AGP Executive Report

Aviation Funding Fight: Nigeria’s aviation regulators and engineers are clashing over how to share the 5% Ticket Sales Charge and Cargo Sales Charge, with the NCAA demanding a return to its original 65% share to protect safety oversight funding. Intra-African Connectivity: Air Peace says it’s operationalising AfCFTA by linking Lagos to key West and Central African capitals including Banjul, aiming to boost trade and tourism across the region. Skills for Industry: President Adama Barrow presided over awards of over D83 million to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting training in agriculture, engineering, ICT, tourism and business. Border Pressure on Farming: Gambia’s agriculture ministry says about 130 farmers ordered off disputed border lands by Senegalese security forces are expected to return by end of the week, as calls grow for urgent diplomacy. Coastal Livelihoods & Climate: A feature highlights how women in the Tanbi Wetland near Banjul are both harvesting and restoring mangroves that protect shorelines and support fisheries. Flood Relief: Qatar Charity reports QR670,000 in support for 1,200 flood-affected families in The Gambia, including food baskets, blankets, and shelter materials. Private Sector Voice: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry met President Barrow to push for a more enabling business environment for investment and jobs.

Flood Relief for Families: Qatar Charity (QC) says it has supported 1,200 flood-affected Gambian families with QR670,000 worth of food baskets, blankets, and construction/shelter materials, delivered with the National Disaster Management Agency and local authorities. Mangrove Livelihoods & Restoration: A report from the Tanbi Wetland highlights how women in Banjul rely on mangroves for crabs, fish and shellfish while increasingly joining restoration efforts that protect shorelines from erosion and flooding. Skills for Industry & Jobs: President Adama Barrow presided over awards of over D83 million to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund (World Bank-backed), targeting training in agriculture, engineering, ICT, business and creative arts. Border Farming Crisis: The agriculture minister, Demba Sabally, says more than 130 farmers ordered off farms by Senegalese security forces should return by end of the week as bilateral talks continue. Private Sector Push: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) met President Barrow to brief him on business challenges and renew its push for a more enabling environment for investment and job creation. Gambia-Gabon Trade Boost: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements after Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema’s visit, aiming to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture.

Mangrove Livelihoods & Restoration: Women in Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland are combining daily crab and fish harvesting with mangrove restoration to protect coastal communities from erosion and flooding. Flood Relief for Families: Qatar Charity (QC) delivered QR670,000 in integrated support to 1,200 flood-affected families, including food baskets, blankets, and shelter/construction materials coordinated with national and local authorities. TVET Skills Funding: President Barrow presided over D83m awards to 25 TVET institutions under the World Bank-backed Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting training quality and employability in agriculture, engineering, tourism, ICT, business and creative arts. Border Farming Disruption: The Gambia’s agriculture ministry says farmers ordered off border lands by Senegalese forces are expected to return to their farms by end of the week, as bilateral engagement continues. Private Sector Voice: GCCI leadership met President Barrow to push for a more enabling business environment to drive investment and jobs. Gambia–Gabon Trade & Agriculture Deals: The two countries signed five agreements during President Oligui Nguema’s visit to boost cooperation across trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture. Fisheries Pressure: Small pelagic fish shortages are hitting Gambia’s coastal economy, with concerns over industrial vessels and fishmeal/fish oil expansion.

Skills & Jobs Boost: President Adama Barrow presided over the award of over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, backed by the World Bank, targeting training quality and employability in areas like agriculture, engineering, tourism, ICT and business. Border Farming Disruption: The Agriculture Minister says more than 130 Gambian farmers ordered off disputed border lands by Senegalese forces should return “by the end of this week,” after the Bulock fence crisis left communities fearing crop losses. Private Sector Voice: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry met President Barrow to push a private-sector-led growth agenda, investment and job creation, and to flag business challenges directly to government. Trade & Agriculture Diplomacy: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements during President Oligui Nguema’s visit, covering trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture to deepen Banjul–Libreville ties. Fisheries Pressure: A report highlights growing strain on small pelagic fish resources, warning that industrial vessels and fishmeal/fish oil expansion could ripple through Gambia’s landing, processing and coastal livelihoods. Gambia–Senegal Tensions Explained: Commentary revisits the Bulock incident, arguing the fence clash reflects deeper border demarcation and security dynamics. Tourism Content Deal: THD TV Gambia sealed a two-year partnership with Star TV/Radio to expand production and marketing reach.

