AGP Executive Report

Coastal & Sand Mining Tensions: Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe has formally requested police approval for a peaceful protest on 27 August at Denton Bridge, targeting Sino-Majilac-JalBak over alleged unpaid sand mining royalties and community benefits, escalating a long-running dispute over extraction near the city’s fragile coastline. Agriculture Data for Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security is strengthening data collection for food security, with the minister stressing that reliable statistics are vital for planning and reducing import dependence amid rising food insecurity. Border Farming Safety Concerns: Farmers in Bulock fear for their safety and livelihoods after Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bulock Military Camp fence, leaving communities uncertain about whether to continue farming close to the border. Labour Market Signals: A survey reports unemployment falling to 6.2% and more people entering work, but warns job quality remains weak as informal employment stays dominant. Climate Pressure on Food Systems: A new report highlights how ocean warming and acidification are accelerating climate impacts, threatening coastal livelihoods, marine ecosystems and global food security. US Visa Processing Shift: The US plans to consolidate routine visa services in Africa into regional hubs, with Banjul among posts where routine processing will stop from 1 August 2026. Tax Reform Push: Gambia’s finance minister renewed calls for global tax reforms to curb profit shifting by multinationals, saying domestic steps alone can’t fix an unfair international system.

Sand Mining Dispute in Banjul: Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe has formally requested police approval for a peaceful protest on 27 August at Denton Bridge over alleged unpaid sand mining royalties by Sino-Majilac-JalBak, escalating a long-running standoff that residents say is damaging infrastructure and leaving Banjulians without answers. Food Security Data Push: The Agriculture Ministry is strengthening data collection for food security, with the minister stressing that reliable statistics are vital for tackling import dependence and climate shocks, even as cereal production rises but food insecurity remains high. Labour Market Update: A new survey reports unemployment falling to 6.2% and more people entering work, but warns job quality is still a major issue, with most employment remaining informal. Border Farming Safety Fears: Farmers in Bulock near the Gambia-Senegal border fear for their safety after Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bulock Military Camp fence, leaving uncertainty over whether they can continue farming close to the border. Maritime Law Spotlight: Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice Komba Kamanda received an international honour in Nigeria for contributions to maritime jurisprudence, with delegates including The Gambia discussing ways to strengthen maritime dispute handling.

Creative & Culture: NCAC hosted artists without borders in Fajara, bringing together musicians, filmmakers, dancers, writers and partners to push The Gambia’s creative industry as a driver of identity and economic growth. Agribusiness & Water Management: ROOTS Project handed over the Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, aiming to tackle recurring flooding and lift rice productivity as The Gambia targets rice self-sufficiency by 2030. Agri-Tech & Innovation: Marong Analytica profiles Bakary Marong, building AI and robotics tools for business automation and developing a soft robotic gripper to improve fruit harvesting and sorting. Border & Security: Reports highlight renewed calls for swift resolution after the Bulock border fence incident, with Gambian officials condemning Senegal’s incursion and urging stability for trade and communities. Maritime & Trade Links: A U.S. visa-services shift will consolidate routine visa processing in Africa into regional hubs, including Banjul’s services moving to designated centers—relevant for travel planning tied to business and logistics. Healthcare Workforce: Chandigarh University news (India) says 272 allied health students secured jobs and 393 internships were arranged—useful as a reference point for skills pipelines, though not Gambia-based.

