AGP Executive Report

Banking Sports: Trust Bank won the 2026 Interbank Trophy after a goalless draw with Bloom Bank and a 9-8 penalty shootout, taking D150,000 while Bloom Bank got D125,000. Regional Trade & Security: ECOWAS marked its 51st anniversary by spotlighting human trafficking, drug trafficking and irregular migration, urging coordinated regional enforcement. Local Digital Governance: Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe launched a project on leveraging digital addresses for evidence-based policymaking in Kanifing, aiming to improve property tax compliance and municipal decision-making. Tax Administration Upgrade: GRA expanded enlightenment on ITAS for key financial institutions, pushing remote, simpler tax compliance and reducing the need for in-person visits. Energy Costs: A World Bank-backed Public Finance Review says weak electricity sector performance and system losses keep tariffs among the highest globally, hurting affordability. Gender & Growth: World Bank findings link gender inequality to lower productivity and growth, citing barriers in jobs, pay and access to land and finance. Oil & Fuel Oversight: Authorities rejected a vessel’s off-spec contaminated fuel cargo (YASA ORION), preventing discharge and highlighting regulatory due diligence. ECOWAS Cyber Skills: A West Africa cybersecurity hackathon in Accra drew teams from across the region, including The Gambia, to build defenses against cybercrime. Trade Facilitation: Gambia launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary committee to strengthen food safety coordination and support trade. Oil Exploration Deal: Government signed an offshore Block A1 exploration licence agreement with Eni, with GNPC holding a 10% carried interest.

Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement with Eni for deepwater Block A1, covering about 1,300 sq km, with government describing it as a major upstream milestone and a boost to investor confidence. Energy Oversight: Oil Marketing Companies president Momodou Hydara said a vessel allegedly carrying contaminated/off-spec fuel (YASA ORION) was denied discharge and left Gambian waters after laboratory tests. Public Finance: The budget deficit narrowed 67% in Q1 2026 as revenue reached D7.68bn, driven by stronger tax collection. Trade & Food Safety: FSQA launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to strengthen coordination and help meet WTO standards for safer food and improved market access. Governance & Anti-Corruption: Civil society groups renewed calls to operationalize the Anti-Corruption Commission, warning delays undermine the fight against corruption. Maritime Security: The Gambia Maritime Administration said a US missile-hit vessel was bound for Iraq, not Iran. Youth & Leadership: YPLS Africa began its 13th cohort in Liberia with over 50 young leaders, including participants from The Gambia. Sports: The Gambia won the Zone II men’s beach volleyball title, booking a spot in the 2026 African Beach Volleyball Championship. Tourism Regulation: The Tourism Board warned illegal developers in the tourism zone, citing environmental damage and poor sanitation.

Energy & Water Accountability: The government faced fresh scrutiny over prolonged power and water disruptions after a public exchange tied to NAWEC’s debt to Senelec, with calls for clearer causes and a credible roadmap. Fuel Supply Oversight: Oil Marketing Companies says a Gambian-flagged vessel carrying off-spec fuel (YASA ORION) was denied discharge and left Gambian waters after lab tests, highlighting the need for stronger regional information-sharing. Trade & Food Safety: FSQA launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Committee to coordinate food safety and plant/animal health standards, aiming to boost WTO compliance and market access. Public Health Infrastructure: President Barrow inaugurated The Gambia’s first National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory, a World Bank-funded $10m facility to test medicines, food and cosmetics locally. Fiscal Update: Budget deficit narrowed 67% in Q1 2026 as revenue reached D7.68bn, driven by stronger tax collection. Offshore Oil Deal: Government signed a landmark upstream exploration agreement with Eni for Block A1, reopening a deepwater opportunity after prior licence setbacks. Governance & Integrity: Civil society urged the Anti-Corruption Commission to be operationalized, warning delays undermine the fight against corruption. Regional Trade Facilitation: WCO-supported training helped build national rules-of-origin expert pools across Nigeria, Comoros, Morocco and The Gambia to strengthen compliant use of trade agreements. Youth Leadership: YPLS Africa began its 13th cohort in Liberia with over 200 young leaders, including participants from The Gambia. Sports: Gambia won the Zone II men’s beach volleyball title, earning a spot at the 2026 African Championship.

Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia has signed a landmark petroleum exploration agreement with Eni for Block A1, giving the company rights to explore 1,300 sq km in deepwater (1,250–3,300m) and giving the state a 10% carried interest via GNPC, with an option to add 5% after a discovery. Energy Crisis & Utilities: President Adama Barrow commissioned the National Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratory while also acknowledging NAWEC’s debt to Senegal’s Senelec, as debate over the prolonged electricity crisis continues. Health & Standards: Barrow commissioned Gambia’s first modern food and drug testing laboratory, funded by the World Bank, aimed at cutting reliance on testing abroad and strengthening safety checks for food and medicines. Tourism Regulation: The Gambia Tourism Board warned developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop illegal construction, fencing and poor sanitation, saying enforcement will involve planning, environmental agencies and law enforcement. Finance Markets: FCMB Group proposed a 35 kobo final dividend for FY2025, with payment dates set for mid/late June subject to AGM approval. Trade & Diplomacy: Vice President Jallow praised China’s zero-tariff push for African exports and highlighted lessons from Tianjin Port’s zero-emission, automated model for Gambia’s trade and climate risks. Labour Dispute: GPA management urged striking workers to return ahead of a high-level meeting after a sit-down strike disrupted operations.

Senegambia Integration Push: A new call for practical Senegambia economic integration urges cheaper, more frequent air links between Banjul and Dakar and a Senegambia transit facilitation framework to ease movement of people and goods. Tourism Under Pressure: The Gambia Tourism Board warns of tougher action against illegal encroachment, unapproved construction, poor sanitation and coastal erosion in the Tourism Development Area, after inspections found structures expanding despite notices. Energy Crisis Accountability: The Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC) demands a clear, transparent roadmap to end the prolonged electricity crisis, while Barrow publicly acknowledged NAWEC’s debt to Senelec. Offshore Oil Deal: Government signed a landmark offshore exploration agreement with Eni for Block A1, with Eni granted a licence to explore the 1,300 sq km deepwater block—seen as a major upstream investment step. Banking Returns: FCMB Group proposes a 35 kobo final dividend for 2025, with payment timelines set after AGM approval. Food & Drug Lab Boost: CGI welcomed the inauguration of the country’s first Food and Drug Quality Control Laboratories, saying it will cut testing costs and speed compliance for local manufacturers. Maritime Labour Dispute: GPA management urges striking workers to return as the Presidency steps in and a high-level meeting is scheduled to resolve the Alport work stoppage. IMF Support: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for The Gambia as part of efforts to manage economic fallout from the Middle East conflict.

Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia has signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1 with Eni, bringing a deepwater operator into the Atlantic Margin and expanding the country’s exploration push. IMF Support: The IMF says it will step up financial support for at least four African countries affected by the US–Israel–Iran war, including The Gambia, with authorities requesting a 20% augmentation of its existing programme. Power & Internet Shock: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms and ISPs after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, worsening business pressure during ongoing electricity instability. Electricity Debt Watch: Nawec’s alleged debt to regional utilities is put at about US$58m total (Senelec and Guinea’s EDG), lower than some public figures, as the utility navigates the post-Karpowership transition. Trade & Security Risk: A policy brief warns Iran-related conflict risks to The Gambia via fuel and food import shocks, remittances, tourism, and agriculture. Business & Governance: ECOWAS and WILDAF trained women cross-border traders in agribusiness in Banjul, while Trust Bank donated $10,000 to SOS Children’s Village. Energy Sector Leadership: Energia appointed Tai Oshisanya as an independent non-executive director, strengthening board governance. Sports: Trust Bank and Bloom Bank set for the Famara Jatta interbank trophy final tomorrow.

IMF Support for Gambia: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries hit by the US–Israel war on Iran, including The Gambia, where authorities have requested a 20% boost to an existing $172m program, with a possible six-month extension and rephasing. Energy & Internet Disruption: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms and ISPs after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, adding to public frustration over ongoing electricity instability. Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia has signed a petroleum exploration, development and production licence agreement for offshore Block A1 with Eni, granting rights over a 1,300 sq km deepwater block (up to 3,300m) as the country pushes to unlock offshore potential. Power Sector Debt Debate: NAWEC’s alleged debts to regional utilities are being put in context, with sources citing about $37m owed to Senelec and $21m to Guinea’s EDG (around $58m total). Trade & Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, expanding leadership across 13 countries. Business & Community: Trust Bank donated $10,000 to SOS Children’s Village, bringing its total support to $40,000 for children without parental care. Humanitarian Reach: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid al-Adha campaign reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including The Gambia.