TVET Skills Push: President Adama Barrow presided over the award of over D83 million to 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Fund, backed by the World Bank, targeting better training quality and jobs for youth, women and persons with disabilities across sectors like agriculture, engineering, tourism and ICT. Private Sector Voice: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) met President Barrow to reaffirm its push for a more enabling business environment, investment and job creation, with the chamber briefing government on key challenges facing firms. Border Farming Crisis: Agriculture Minister Demba Sabally says more than 130 Gambian farmers ordered off farms by Senegalese security forces will return by end of the week, as bilateral talks continue after the Bulock fence dispute. Agri-Policy Pressure: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe urged President Diomaye Faye to stop evictions until after the rainy season, warning the border standoff could worsen hardship for farming communities. Trade & Diplomacy: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements to boost cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture following President Oligui Nguema’s visit to Banjul. Industry Learning Model: A report highlights China’s Hubei Provincial Tennis School as a youth talent and training model that African countries, including The Gambia, could adapt through shared investment and government support.

TVET Skills Push: President Adama Barrow presided over awards of over D83 million to 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions under the World Bank’s Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting stronger training in Agriculture, Engineering, Tourism, ICT, Business and Creative arts. Border Farming Fallout: The Agriculture Minister says more than 130 Gambian farmers ordered off disputed border lands by Senegalese security forces are expected to return to their farms by the end of the week, as bilateral talks continue after the Bulock fence crisis. Private Sector Voice: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry met President Barrow to reaffirm support for private-sector-led growth, investment and jobs, and to raise business challenges directly with government. Tax Reform Learning Tour: GRA Commissioner General confirms customs officials from South Africa and Rwanda will visit to study The Gambia’s digital tax stamp system run by SICPA, credited with reducing smuggling and boosting excise revenue. Trade & Agriculture Diplomacy: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture following a Gabonese presidential visit.

TVET Funding Boost: President Adama Barrow presided over the award of over D83m to 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions under the World Bank-backed Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Fund, targeting skills for youth, women and persons with disabilities across sectors like agriculture, engineering, tourism, ICT and business. Private Sector Push: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) met President Barrow to reaffirm support for private-sector-led growth, investment and jobs, urging a more enabling business environment. Border Tensions Affect Farming: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe urged President Diomaye Faye to stop Senegalese incursions and evictions of Gambian farmers during the rainy season, warning delays could worsen hardship. Digital Tax Stamp Study Tour: GRA Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe confirmed South African and Rwandan customs officials will visit The Gambia to study the digital tax stamp system run by SICPA Gambia, credited with improving compliance and cutting smuggling. Trade and Agriculture Diplomacy: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements during President Brice Oligui Nguema’s visit, aiming to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture. Agroecology Focus: West Africa’s shift toward climate-resilient farming via agroecology was highlighted through a regional conference in Accra involving partners working across Cape Verde, Ghana, Senegal and The Gambia.

TVET Funding Boost: President Adama Barrow presided over the disbursement of over D83m to 25 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions under the World Bank’s Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting skills for youth, women and persons with disabilities across agriculture, engineering, tourism, ICT, business and creative arts. Private Sector Dialogue: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) met Barrow at State House to push a private-sector-led growth agenda, investment and job creation, and to flag business challenges needing government support. Border Tensions Affect Farming: UDP leader Ousainou Darboe urged Barrow to engage Senegal’s President Diomaye Faye to stop Senegalese officers ordering Gambian farmers off their fields during the rainy season, warning evictions could worsen hardship. Digital Tax Stamp Study Tour: GRA confirmed South African and Rwandan customs officials will visit The Gambia to study the digital tax stamp system run by SICPA Gambia, credited with improving compliance and excise revenue. Trade & Agriculture Diplomacy: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements during President Brice Oligui Nguema’s visit, aimed at strengthening trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture ties. Agroecology Push: West Africa’s shift toward agroecology for climate resilience was highlighted through a regional conference in Accra involving partners working across The Gambia, Ghana and Senegal. Media Partnership: THD TV sealed a two-year partnership with Star TV/Radio to expand production, marketing and content reach. Fisheries Transparency Pact: The Gambia joined an international declaration on illegal fishing transparency, including vessel ownership and licence data sharing, as China opted out. Gambia-Senegal Border Dispute Context: Commentary continued on the Bulock fence incident, pointing to deeper sovereignty and security dynamics beyond the immediate demolition. Football Reform Bids: GFF presidential aspirants outlined plans for professional governance and transformation ahead of the 29 August elections.