Security & Governance Awards: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno praised President Bola Tinubu’s anti-insurgent push and urged regional cooperation, as he received an African Leader in People-Centric Governance award in Banjul alongside President Adama Barrow and other African leaders. Air Connectivity for West Africa: Etihad and Air Peace signed an interline agreement, letting passengers book single tickets between Abu Dhabi and multiple Nigerian and regional cities including Banjul, boosting travel links for business and tourism. Gambia–Senegal Border & Local Politics: Coverage continues around the Bulock border fence incident and calls for swift resolution of Gambia–Senegal border management, while local political figures trade accusations ahead of elections. Agriculture & Water Management: The ROOTS Project handed over the Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, aiming to improve rice productivity and support the Rice Self-Sufficiency agenda. Food & Climate Signals for Farmers: The Gambia’s Chief Meteorologist said a recent dry spell wasn’t drought, urging farmers to stay guided by the rainy season’s early stage. Tax Reform Push: Finance officials renewed calls for global tax reforms to curb profit shifting that drains African revenues, with The Gambia highlighting stronger withholding and enforcement. Creative Industry Boost: NCAC convened cultural and creative-sector stakeholders to strengthen arts as an economic driver and national brand. Diaspora Engagement: The Gambia Association in Glasgow met officials to plan “Gambia Day” and mobilise support for athletes at the Commonwealth Games.

Banking & Diaspora Finance: Zenith Bank is spotlighted in London as a part-sponsor of the 15th Voice Achievers Award and Business Summit on Aug 21, underscoring its push to back African talent on the global stage. Security & Regional Cooperation: At the 19th Security Watch Africa Conference in Banjul, Nigeria’s Governor Umo Eno praised President Tinubu’s anti-insurgent efforts and urged stronger Africa-wide cooperation on security and people-centred governance. Air Connectivity: Etihad and Air Peace signed an interline agreement to let travellers book single-ticket journeys between Abu Dhabi and multiple Nigerian and West African cities, including Banjul. Gambia-US Travel Policy: The US State Department plans to shift routine visa services in Banjul into regional hubs from Aug 1, 2026, affecting how applicants schedule and process visas. Agriculture & Water: ROOTS Project handed over the Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, aiming to boost rice productivity and support The Gambia’s rice self-sufficiency push. Creative Industry: NCAC hosted artists without borders to strengthen The Gambia’s creative sector and youth participation. Tech & Agribusiness Innovation: A Gambian AI entrepreneur is developing robotics tools for safer, more efficient fruit handling—aimed at improving agricultural automation. Commonwealth Games Prep: Gambian groups in Glasgow met officials to plan “Gambia Day” and rally support for athletes ahead of Glasgow 2026. Tax Reform Push: Finance Minister Seedy Keita renewed calls for global tax reforms to curb profit shifting that drains African revenues.

Security & Governance: Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno praised President Bola Tinubu’s push against insurgents and urged stronger regional cooperation, speaking at The Gambia’s 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards in Banjul. Air Connectivity: Etihad and Air Peace signed an interline agreement to let passengers book single tickets between Abu Dhabi and multiple West African cities, including Banjul, with onward links via Lagos and Accra. Agriculture & Climate: The Gambia’s Chief Meteorologist said the recent dry spell was not drought, stressing the rainy season is still early and advising farmers to stay guided by forecasts. Sports Funding: Ghana’s finance minister said government will recover GHS 58m spent on Black Stars World Cup preparations once FIFA releases appearance funds. Education & Skills: UTG conducted balloting for its Vice Chancellor League competition, while Chandigarh University reported job outcomes for allied health students—an indirect reminder of the value of employability-focused training. Creative Industry: NCAC hosted artists without borders to boost The Gambia’s creative sector, linking culture to economic development. Irrigation & Rice: ROOTS Project handed over the Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, aiming to support rice productivity and water management. Business & Tech: Marong Analytica highlighted AI and automation work, including a robotics project aimed at improving agricultural harvesting and sorting. Diaspora & Commonwealth Games: The Gambia Association in Glasgow met officials on plans for “Gambia Day” and support for athletes at Glasgow 2026. Tax Policy: Finance Minister Seedy Keita renewed calls for global tax reforms to curb profit shifting that drains African revenues. Port & Logistics Tech: Prodevelop plans to pilot digital port call optimisation in Namibia, building on similar maritime digitalisation work referenced for Gambia.

