AGP Executive Report

Fintech Markets: Airtel Money began conditional trading on the London Stock Exchange after a heavily oversubscribed IPO raised about $703 million, valuing the business at roughly $5.3 billion. Power Supply: Two 10.5-megawatt generators arrived at Banjul Port on October 5, with commissioning expected by month-end, according to NAWEC’s managing director; a third unit is reportedly on the way. Public Accountability: Gambians Against Looted Assets has given the government until October 30 to respond to parliamentary findings on the handling of Yahya Jammeh’s seized assets, including alleged irregularities and misuse of public funds.

Power Supply: Two 10.5MW generators bought from China arrived at Banjul Port on October 5, with commissioning expected by month-end to ease crippling power cuts. The procurement’s financing and transparency remain under scrutiny. Climate Finance: The Gambia joined a regional workshop in Accra on preparing for REDD+ funding, where Ghana highlighted its $21.8 million forest-finance success as a model for West Africa. Public Assets: Gambians Against Looted Assets has given the government until October 30 to respond to parliamentary findings on the sale of Yahya Jammeh’s seized assets, citing alleged irregularities and billions of dalasis in mismanagement.

Tourism: The Gambia Tourism Board and Tourism Security Unit are preparing for the 2026/27 winter season, saying visitor safety is key to bringing holidaymakers—and their spending—to the country. Tax Policy: GRA chief Yankuba Darboe says tobacco taxes should be judged by their effect on smoking and public health, as well as revenue; the excise tax has risen to D45 per pack. Jobs and Pay: The Gambia ranks fourth-worst in Africa for take-home pay, with average monthly net wages of about $85, highlighting pressure on workers as living costs rise. Power and Climate: China has supplied 21MW of generators to help ease power cuts. The Gambia is also among nine countries covered by a $78 million Great Green Wall programme targeting land restoration and livelihoods.

Tourism: The Gambia Tourism Board and Tourism Security Unit are strengthening visitor safety ahead of the 2026/27 winter season, aiming to protect a sector that brings foreign spending and jobs. Tax Policy: GRA chief Yankuba Darboe says tobacco taxes should be judged by their health impact as well as revenue. The excise tax has risen to D45 per pack of 20 cigarettes, from D5 in 2013. Jobs and Pay: The Gambia ranks fourth-worst in Africa for take-home pay, with average net monthly wages of about $85, according to 2026 salary data—a stark sign of pressure on workers and the low-wage economy. Power Supply: The country has received 21MW of generators from China to help ease crippling power cuts, a persistent burden on households and businesses. Climate Finance: The Gambia is among nine countries covered by a new $78 million Great Green Wall programme targeting land restoration and livelihoods for five million people; no country-by-country funding breakdown was announced.

Power Supply: The Gambia has received 21MW of generators from China as it seeks to ease crippling power cuts, a persistent constraint on households and businesses. Homegrown HealthTech: BTS Health Technologies CEO Ousman Manneh says an international award will spur work on locally developed medical technology, including a portable patient-monitoring system. Climate Finance: A new $78 million Great Green Wall programme covers The Gambia and eight other countries, targeting degraded land restoration and livelihoods for five million people. Startup Funding: ECOWAS’s startup programme drew about 9,000 entries, with finalists from 12 countries competing for prizes and potential investment opportunities. Tax and Business: The Gambia Revenue Authority shut down an Indian firm building the $53 million UTG Faraba campus over unpaid taxes. Banking Costs: The finance minister says high CBG interest rates contributed to D3 billion in debt interest during the first half of 2026.

Power Supply: The Gambia has received two generators with a combined 21MW capacity to help ease blackouts; a third unit would bring new capacity to 31.5MW. NAWEC expects to install and commission them by month-end. Women and Rural Development: President Barrow pledged an additional D50 million for women and announced the final phase of electrification in the Central River Region. Regional Startups: ECOWAS’s business programme drew about 9,000 entries, with 60 finalists from 12 countries competing for $65,000 in prizes and potential investment deals worth up to $5 million. Trade and Borders: ECOWAS is meeting in Banjul to discuss boundary governance and cross-border cooperation, issues with direct implications for regional movement and commerce.

ECOWAS Justice: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice swore in five new judges for a 2026–2030 term, including Justice Awa Bah of The Gambia and Liberian lawyer Cllr. Charlyne M. Brumskine, with ECOWAS chair Bassirou Diomaye Faye urging impartial, independent decisions to rebuild public trust. Power Supply: The Gambia received two 10.5MW generators from China (21MW total) to ease crippling blackouts, with a third unit expected soon and installation/commissioning targeted by month-end. Local Development Pressure: Residents in Upper Saloum and Sami used President Barrow’s “Meet the People” tour to demand electricity, better roads, jobs and expanded services for communities still left behind. Public Finance & Education: The Gambia Teachers’ Union called for higher education funding, protection of budgets from cuts, better teacher allowances and the long-awaited Teacher Service Commission. Digital Trade Facilitation: A training workshop launched the Digital Duty Waiver Application System using the SmartPort platform to speed up and improve transparency in waiver processing. Regional Integration: ECOWAS is pushing public sensitisation for its biometric identity card (ENBIC) to support mutual border acceptance by December 2026. Reparations Update: The Gambia Reparations Commission says recovered Jammeh mansion proceeds have not yet arrived in-country despite an agreement with the US, delaying victim compensation.

