AGP Executive Report

Electricity Boost for Greater Banjul: China has pledged a 91 million RMB grant for the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project, aiming to ease power cuts and support the region’s energy reliability. Tourism Rules Spark Pushback: The Gambia Tourism Board’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area is drawing criticism from rights advocates who say the board hasn’t clearly explained the security basis or the economic impact on workers and businesses. Women’s Skills for Income: STAND-Gambia and the EU trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under the LEGS initiative, with products planned for sale to fund the programme. Parliament Accountability Drive: The National Assembly launched a 2026 outreach and social audit programme for Greater Banjul Area constituencies, focusing on budget oversight and the Constituency Development Fund. Drug Case at Checkpoint: DLEAG arrested three government employees after suspected cannabis was found concealed in a government vehicle at Kalaji checkpoint; the case is set to return to court on 8 October. Industry & Trade Link: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling its dealer network across West Africa, with expanded coverage including The Gambia, and new arrangements for parts and technical support.

Electricity & Infrastructure: China has pledged a 91 million RMB grant for the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project to tackle power cuts. Tourism & Regulation: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) is under fire after suspending beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area, while also condemning attacks on tourists and marking World Tourism Day with a focus on AI and digital tech. Women’s Skills & Jobs: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative to support income generation. Public Oversight: The National Assembly launched a 2026 Outreach and Social Audit Program for Greater Banjul Area, covering budget scrutiny and the Constituency Development Fund. Trade/Industry Link: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling its dealer network across West and Central Africa, including expanded coverage for The Gambia. Security & Law: DLEAG arrested three civil servants over suspected cannabis found concealed in a government vehicle. Politics & Economy: Change Front will unveil its manifesto “The Salvation” covering sectors from agriculture and energy to healthcare and local government.

Trade & Industry Policy: Nigeria’s Industry, Trade and Investment Ministry says it is recasting its trade negotiation setup—turning the Enlarged National Focal Point into a new Nigeria Trade Negotiation Architecture to push clearer national interests, non-oil exports, and job creation. Construction & Equipment: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshuffling its West and Central Africa dealer network, expanding MDA’s coverage to include The Gambia and appointing Movicortes for additional markets including The Gambia, with mining support handled via direct local presence. Tourism & Security: The Gambia Tourism Board condemns attacks on tourists in the Tourism Development Area and warns “bumsters” and violators that enforcement will follow, while World Tourism Day events spotlighted AI and digital tools for tourism. Land Governance: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated steering committees to implement The Gambia’s National Land Policy 2026–2035, aiming to cut disputes and improve land administration. Public Oversight: The National Assembly launched a 2026 outreach and social audit program for Greater Banjul, focusing on budget scrutiny and the Constituency Development Fund. Law & Order: DLEAG arrested three civil servants over suspected cannabis found concealed in a government vehicle at Kalaji checkpoint; they were remanded and the case adjourned to 8 October. Politics & Economy (Local): Change Front will unveil its manifesto “The Salvation” covering sectors from agriculture and energy to healthcare and security.

Construction & Energy Efficiency: Berger Paints Nigeria chairman Abi Ayida says innovation must deliver real solutions, unveiling Cool Comfort thermal paint aimed at reducing heat absorption and improving energy-efficient building comfort. Agriculture Heritage: FAO convened a 3-day workshop in Johannesburg with 16 African countries, including The Gambia, to strengthen skills for recognising and conserving Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Gambia Tourism Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board condemned attacks on tourists in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and violators of legal action. Tourism Digital Push: World Tourism Day in The Gambia focused on AI and digital transformation, with GTBoard and partners highlighting tech-led travel planning and booking. Land Governance: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated steering committees to implement The Gambia’s National Land Policy 2026–2035, targeting better land administration and fewer disputes. Local Jobs & Compliance: DLEAG arrested three civil servants over suspected cannabis found concealed in a government vehicle at Kalaji checkpoint. Regional Business/Infrastructure: Hitachi Construction Machinery Europe is reshaping its West and Central Africa dealer network, expanding coverage to include The Gambia.