Air Connectivity Boost: Etihad and Air Peace have signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket journeys between Abu Dhabi and Air Peace destinations across Nigeria and West/Central Africa, including Banjul, Dakar and Freetown—aiming to deepen regional travel links. Gambia Tax Policy Push: Finance Minister Seedy Keita renewed calls for global tax reforms to stop multinational profit shifting, saying The Gambia is tightening enforcement and withholding measures but needs fairer international rules. Visa Services Reshuffle: The U.S. plans to consolidate routine visa processing across Africa into regional hubs from Aug. 1, 2026, with Banjul among posts where routine services will stop—potentially affecting travel planning for Gambians. Agriculture & Water: ROOTS Project handed over the Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, targeting better water management and rice productivity. Local Industry & Tech: NCAC hosted artists to boost The Gambia’s creative industry, while Marong Analytica highlighted AI and robotics work aimed at improving business efficiency and agricultural automation. Sports Funding Note: Ghana’s government says it will recover GHS 58m spent to support Black Stars World Cup preparations once FIFA releases funds.

World Cup Finance: Ghana’s finance minister says government will recover GHS 58m spent to support the Black Stars once FIFA releases appearance funds, after the team needed money upfront for preparations and logistics. Higher Education & Youth Sports: University of The Gambia (UTG) held balloting for its Vice Chancellor League Competition, setting group matchups across faculties and student associations. Diaspora & Commonwealth Games Prep: The Gambia Association in Glasgow met Sport Minister Bakary Badjie, GNOC officials and the High Commissioner to plan “Gambia Day” (26 July) and boost support for Gambian athletes at Glasgow 2026. Tax Policy for Industry: The Gambia’s finance leadership renewed calls for urgent global tax reforms to curb profit shifting by multinationals, saying domestic enforcement alone can’t fix unfair international rules. Creative Industry Boost: NCAC hosted artists across music, film, dance and literature to strengthen The Gambia’s creative sector and push young talent toward economic development. Agriculture & Irrigation: ROOTS Project handed over the Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, aiming to improve water management and raise rice productivity toward the national self-sufficiency target. Border & Farming Impact: Farmers along the Gambia–Senegal border are abandoning prepared fields due to security fears and boundary uncertainty, following recent tensions including the Bullock border camp fence demolition. Maritime & Trade Connectivity: Etihad and Air Peace signed an interline deal to expand travel links across Nigeria and West/Central Africa, including Banjul, supporting regional connectivity for business and tourism.

Agribusiness & Water Security: ROOTS Project handed over the Jahally-Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, aiming to boost rice productivity and support The Gambia’s rice self-sufficiency agenda by 2030. Creative Industry Boost: NCAC convened over 30 stakeholders to push growth in The Gambia’s creative sector, urging young artists to treat their craft as a serious economic driver. Maritime & Legal Reform: Nigeria’s Chief Justice called for stronger legal protection for the maritime sector, while Nigeria’s SGF pledged to translate maritime seminar resolutions into policy and legislation—signals for regional shipping governance. Energy & Regional Infrastructure: ECOWAS-backed progress on the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP) continues, with the intergovernmental agreement signed in Freetown—route includes The Gambia. Border & Farming Disruption: Farmers along the Gambia–Senegal border are abandoning prepared fields due to renewed security fears and boundary uncertainty. Local Environment & Urban Risk: Banjul Mayor Lowe sounded the alarm over sand mining, linking it to coastal erosion, flooding risk, and threats to fishing and tourism. Tech & Business Innovation: Marong Analytica highlights AI and robotics work that could improve agricultural automation and sorting efficiency. International Trade Rules for Fisheries: WTO Fish Fund approved $2.2m in grants to help countries implement the fisheries subsidies agreement, including reporting and regulatory strengthening.