ECOWAS Justice: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice has sworn in five new judges, including Justice Awa Bah of The Gambia, for four-year non-renewable terms—an important regional governance boost as the court seeks to protect citizens’ rights. LDC Diplomacy: The Gambia has taken over the UN chairmanship of the Group of Least Developed Countries’ Global Coordination Bureau for a three-year term, led by Ambassador Lamin B. Dibba—raising the stakes for development advocacy while the country remains classified as an LDC. Electricity Relief: The Gambia received two new 10.5MW generators from China to ease crippling power cuts, with installation and commissioning expected by month-end. Public Services Pressure: During President Barrow’s “Meet the People” tour, residents in Upper Saloum and Sami urged faster delivery of electricity, roads, jobs, health and education—highlighting gaps that keep rural communities off the development map. Reparations Update: The Gambia Reparations Commission says recovered Jammeh mansion proceeds have not yet been received from the US, despite a signed transfer agreement, as it awaits completion of the process for victim compensation. Education & Teachers: The Gambia Teachers’ Union calls for higher education funding, better teacher allowances, and the long-awaited Teacher Service Commission. Digital Trade Facilitation: A training workshop launched the Digital Duty Waiver Application System via the SmartPort platform to improve efficiency, transparency and access for applicants.

Power & Infrastructure: The Gambia received two new China-bought mega generators totaling 21MW to ease crippling power cuts, with installation and commissioning expected by month-end. Women & Electrification: President Adama Barrow pledged an extra D50m for women’s empowerment and announced the final phase of CRR electrification contracts to extend electricity to remaining communities. Public Finance & Trade Systems: The Gambia Revenue Authority and Gambia National Single Window ran a two-day training on the Digital Duty Waiver Application System via SmartPort, aiming to speed up approvals and improve transparency. Governance & Justice: The Gambia Special Prosecutor outlined an evidence-based prosecution strategy for TRRC-related cases, focusing on direct perpetrators and command or planning liability. Business & Regional Integration: ECOWAS launched public sensitisation for its biometric ENBIC identity card to support smoother border acceptance by December 2026, with The Gambia among early adopters. Regional Startup Spotlight: Baykart of The Gambia was a finalist in ECOWAS Startup Awards after HubPharm Africa won the $30,000 prize.

Digital Trade Facilitation: The Gambia Government began a two-day training on the Digital Duty Waiver Application System, using the SmartPort platform to process waivers digitally and cut manual document handling. Women & Power Access: President Adama Barrow pledged an additional D50 million for women and announced the final phase of CRR electrification, with contracts awarded to extend electricity to remaining communities. Justice & Accountability: Special Prosecutor Martin Hackett outlined an evidence-based prosecution strategy for TRRC-linked cases, focusing on direct perpetrators and modes of liability like ordering, planning, assisting, and command influence. Banking Stability: Fitch reaffirmed Stanbic IBTC’s AAA(nga) rating for a decade, citing strong liquidity, improved loans-to-deposits, and capital strength. Peace & Investment Climate: The Gambia ranked 4th most peaceful in Africa in the Global Peace Index 2025, climbing 16 places globally to 55th, boosting confidence for investment and tourism. Political Tensions: Coalition 2026 accused the ruling NPP of “weaponisation of identity politics” ahead of December elections, alleging divisive remarks tied to ancestry and national belonging. Regional Election Monitoring: ECOWAS says it will deploy youth observers for The Gambia’s December polls, alongside traditional election monitoring. Business & Trade Spotlight: ECOWAS Startup Awards highlighted HubPharm Africa’s $30,000 win, with Baykart representing The Gambia among finalists.

Women & Power Push: President Adama Barrow pledged an additional D50 million to boost women’s participation in The Gambia’s socio-economic development, and announced the second and final phase of CRR electrification to bring electricity to remaining communities in Central River Region North. Peace & Investment Signal: The Gambia climbed 16 places to rank 4th safest in Africa in the Global Peace Index 2025 (55th globally out of 163), with government linking the rise to reforms, stability and community-led peacebuilding—an upswing it says can strengthen investor and tourism confidence. Regional Finance & Energy: Nigeria’s NNPC committed N473.8bn to gas infrastructure, including the Nigeria–Morocco Gas Pipeline, while ECOWAS says it will deploy youth election observers alongside traditional missions for The Gambia’s December polls. Visa Costs Watch: The US expanded a visa-bond programme for B1/B2 tourist and business visas, requiring refundable guarantees up to $20,000 for citizens of 50 countries—important for regional travellers and business planning.