Tourism Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and other violators that they will face action, in coordination with the Tourism Security Unit. Digital Tourism Push: World Tourism Day 2026 in The Gambia spotlighted AI and digital transformation, with GTBoard and partners including GTHI, ITC Gambia, GHA and ITTOG. Land Governance: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee and the Mansa Bengo Committee to roll out the 2026–2035 National Land Policy, aiming to cut land disputes and improve administration. Fiscal Watch: The 2027 budget targets D16.17bn debt service (up 20.2%), alongside growth and revenue measures like new excise duties. Banking & Jobs: The 2027 estimates also propose doubling payroll taxes for non-ECOWAS expatriates, following a central bank directive pushing banks to replace non-Gambian staff with locals. Fisheries & Nutrition: A new Oceana-led study says more equitable fishing access could keep nutrient-rich fish in West Africa, naming The Gambia among countries that could gain. Sports (Gambia-AFCON): The Gambia beat Ghana 4-2 in the 2027 AFCON qualifier, moving top in Group C; Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz urged stability ahead of the showdown.

Tourism Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning “bumsters” and other lawbreakers they will face action, while stressing coordination with the Tourism Security Unit. Digital Tourism: On World Tourism Day, GTBoard and partners highlighted how AI and digital tools are reshaping travel discovery, planning and bookings, with events in the TDA and talks involving tourism and trade institutions. Land Governance: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee and the Mansa Bengo Committee to drive the 2026–2035 land policy, aiming to cut disputes and improve administration, including rules that could require foreign landholders to return land. Elections & Rhetoric: EFSCRJ Election Watch condemned divisive remarks by Local Governments and Lands Minister Hamat Bah at a Farafenni rally, warning against ethnicity-based fear tactics. Fisheries & Nutrition: A new Oceana study says more equitable fishing access agreements could keep nutrient-rich bottom-trawl catch in origin countries, naming The Gambia among those likely to benefit. Budget Watch: The 2027 budget projects D16.17bn in debt service, up 20.2% from 2026, alongside growth targets and new excise duties. SME/Finance Link: Afreximbank flagged support for industrial projects and trade finance in Anglophone West Africa, including financing for strategic road work in The Gambia.

Tourism & Energy Costs: The Nigerian Hotels Association is urging urgent intervention over “multiple levies” and rising operating costs, saying hotels are hit by about 25 taxes and often forced to run diesel generators when power fails, squeezing businesses into deficits. Fisheries & Food Security: A new Oceana study says countries including The Gambia could improve nutrition if more nutrient-rich fish caught by distant bottom-trawling fleets stays in-country, warning the region loses key nutrients while malnutrition remains high. Gambia Budget & Public Finance: The Gambia’s 2027 budget targets D16.17bn in debt service, up 20.2% from 2026, as government pushes fiscal sustainability alongside growth and new excise duties. Banking & Jobs: The 2027 estimates also propose doubling payroll taxes for non-ECOWAS expatriates, aligning with the Central Bank order for banks to replace non-Gambian staff with locals. Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation-backed trials with UNDP and WFP will test digital payments, including regulated stablecoins, to speed delivery and cut costs in development and humanitarian work. Malaria Funding: ALMA warns a 30% cut in malaria financing could add 146m cases by 2030, urging stronger domestic funding and multisector action. Food Brand Launch: Miliket Noodles enters The Gambia with Rohey Camara as brand ambassador, alongside a consumer promotion. Music Industry: Njundu Badjie (SORRA) appointed National Director of African Music Icons in The Gambia to boost artist visibility and professionalism.

Gambia Budget & Finance: The Gambia tabled 2027 estimates projecting D16.17bn in debt service, up 20.2% from 2026, as government targets 5.6% real GDP growth and tighter fiscal discipline while expanding spending on areas like agriculture and health. Banking & Jobs: The Central Bank’s push to replace non-Gambian bank staff is driving policy follow-through, with the 2027 budget also proposing higher payroll taxes for non-ECOWAS expatriates to boost local employment. Fisheries & Food Security: A new Oceana-backed study warns that distant-water bottom trawling removes nutrient-rich fish from West Africa, naming The Gambia among countries that could gain big nutrition improvements if access rules keep more catch at home. Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation announced new trials with UNDP and WFP to test regulated stablecoins and other digital payment methods to speed up humanitarian and development transfers. Local Food Brand Push: Gambian actress Rohey Camara was unveiled as brand ambassador for Miliket Noodles after the brand’s entry into the local market. Music Industry: Njundu Badjie (SORRA) was appointed National Director of African Music Icons in The Gambia, aiming to grow artist visibility and professionalism.