TVET Skills Boost: The Gambia and the World Bank disbursed over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting better training quality and employability in sectors like agriculture, engineering, ICT and tourism. Private Sector Push: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry met President Adama Barrow to flag business challenges and press for a more enabling environment for investment and jobs. Digital Tax Stamp Study Tour: GRA confirmed South African and Rwandan customs officials will visit to study The Gambia’s digital tax stamp system, credited with cutting smuggling and improving excise revenue. Fisheries Resilience Funding: FAO and the Ministry of Fisheries reviewed progress on PROREFISH Gambia, a US$25m climate-resilient fisheries initiative supporting over 167,000 people in the value chain. Agroecology for Climate Proof Farming: A West Africa agroecology push in Accra highlighted nature-based farming practices, with The Gambia among participating countries. Trade & Diplomacy: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements after President Oligui Nguema’s visit, including cooperation in trade and agriculture. Border & Farm Tensions: Senegalese officers reportedly ordered Gambian farmers in Gambisara and Sabi to stop farming, raising fresh concerns for livelihoods along the border. Media Partnership: THD TV sealed a two-year partnership with Star TV/Radio to expand production and content reach. Governance & Institutions: The African Court on Human and People’s Rights marked 20 years of landmark human-rights rulings, reinforcing rights protections across the continent.

Digital Tax Stamp Push: GRA says South African and Rwandan customs officials will visit The Gambia to study its digital tax stamp system by SICPA Gambia, credited with cutting smuggling and boosting excise revenue. Skills for Industry: President Barrow and the World Bank-backed SIE Fund approved over D83m for 25 TVET institutions, targeting training in agriculture, engineering, ICT and business to improve youth employability. Trade & Agriculture Deal: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements to deepen cooperation on trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture after President Oligui Nguema’s visit to Banjul. Fisheries Resilience Funding: FAO and the Ministry reviewed progress on PROREFISH Gambia, a US$25m climate-resilient fisheries initiative supporting over 167,000 people in the value chain. Agri Tensions at the Border: Senegalese officers reportedly ordered Gambian farmers in Gambisara and Sabi to stop farming on long-cultivated land, raising fresh cross-border concerns. Labour Market Snapshot: GBOS reports unemployment falling to 6.2% and employment rising, but warns informality remains high (85.8%), especially in agriculture and construction. Private Sector Voice: GCCI met President Barrow to brief on business challenges and push for a more enabling environment for investment and jobs.

TVET Funding Boost: The World Bank and Government disbursed over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting skills for youth, women and persons with disabilities across agriculture, engineering, tourism, ICT and business. Digital Tax Stamp Study Tour: GRA confirmed South African and Rwandan customs officials will visit The Gambia to learn from SICPA’s digital tax stamp system, credited with cutting smuggling and improving excise revenue. Private Sector Push: GCCI met President Barrow to brief on business challenges and press for a more enabling environment for investment and jobs. Fisheries Climate Resilience: FAO and the Ministry of Fisheries advanced PROREFISH Gambia, a US$25m climate-resilient fisheries initiative supporting over 167,000 people in the value chain. Agriculture Tensions at the Border: Senegalese officers reportedly ordered Gambian farmers in Gambisara and Sabi to stop farming, raising fresh concerns for livelihoods. Labour Market Snapshot: GBOS reported 733,364 employed and unemployment down to 6.2%, but informality remains high (85.8%), especially in construction, agriculture and food services. Trade and Diplomacy: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture.

Bilateral Trade & Agriculture: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements in Banjul to boost cooperation on trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture after a three-day Gabonese presidential visit. TVET & Skills Funding: Government and the World Bank disbursed over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting training quality and employability in sectors like agriculture, engineering and ICT. Tax Tech for Industry: GRA confirmed South African and Rwandan customs officials will visit to study The Gambia’s digital tax stamp system by SICPA Gambia, credited with cutting smuggling and lifting excise revenue. Fisheries & Climate Resilience: FAO and the Ministry reviewed progress on PROREFISH Gambia, a US$25m climate-resilient fisheries initiative supporting the fisheries value chain. Labour Market Snapshot: GBOS reported 733,364 people employed and unemployment down to 6.2%, but informality remains high (85.8%), with agriculture and construction among the most affected. Border Pressure on Farming: Senegalese security forces reportedly ordered Gambian farmers in Gambisara and Sabi to stop farming, raising fresh uncertainty for local agriculture. Pharma Quality Watch: India moved against about 90% of high-risk inspected pharma facilities under a quality drive linked to global scrutiny involving countries including The Gambia.