Creative Industry Boost: NCAC hosted “artists without borders” in Fajara, bringing together musicians, filmmakers, dancers, writers and students, with MOTAC urging young creatives to treat music and the arts as a serious economic and cultural driver. Irrigation & Rice Production: ROOTS Project handed over the Jahally–Pacharr irrigation site for rehabilitation, targeting better water management to support The Gambia’s rice self-sufficiency agenda by 2030. Local Governance & Environment: Banjul Mayor Lowe warned sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and flooding, calling for stricter, transparent permit controls to protect fishing and tourism. Made in The Gambia Roadmap: Stakeholders validated the revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037, a 10-year push to strengthen value chains, MSMEs and export growth. Agrifood Sector Skills: Youth, Parliament and partners discussed how to transform Gambia’s agrifood sector, with emphasis on youth leadership. Border Farming Disruption: Farmers in border communities are abandoning prepared fields due to uncertainty from the Gambia–Senegal boundary dispute and recent security tensions. Regional Energy Integration: ECOWAS backed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with the planned route expected to pass through The Gambia and other West African states. Public Health & Waste: Officials warned poor waste management could turn the rainy season into a public health crisis, urging better household disposal and stronger municipal collection. Tech & AI for Industry: Gambian entrepreneur Bakary Marong is building AI and robotics solutions aimed at improving business automation and agricultural harvesting efficiency.

Waste & Public Health: A Gambian official warned that rainy-season relief can quickly turn into a public health crisis if blocked drains, overflowing bins and stagnant water are left unchecked, urging households to separate waste and councils to improve collection and disposal. Border & Sovereignty: Tensions with Senegal flared again after Senegalese troops demolished part of a Gambian military fence at Bullock, prompting calls for calm and renewed diplomacy as farmers in border areas reportedly abandon fields over security fears. Maritime & Trade Justice: Nigeria’s Chief Justice called for stronger legal protection and faster, trusted maritime dispute resolution to boost investment, while Nigeria’s marine ministry urged the judiciary to prepare for new cases tied to autonomous ships and digital shipping. Regional Energy (AAGP): ECOWAS leaders signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the $25bn Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a corridor expected to run through The Gambia and other Atlantic states, with construction targeted to start in 2028. Agrifood Jobs for Youth: A youth-parliament retreat pushed practical steps to modernise The Gambia’s agrifood sector and expand youth participation, linking agriculture transformation to jobs and skills. Local Environment (Sand Mining): Banjul’s mayor warned that sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and flooding risks, calling for stricter, transparent permit controls. Governance & Finance: The National Audit Office said government owes over D8.5bn in unpaid subscribed capital contributions, highlighting pressure on public financial discipline. ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS approved new commissioners and judges for 2026–2030, including Awa Bah of The Gambia as a judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice. Cooperatives Reform: The cooperative sector is set for an upgraded legal framework to better regulate diverse cooperative types and strengthen governance, supervision and member protection.

Border Tensions Impact Farming: Farmers along The Gambia–Senegal border are abandoning prepared fields after the July Bullock fence demolition and fears of renewed cross-border security operations, leaving communities in limbo and harvests at risk. Regional Energy Push: ECOWAS heads signed the Intergovernmental Agreement for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a roughly $25bn, 6,000–6,900km project expected to move up to 30 bcm of gas annually across 13 countries including The Gambia, with construction targeted from 2028. Local Industry Roadmap: Stakeholders validated The Gambia’s revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan (2027–2037), aiming to boost value addition, MSMEs, local value chains, and export growth under the “Produce and Consume Local” agenda. Public Finance Pressure: The National Audit Office says government owes over D8.5bn in unpaid subscribed capital contributions, with arrears building after defaults and no payments for more than two years. Banjul Sand Mining Alarm: Banjul’s Mayor Lowe warned sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and threatening flooding, fishing, and tourism, calling for tighter, transparent permit regulation. Co-op Sector Update: The revised cooperative legislation is set to broaden the legal framework for cooperative types, strengthen governance and supervision, and support a more resilient cooperative movement.

ECOWAS Energy Push: ECOWAS leaders in Freetown signed off the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP), a roughly $25bn, 6,000–6,900km corridor expected to move 30bcm of gas annually and pass through The Gambia among other countries, with construction targeted to start in 2028. Regional Appointments: ECOWAS also approved a new 2026–2030 lineup, including Awa Bah of The Gambia as a judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and new commissioners for the ECOWAS Commission. Gambia Industrial Roadmap: Stakeholders validated the revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037, aiming to boost local value chains, MSMEs, product quality and export access under the “Produce and Consume Local” agenda. Border Tensions Watch: Gambian soldiers at Darsilami were put on high alert after rumours of possible Senegalese action following the Bullock border fence demolition, while officials urged calm and diplomacy. Co-op Sector Reform: The cooperative movement is set for a stronger legal framework as revised cooperative legislation and a national cooperative policy move forward to improve governance and member protection.