Malaria Financing Push: African leaders at UNGA called for stronger domestic funding and multisector action to speed malaria elimination, warning a 30% funding cut could mean 146m more cases and nearly 400,000 extra deaths by 2030. Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS backed a shared agenda to strengthen control of transboundary rivers and boost climate resilience, adopting the Abidjan Declaration after the West Africa Regional Water Forum. Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation announced new UNDP and WFP trials to improve development and humanitarian payments, including tests of regulated stablecoins and faster, lower-cost corridors. Gambia Banking Localisation: The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered banks to replace non-Gambian staff not covered by expatriate quotas by Dec 31, 2026—critics warn of higher costs and operational disruption. Energy & Industry Deals: Ardova-led consortium agreed to acquire Powergas, expanding CNG production, while Tango Fuel App expanded across five African countries with plans including The Gambia. Gambia Consumer & Media: Miliket Noodles launched in The Gambia with Rohey Camara as brand ambassador, and Njundu Badjie was appointed AMI national director.

Industrial Finance Push: Afreximbank says it’s using financing to drive industrialization and intra-regional trade in Anglophone West Africa, citing a $2.5bn commitment tied to Nigeria’s Dangote oil refinery, plus $75m in The Gambia for strategic road projects. Banking & Jobs (Gambia): The Central Bank of The Gambia orders commercial banks to replace non-Gambian staff not covered by approved expatriate quotas by Dec 31, 2026—sparking criticism that the move could raise costs and disrupt operations. Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation backs UNDP and WFP trials of faster, cheaper digital payments, including regulated stablecoins, with UNDP creating a Digital Asset Innovation Pool and WFP testing payment corridors. Climate & Security (ECOWAS): ECOWAS lawmakers warn climate-driven shrinking land and water are worsening farmer-herder conflicts and regional insecurity, urging resilience funds and early-warning systems. Health Funding Alert: ALMA warns a 30% malaria financing cut could add 146m cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030. Food Industry (Gambia): Miliket Noodles launches in The Gambia and appoints actress Rohey Camara as brand ambassador. Music Industry (Gambia): Njundu Badjie is named National Director of African Music Icons Gambia to expand the continent’s music platform locally.

Malaria Funding Crunch: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) warns a 30% cut in malaria financing could add 146 million cases and nearly 400,000 deaths in Africa by 2030, urging stronger domestic funding and multisector action. UN Conflict Prevention Push: UNGA leaders urged the UN to shift from reacting to wars to preventing crises through diplomacy and early action, citing Gaza as a key example. Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation announced trials with UNDP and WFP to test regulated stablecoins and new payment corridors to speed, lower-cost, and improve transparency in development and humanitarian transfers. Gambia Banking Localisation: The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered commercial banks to replace non-Gambian staff not covered by approved expatriate quotas by Dec 31, 2026—sparking criticism over possible disruptions and talent shortages. ECOWAS Climate Security: ECOWAS lawmakers warned climate-driven shrinking water and land are intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and regional insecurity, calling for resilience funds and early-warning systems. Gambia Market & Culture: Miliket Noodles in The Gambia named actress Rohey Camara as brand ambassador, while Njundu Badjie was appointed AMI national director to boost African music visibility.

Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation is funding new UNDP and WFP trials to test faster, cheaper digital payments, including regulated stablecoins, with UNDP creating a Digital Asset Innovation Pool and WFP planning 2–3 payment corridors over three years. Banking & Jobs (Gambia): The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered commercial banks to replace non-Gambian staff not covered by approved expatriate quotas by Dec 31, 2026, drawing criticism over rushed implementation and potential disruption at lenders including Access, Zenith and Ecobank. Climate & Security (ECOWAS): ECOWAS Parliamentarians warned that shrinking water and degraded farmland are intensifying land and farmer-herder conflicts, linking climate stress to displacement and insecurity. Malaria Financing (ALMA): ALMA says a 30% cut in malaria funding could add 146 million cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, urging stronger domestic budgets and multisector action. UN Reform Push: Tinubu and Shettima renewed calls for Africa to get at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto rights, arguing the 1945 power structure no longer fits 2026 realities. Gambia Food Brand Spotlight: Rohey Camara was named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador as the company expands in The Gambia. Energy Investment (Regional): Ardova-led consortium agreed to acquire Powergas, a major CNG producer, expanding gas supply beyond pipelines.

