, as lawmakers pressed for clearer Labour Force Survey methodology. Food Prices Policy: Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay said government cannot impose price controls, instead monitoring markets and working with ports to reduce import delays and costs. Tourism Resource Safeguards: GTBoard and the Department of Geology signed a framework to protect TDA resources and streamline investor approvals.

Fertiliser Support for Farmers: The government kept the 2026 fertiliser price at D1,100 per bag, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, and urged farmers to buy only from NFSPMC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Food Prices Policy: Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay told lawmakers the state will not move back to price controls, saying it will instead monitor markets, stock levels and clearance of essential imports to avoid shortages. Jobs Figures Under Scrutiny: The Minister said preliminary Labour Force Survey results show employment rose from 563,395 (2023) to 727,055 (2026), adding 163,660 jobs, while MPs pressed for clearer survey methodology. Public Enterprise Reform: Five state-owned enterprises handed President Barrow D137m in interim dividends, highlighting improved performance and SOE oversight. Tourism vs Mining Coordination: GTBoard and the Department of Geology signed a framework to safeguard TDA resources and prevent overlapping tourism and mining licences. Port Congestion Impacting Trade: Congestion at African ports is delaying shipments and raising freight costs, weighing on fresh demand for Indian non-basmati white rice, with Banjul flagged among impacted ports. Evidence-Based Policy Push: Gambia’s Speaker urged stronger use of research in policymaking at an Evidence-to-Action conference in Accra.

Fertiliser Relief for Farmers: The Gambia will keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for the 2026 season, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, with sales routed through NFSPMC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Farmers’ Pushback and Praise: Farmers in the North Bank welcomed the price decision and distribution access, while the Farmers’ Union praised improved supply under NFSPMC. Food Security & Diets: NaNA’s DiGES project wrapped up with renewed focus on diversified diets and climate-resilient fruits and vegetables, highlighting household cost gaps. Food Prices Policy: Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay said government won’t impose price controls, but will monitor markets, stock levels and prioritise port clearance for essentials. Jobs Data Under Scrutiny: Parliament debated claims of 163,660 new jobs (2023–2026) from the 2026 Labour Force Survey; lawmakers want clearer methodology before the full report is published end-June. Tourism Resource Protection: GTBoard and the Department of Geology signed a framework to safeguard TDA resources and streamline investor approvals. Public Enterprise Reform: Five SOEs handed over D137m in dividends to President Barrow, signaling turnaround momentum. Food Safety Focus: A feature flags food safety as an economic necessity, pointing to lessons from Gambia’s groundnut sector and contamination risks. Skills for MSMEs: She Trades (EU-funded) trained women and youth-led MSMEs on market soft skills and pitching for tourism, agribusiness, fashion and handicrafts.

Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, moving from his prior role covering Anglophone West Africa including The Gambia. Jobs & Data Trust: The Trade Minister told lawmakers employment rose by 163,660 from 2023 to 2026 in preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, while MPs pressed for clearer survey methodology ahead of the end-June release. Fertiliser Supply & Farming Costs: Government kept fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, with farmers urged to buy only from NFSPMC depots, seccos and approved agents. Food Prices Policy: The Trade Minister said government will not introduce price controls, citing a liberal market approach while monitoring stocks and port clearance costs. Tourism vs Mining: GTBoard and the Department of Geology signed a framework to protect TDA resources and streamline investor approvals via a joint one-stop committee. Electricity Emergency: NAWEC reportedly sought government support to buy up to 70MW emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec as outages disrupt water supply. SOE Dividends: Five state-owned enterprises handed over D137m in dividends to President Barrow, highlighting ongoing SOE turnaround efforts.