Regional Energy & Infrastructure: ECOWAS has endorsed the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, a 6,000–6,900km project expected to move 30bcm of gas annually and run through The Gambia and 12 other countries, with construction targeted to start in 2028. ECOWAS Governance: ECOWAS approved new appointments for 2026–2030, including Gambia’s Awa Bah as a judge of the ECOWAS Court of Justice and new commissioners and institution heads. Local Industry Roadmap: Stakeholders validated The Gambia’s revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037, aiming to cut import dependence, boost value addition, strengthen local value chains, and expand exports. Border Tensions: Gambian soldiers at Darsilami were put on high alert after rumours of possible Senegalese action, following the Bullock fence demolition; officials praised restraint and pushed for diplomatic resolution. Women & Skills: Ambassador Liu Jin highlighted women’s empowerment as a national development driver, while youth-parliament discussions focused on transforming Gambia’s agrifood systems and boosting youth participation.

ECOWAS Appointments: ECOWAS approved new leadership across its institutions for 2026–2030, including Ghana’s Amin Suleiman as Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation, plus new commissioners and judges. Energy Corridor: ECOWAS also signed off on the Nigeria–Morocco African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, with Gambia’s foreign minister welcoming the Intergovernmental Agreement as a boost for regional energy integration. Gambia–Senegal Border Tension: Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bullock border camp fence, prompting Gambian calls for calm and restraint and renewed diplomacy to prevent escalation. Agrifood Push for Youth: A youth-parliament retreat urged transforming Gambia’s agrifood sector through modern, tech-driven farming and stronger CAADP implementation. Cooperatives Reform: The cooperative movement is entering a new era as revised legislation aims to broaden regulation beyond traditional agricultural co-ops. Digital Finance Growth: Wave Gambia highlighted rapid progress in financial inclusion as mobile money expands access nationwide. Petroleum Commission Revenue: Gambia’s Petroleum Commission reported over US$1m earned from upstream activities in 2025. Coastal Resilience Works: Residents along Kotu Stream raised concerns over WACA ResIP 2 impacts as the rainy season approaches, with project management responding.

ECOWAS Energy Push: ECOWAS leaders in Freetown backed the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline, signing the Intergovernmental Agreement and framing it as a major boost for regional energy security and industrial growth. Gambia–Senegal Border Tensions: Gambian officials praised soldiers’ restraint after Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bullock border camp fence, while Banjul called the act “provocative” and urged diplomacy to prevent escalation. Telecom Modernisation: A GAMCEL–YCELL partnership is set to modernise The Gambia’s mobile network with a GMD6.1 billion agreement aimed at improving service quality and digital inclusion. Made-in-The-Gambia Strategy: Government validated a revised 10-year “made in The Gambia” strategy to strengthen local value chains, MSMEs, and product quality for measurable industrial results. Financial Inclusion Gains: Wave Gambia highlighted rapid growth in mobile money as FinScope data shows financial inclusion rising sharply to 82% by 2025. Agrifood Resilience: Justice for All Union acquired borehole drilling machines to support year-round farming and reduce reliance on seasonal rainfall. Petroleum Revenue Update: The Petroleum Commission reported earning over US$1m from upstream activities in 2025, including payments for seismic and geological data. Quality Infrastructure: Gambia Standards Bureau validated a new 5-year strategic blueprint to strengthen standards and conformity assessment for industry. Diaspora Politics: UDP flag-bearer Ousainu Darboe pledged diaspora voting rights and deeper inclusion, linking trust to transparency and fair play. WACA ResIP 2 Response: WACA management addressed concerns from residents along Kotu Stream as the coastal resilience project moves into its next phase.