Gambia–Gabon Dealmaking: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements after President Brice Oligui Nguema’s three-day visit, aiming to boost trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture between Banjul and Libreville. Health & Regulation: India’s drug regulator says it took enforcement action against about 90% of high-risk pharmaceutical facilities after global scrutiny tied some Indian-made medicines to child deaths, including cases involving Gambia. Breastfeeding for Industry & Jobs: World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 Aug) highlights that better health outcomes depend on systems like workplace support, paid leave and childcare—key for human capital and productivity. Finance for Inclusion: FMDQ approved listing of LAPO MFB SPV’s N4.46bn bond to expand microfinance lending and support SMEs, renewable energy and digital financial services. Fisheries Integrity: A global pact against illegal fishing was signed by The Gambia and others, pushing for vessel transparency and better data sharing; China declined to join. TV & Media Growth: THD TV sealed a two-year partnership with Star TV/Radio to expand production and content reach. Skills Funding: The World Bank and government disbursed over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting training in agriculture, engineering, ICT and more. Tax Tech Export: GRA says South African and Rwandan customs officials will study The Gambia’s digital tax stamp system used to curb smuggling and improve excise revenue. Labour Market Update: GBoS reports 733,364 Gambians employed and unemployment down to 6.2%, though informal work still dominates. TVET, Fisheries & Climate: PROREFISH Gambia forum reviews progress on climate-resilient fisheries funded by the Green Climate Fund, supporting livelihoods for people in the fisheries value chain.

TVET Funding Boost: The World Bank and the Gambia government disbursed over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting skills for youth, women and persons with disabilities across sectors like agriculture, engineering and ICT. Digital Tax Stamp Watch: GRA says South African and Rwandan customs officials will visit The Gambia to study the digital tax stamp system run by SICPA Gambia, credited with cutting smuggling and improving excise revenue. Labour Market Snapshot: GBOS reports 733,364 Gambians employed and unemployment down to 6.2%, but informal work remains high (85.8%), with agriculture and construction among the most affected. Fisheries Resilience: FAO and the government reviewed progress on PROREFISH Gambia, a US$25m climate-resilient fisheries initiative supporting over 167,000 people in the value chain. Border & Security Tensions: Analysis of the Bulock incident highlights deeper Gambia–Senegal border dynamics beyond the fence demolition. Private Sector Dialogue: GCCI met President Barrow to push a private-sector growth agenda and discuss business challenges. Transport/Industry Friction: Vehicle owners threaten protest over alleged renewed charges for aluminium number plates after a contractor change. Breastfeeding for Industry & Health: World Breastfeeding Week messaging links better health outcomes to stronger systems—health services, workplace support and policy.

TVET Funding Boost: Government and the World Bank disbursed over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting skills for youth, women and persons with disabilities across agriculture, engineering, tourism, ICT and creative arts. Private Sector Push: GCCI leadership met President Adama Barrow at State House to press for a more enabling business environment and private-sector-led growth. Tax Tech Watch: GRA says South African and Rwandan customs officials will visit The Gambia to study the digital tax stamp system by SICPA Gambia, credited with cutting smuggling and lifting excise revenue. Labour Market Snapshot: GBOS reports 733,364 Gambians employed and unemployment down to 6.2%, but informal work still dominates (85.8%), with construction and agriculture hardest hit. Fisheries Resilience: FAO and government partners reviewed PROREFISH Gambia, a US$25m climate-resilient fisheries programme supporting 167,643 people in the value chain. Agriculture Payment Fix: NFSC began paying D1.6m to Jokadou groundnut farmers after Secco payment irregularities. Transport Dispute: Police enforcement over aluminium number plates sparks anger as some motorists claim they’re being asked to pay again. Regional Learning: MoTIE and UTGSU held a seminar on AfCFTA and ECOWAS integration, focusing on trade and industrial development.

TVET Funding Boost: The Gambia and the World Bank disbursed over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting better training quality and jobs in agriculture, engineering, tourism, ICT, business and creative arts. Energy & Oil Sector: Seplat Energy reported H1 profit after tax up 498% to $164m, with revenue rising to $1.82b and a proposed US 12 cents dividend per share. Labour Market Update: GBOS says employment rose to 733,364 and unemployment fell to 6.2%, but 85.8% of jobs remain informal, with agriculture, construction and food services hardest hit. Fisheries Resilience: FAO and the government reviewed progress on PROREFISH Gambia, a US$25m climate-resilient fisheries push benefiting over 167,000 people in the value chain. Agriculture Payment Intervention: Government began paying D1.6m to Jokadou groundnut farmers after Secco payment irregularities, via the NFSC. Governance & Trade Oversight: A National Audit Office report flags unresolved D241.9m timber export collections and document gaps on container values. Transport & Compliance Tension: Vehicle owners threaten protest over renewed charges for aluminium number plates they say they already paid for. Regional Integration Seminar: MoTIE and UTGSU held a seminar on AfCFTA and ECOWAS integration, linking free movement to industrial transformation.