Afreximbank Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Regional Operations Director (effective May 1), moving from his prior role as Director of Client Relations for Anglophone West Africa that covered Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone and The Gambia, with a track record financing major industrial and infrastructure projects including fertiliser plants and port expansion. Jobs & Data Scrutiny: The Trade Minister said employment rose by 163,660 between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, while lawmakers pressed for clearer survey methodology ahead of the full report expected by end-June. Fertiliser Support for Farmers: Government kept fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for the 2026 season, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, urging purchases only through NFSPMC depots, seccos and approved agents; farmers welcomed the stability. Food Safety & Agriculture Value Chains: A new push highlights food safety as an economic priority, pointing to lessons from Gambia’s groundnut sector and the need to protect livelihoods and market access. Tourism Resource Governance: GTBoard and the Department of Geology signed a framework agreement to better coordinate tourism development land with mining licensing, including a joint committee to streamline investor processes. Public Enterprise Dividends: Five state-owned enterprises handed over D137m in dividends to President Barrow, signaling progress from reforms aimed at improving SOE performance. Electricity Emergency Funding Talk: NaNA reports Nawec is seeking government support to secure emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec amid ongoing outages and supply shortfalls.

Jobs & Data Scrutiny: The Trade Minister says employment rose by 163,660 from 2023 to 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, but lawmakers pressed for clearer survey methodology before the full report is published by end-June. Fertiliser Support for Farmers: Government keeps fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, and urges purchases only through NFSPMC depots, seccos and approved agents; farmers’ groups welcomed the move. Public Enterprise Reform: Five state-owned enterprises handed over D137m in dividends to President Barrow, signaling improved performance after SOE reforms. Tourism Resources Governance: GTBoard and the Department of Geology signed a framework to protect TDA resources and prevent conflicting tourism and mining licensing, with a joint committee planned for faster investor processing. Food Safety & Agri Value Chains: A new push highlights food safety as an economic priority, pointing to groundnut aflatoxin risks and the need for stronger controls. Electricity Emergency Planning: Nawec is reportedly seeking government support to buy emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec as outages disrupt water supply and raise system stress.

Fertiliser Support for Farmers: The government says the 2026 fertiliser price will stay at D1,100 per bag, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, and urges farmers to buy only from NFSPMC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Farmers’ Feedback: The Farmers’ Union welcomed the move, while separate reports highlight ongoing disputes over unpaid groundnut deliveries in the North Bank, with police investigations underway. Jobs Data Under Scrutiny: Trade Minister Mod K. Ceesay told lawmakers that employment rose by 163,660 between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, as MPs pressed for clearer survey methodology. Tourism–Mining Coordination: GTBoard and the Department of Geology signed a framework agreement to protect TDA resources and prevent conflicting mining and tourism licensing. Public Enterprise Dividends: Five SOEs handed over D137m in dividends to President Barrow, signalling continued SOE reform momentum. Food Safety & Agriculture: A new piece argues food safety is an economic necessity for Gambia’s farm exports, using the groundnut aflatoxin problem as a warning. Electricity Emergency Power: NaNAWEC reportedly seeks government backing to buy emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec as outages disrupt water and operations. Evidence-Informed Policy Push: Speaker Jibril Abdul M. Jatta urged stronger use of research in policymaking at an Evidence-to-Action conference in Accra.

STEM Education Push: STEM Africa Fest is expanding access for underserved children ahead of its 6th edition, with at least 20% of participants attending free of charge (transport and feeding covered) and a multi-city rollout including Ilorin, while the Lagos flagship is set for 18 July 2026. SOE Dividends to State: Five state-owned enterprises handed over D137 million in interim dividends to President Barrow, signaling progress from earlier losses and highlighting the role of the SOE Commission reforms. Fertiliser Price Held Steady: Government says fertiliser will stay at D1,100 per 50kg bag for 2026, backed by a D1.601 billion subsidy, and urges farmers to buy only from NFSPMC depots, seccos and approved agents. Unpaid Farmers Dispute: Dozens of groundnut farmers in Jokadou/North Bank say they are still unpaid after delivering to Kerr Alagie Karu Secco; the minister says government has paid, while police investigate the secco president’s alleged refusal to hand over funds. Electricity Emergency Plan: NAWEC is reportedly seeking government support to buy up to 70MW emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec as outages disrupt water supply and strain equipment. Public Finance Watch: Parliament’s FPAC flags arrears of over D452m on government on-lent loans by SOEs, including major energy and airport-related projects. Skills for Women & Youth MSMEs: Under an EU-funded tourism and creative industries project, She Trades/ITC trained women and youth-led MSMEs to improve pitching and market skills for agribusiness, tourism, fashion and handicrafts. Evidence-Informed Policy Call: A Gambia speaker urged stronger use of research in policymaking, warning that data-poor decisions fail citizens and slow development.