ECOWAS Startup Awards: HubPharm Africa (Nigeria) won the US$30,000 grand prize at ECOWAS’ innovation awards, with Senegal’s Gaynako and Côte d’Ivoire’s My Opinion taking runner-up spots; the event also launched an ECOWAS Private Sector Development Academy and Startup Networks to connect entrepreneurs and expand regional opportunities. Youth in Elections: ECOWAS says it will deploy youth observers alongside traditional election monitoring for Nigeria’s 2027 polls, after pilots in Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, and plans to extend the model to Cabo Verde and The Gambia’s December polls. Gambia–Regional Security: ECOWAS Commission Vice-President Oluwatosin Ogunjimi visited The Gambia to advance peace, security and development, inspecting RSDF-backed projects including the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute and a fish smoking complex. Gambia Banking Regulation Watch: A Gambian central bank directive orders banks to replace non-authorised foreign staff with suitably qualified Gambians, raising concerns about how it could affect regional business operations. Ghana Football Governance Spillover: Ghana’s Black Stars coaching shake-up continues after defeats to Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, with government pushing for a technical search committee for the next coach.

ECOWAS Election Oversight: ECOWAS says it will deploy youth-only election observers alongside its usual monitoring teams for Nigeria’s 2027 polls, after pilots in Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, with plans to extend to Cabo Verde and The Gambia—aimed at boosting young people’s participation and tackling barriers like lack of finance. Gambia Banking Regulation Watch: A new Central Bank of The Gambia directive orders banks to replace non-authorised foreign staff with “suitably qualified Gambian nationals,” raising questions about how far labour rules will reshape hiring in the financial sector. US Visa Bond Rule: The US State Department expanded a visa bond programme for B1/B2 visas, requiring refundable deposits of $10,000–$20,000 for citizens of 50 countries; the list is heavy on Africa, while India is not included. Regional Peace & Development: ECOWAS Vice-President Ogunjimi visited The Gambia to advance regional peace, security and development, inspecting projects supported by the RSDF and engaging ECOMIG troops and early warning systems. Gambia-Linked Humanitarian Partnership: IFRC highlights China as a key partner for building resilient African communities, pointing to projects including malaria elimination work in The Gambia.

Gambia–China Power Deal: China’s ambassador to The Gambia, Liu Jin, announced a new 91 million RMB grant for the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project, as the country continues to face power cuts. Tourism & Business Tension: GTBoard’s suspension of beach parties, concerts and other entertainment in the Tourism Development Area is drawing pushback from human rights activist Madi Jobarteh, who says the move lacks clear security details and could hurt tourism jobs and local businesses. Aviation Jobs & Competition: Gambia International Airlines (GIA) says it has cut some staff incentives, including loans, due to revenue pressure from a new private ground-handling competitor, with workers alleging deteriorating conditions. Skills for Income: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into sustainable income. Regional Peace Work: ECOWAS Vice-President Oluwatosin Ogunjimi visited The Gambia to advance regional peace, security and development, inspecting projects supported by the RSDF and meeting Gambian officials.

Gambia–Regional Security: ECOWAS Vice-President Oluwatosin Ogunjimi wrapped a two-day visit to The Gambia, meeting senior officials and inspecting projects under the RSDF, including the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute and the Fish Smoking Complex, while also touring the Nigerian Army contingent in ECOMIG and the ECOWAS Early Warning and Response Centre. Power & Infrastructure: China pledged a new 91 million RMB grant for the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project, as the country continues to face power cuts. Tourism Under Pressure: GTBoard faced mounting backlash after suspending beach parties, concerts and festivals in the Tourism Development Area, with critics saying the board hasn’t clearly explained the security threats and the economic impact on tourism workers and businesses. Skills & Inclusion: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under the LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into income-generating opportunities. Aviation Labour Dispute: GIA says it cut staff incentives like loans after revenue constraints linked to a new private ground-handling competitor, as workers had protested nonpayment of dues. Education Leadership: WAEC appointed Nigerian education administrator Dr Amos Josiah Dangut as Registrar and CEO for five years starting October 2026, succeeding the Gambia’s Alhaji Pateh Bah.

Tourism & Security: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) says it has launched an investigation after videos circulated online showing visitors being attacked in the Tourism Development Area, warning operators and the public that violations will face decisive action. Tourism Regulation Backlash: GTBoard has also suspended beach parties, concerts and other entertainment in the TDA, drawing criticism from human rights activist Madi Jobarteh over the lack of clear details on the security threats and the potential hit to tourism jobs and businesses. Energy Deal: China has pledged a 91 million RMB grant for the Greater Banjul Area Electricity Enhancement Project to help ease ongoing power cuts. Aviation Labour & Competition: Gambia International Airlines (GIA) says it has cut staff incentives like loans due to revenue pressure from a private ground-handling competitor, after workers protested nonpayment of dues. Skills & Inclusion: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative to boost income opportunities. Regional Peace: ECOWAS Commission Vice-President Ogunjimi visited The Gambia to advance regional peace, security and development, inspecting projects and meeting senior officials.