Banking & Jobs in Focus: The Central Bank of The Gambia has ordered commercial banks to replace non-Gambian staff not covered by approved expatriate quotas by 31 Dec 2026, affecting lenders including Access Bank, FirstBank, GTBank, Zenith and Ecobank; analysts warn the rushed switch could raise costs, disrupt operations and create skill shortages. Health & Funding: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) says a 30% cut in malaria financing could drive 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, urging stronger domestic funding and multisector action as progress stalls. Climate & Security: ECOWAS Parliamentarians meeting in Accra warned climate change is worsening land and water stress, deepening farmer-herder conflicts and displacement, calling for coordinated regional legislative action. Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation announced grants with UNDP and WFP to test faster, lower-cost digital payments, including regulated stablecoins, to improve development and humanitarian delivery. Energy & Industry Deal: Ardova-led consortium plans to acquire Powergas (Africa’s largest CNG producer), expanding compressed gas supply for industrial and power users. Local Industry/Branding: Miliket Noodles in The Gambia unveiled actress Rohey Camara as brand ambassador, while AMI appointed Njundu Badjie as national director to grow the country’s music industry.

Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation announced grants with UNDP and WFP to test regulated stablecoin digital payments, including a UNDP “Digital Asset Innovation Pool” and WFP trials of payment corridors over three years, aiming to cut costs and speed up delivery while keeping compliance and resilience. Banking Localisation Push: The Central Bank of The Gambia ordered commercial banks to replace non-Gambian staff not covered by approved expatriate quotas by 31 Dec 2026, affecting lenders including Access, GTBank, Zenith and Ecobank, with analysts warning of rushed transition risks and reduced workforce mobility. UN Reform & Africa’s Seat: Nigeria’s Tinubu and VP Shettima used UNGA to renew calls for at least two permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa with veto rights, plus five non-permanent seats, arguing the 1945 power structure no longer fits 2026 realities. Climate & Regional Policy: ECOWAS Parliament wrapped up a climate-focused seminar in Accra, urging a regional climate resilience fund, stronger early-warning systems, and coordinated action; Malaria Financing: African leaders called for stronger domestic malaria funding and multisectoral efforts as global support falls short. Gambia Industry Culture: Rohey Camara was named Miliket Noodles brand ambassador in The Gambia, while Njundu Badjie was appointed National Director of African Music Icons Gambia.

Banking & Jobs: The Gambia Central Bank has ordered commercial banks to phase out non-Gambian staff not covered by approved expatriate quotas, with banks including Access, FirstBank, GTBank and Zenith given until Dec 31, 2026 to replace roles with qualified Gambians and set skills-transfer plans, drawing criticism over rushed costs and potential disruption. Energy & Investment: AAKS Bros. Ventures met Delta State’s DIDA to propose a solar-plus-storage energy partnership to cut electricity and diesel costs at two state universities, with technical follow-up planned. Electricity Governance: Rights group EFSCRJ says the government should release the first public update from the Presidential Electricity Task Force after the initial two-week reporting window passed, as the country battles prolonged power outages. Trade & SMEs: ITC and Access Bank are expanding SME finance and market access across multiple countries, while ITC also validated Green Public Procurement guidelines for The Gambia’s tourism and creative industries. Regional Climate Action: ECOWAS Parliament called for urgent coordinated climate measures, including a regional resilience fund, early-warning systems, agroforestry and more renewable energy. UN Security Council Reform: While not Gambia-only, Tinubu and Shettima renewed the push for Africa to get at least two permanent UN Security Council seats with veto rights, keeping the debate front and center for West Africa’s policy circles.

Banking Jobs & Localisation: The Gambia Central Bank has ordered commercial banks to phase out non-Gambian staff not covered by approved expatriate quotas, replacing them with qualified Gambians by December 31, 2026, and to prepare skills-transfer and succession plans. Energy Accountability: The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) says the first two-week update window for President Barrow’s Presidential Electricity Task Force has passed, urging the government to publish progress under its Nawec Watch monitoring. SME Finance Boost: The International Trade Centre (ITC) and Access Bank/Access Africa Office signed a three-year plan to expand SME access to finance, markets and skills across 14 African countries including The Gambia, starting with a Ghana pilot. Fisheries Pressure at Tanji: Fishermen at Tanji are calling for stronger regulation and enforcement against unauthorized trawlers that they say damage nets and cut catches, threatening livelihoods and food security. Agri Inputs Safety: NACOFAG warns against distribution of untested, unapproved fertilizers, urging a halt and insisting only certified inputs should be used to protect soils and crops. Climate Action Push: ECOWAS Parliament urged faster regional action on climate impacts, backing a Regional Climate Resilience Fund, early-warning systems, agroforestry and renewable energy.