SOE Dividend Push: Five state-owned enterprises handed President Barrow cheques totaling D137 million in dividends, signaling progress from years of bailouts toward better performance and oversight. Public Finance Watch: Parliament’s FPAC flagged over D452m in arrears on government on-lent loans, including airport and energy projects, raising pressure for faster repayment and tighter controls. Fertiliser Stability for Farmers: Government kept fertiliser at D1,100 per 50kg bag for 2026, citing a D1.601bn subsidy and urging purchases only through NFSPMC depots, seccos and approved agents. Energy Emergency Planning: NAWEC is seeking D661m in government support to secure emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec, as electricity shortages continue to disrupt services. Health & Medicines Controls: Regulators are training drug analysts to detect toxic EG/DEG contamination in cough syrups, after child-death cases linked to adulterated products in the region. Agriculture Payment Dispute: Dozens of farmers in North Bank say they were not paid for groundnuts; government says it has paid, but a secco president allegedly withheld funds and is under police investigation. Skills for Women & MSMEs: A tourism/creative-industry EU-backed programme trained women entrepreneurs and trainers to improve pitching and market access. Evidence-Informed Policy: UNCTAD and regional experts stressed how geopolitics and research use are reshaping development decisions, with implications for trade, energy and governance.

SOE Dividends Boost: Five state-owned enterprises handed President Barrow cheques totaling D137 million in dividends, a sign of improved performance at Gambia Ports Authority, GNPC, Gambia Civil Aviation Authority, Gambia Publishing and Printing Corporation, and GRTS. Public Finance Watch: Parliament’s FPAC flagged D452.35 million in arrears on government on-lent loans by SOEs, citing unpaid obligations tied to airport, broadband, and Brikama power projects. Energy Pressure: NAWEC is seeking up to 70MW emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec, while GALA has issued a 10-day ultimatum over electricity and water shortages; Barrow meanwhile promises stable power in the next 2–3 years. Agribusiness Support: The government kept fertilizer at D1,100 per bag for 2026 and plans free organic fertilizer distribution, as GIRAV awarded over D156M to 214 farmers/agribusiness groups and rural communities praised GIRAV road works. Skills for Growth: She Trades (EU Youth Empowerment) trained women and youth-led MSMEs to improve pitching and market access in tourism, agribusiness, fashion and handicrafts. Fisheries Cooperation: The Mombasa Declaration saw The Gambia join efforts to curb illegal fishing through shared data and stronger transparency. Transport & Safety: Rooftop billboards are spreading in urban areas despite permit concerns, raising safety risks.

Electricity & Water Crisis: Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) staged a rain-defying protest and issued a 10-day ultimatum to NAWEC and the energy ministry over persistent power cuts and water shortages, while NAWEC reportedly seeks emergency power support from Senegal’s Senelec to plug a generation/import gap. Energy Governance & Funding: Parliament’s FPAC flagged over D452m in loan arrears by state-owned enterprises, including airport and energy projects, raising pressure on repayment discipline. Agribusiness & Inputs: The agriculture ministry kept fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for the 2026 rainy season, citing a subsidy plan and incoming NPK and urea supplies; it also awarded over D156m to 214 farmers and agribusiness groups under the World Bank-backed GIRAV. Construction & Rural Roads: Rural communities praised GIRAV-funded road works by a Chinese contractor as a boost for market access and reduced post-harvest losses. Training & Skills: MFWA opened applications for a 3-day Africa–China relations reporting workshop for journalists in Anglophone West Africa, and NAQAA launched a national TVET curriculum for financial cooperatives and microfinance. Fisheries & Trade: Countries signed the Mombasa Declaration to curb illegal fishing via shared data and stronger transparency. Business & Industry: Champion Breweries named Malolan Sampath as CEO effective Sept 1, 2026, and Standard Chartered is exploring a sale of its Bahrain wealth/retail operations.