IMF Support for War Fallout: The IMF says it is stepping up financial support for at least four African countries hit by the US–Israel war’s impact on Iran, including The Gambia, where authorities have requested a 20% augmentation of an existing $172m programme, with a possible six-month extension and rephasing. Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia has signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1 with Eni, granting rights over a 1,300 sq km deepwater block (1,250m–3,300m) as the country pushes to unlock Atlantic hydrocarbon potential. Power and Internet Disruptions: NAWEC and telecoms are under pressure as the country faces ongoing power cuts; Gamtel reported an internet outage linked to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, while Nawec continues to explain the causes and recovery path. Regional Trade Skills for Women: ECOWAS and WiLDAF ran a five-day Banjul training (18–22 May) to strengthen women traders and agribusiness entrepreneurs’ cross-border and compliance capacity. Eid Humanitarian Reach: Qatar Red Crescent’s Eid Al-Adha Sacrifice campaign says it reached 247,344 beneficiaries across Qatar and 13 countries, including The Gambia. Food Security Angle: Experts urged a shift toward plant-based food systems to boost food security, cut emissions, and ease pressure on land and water.

Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia has awarded offshore Block A1 exploration rights to Eni under a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement, bringing a deepwater operator into the Atlantic Margin and aiming to unlock commercial hydrocarbon potential. Power & Connectivity: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms after power loss at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta, worsening public frustration during ongoing electricity disruptions. Fuel Shock Watch: UTG’s policy institute warns Iran-related conflict risks for The Gambia, citing imported fuel and food exposure, with fuel prices up sharply and government subsidy spending rising fast. Banking & Social Impact: Trust Bank renewed support for SOS Children’s Village, with cumulative donations now at US$40,000 to help children without parental care. Tax & Healthcare: Africmed won the GRA Healthcare Taxpayer of the Year award for a third straight year, highlighting continued tax compliance and health-sector contribution. Regional Trade Skills: ECOWAS and WiLDAF trained women cross-border traders in The Gambia to strengthen agribusiness trade capacity. IMF Support: The IMF said it is stepping up financial support for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso to manage economic fallout from the US-Iran war, including possible augmentation and rephasing for The Gambia. Governance & Institutions: President Barrow ordered an independent inquiry into allegations against former CDS Cham, with a new acting CDS appointed as the process begins. Sports Finance: Trust Bank and Bloom Bank set for the Governor Famara Jatta interbank trophy final tomorrow at Serekunda West Park.

Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia has signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1 with Eni, bringing a major deepwater operator into the Atlantic Margin and expanding the country’s exploration push. Cross-Border Trade Skills: ECOWAS and WiLDAF ran a five-day Banjul training for women cross-border traders and agribusiness entrepreneurs to strengthen business capacity. Energy & Cost Pressures: UTG’s policy brief warns Iran conflict risks for The Gambia, citing fuel import shocks, rising subsidies, and exposure through remittances, tourism and food imports. Power Crisis Fallout: A nationwide internet outage hit major telecoms, linked to loss of power at the ACE submarine cable station in Sukuta amid ongoing electricity cuts. IMF Support: The IMF says it is stepping up financing for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso to manage economic fallout from the US–Israel war on Iran, including requested augmentation and extensions for Gambia’s programme. Business & Finance: Trust Bank donated $10,000 to SOS Children’s Village, while Africmed won the GRA Healthcare Taxpayer of the Year award for 2025 and Africell took the Largest Taxpayer Award for the seventh time.

IMF Support: The IMF says it is stepping up financial backing for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso to manage fallout from the US–Israel war on Iran, with The Gambia seeking a 20% augmentation of its existing $172m programme plus a six-month extension and rephasing. Fuel Relief: Government cut gasoil by D5 per litre via a D150m subsidy, while petrol (PMS) stays at D112, aiming to ease costs for transport, farmers and businesses. Power Sector Clarity: NAWEC pushed back on claims of a debt-driven power crisis, saying outstanding cross-border liabilities are about $37m to Senelec and $21m to Guinea’s EDG, with shortages tied more to maintenance and regional supply constraints. Oil & Gas Deal: Eni entered The Gambia with an offshore Block A1 exploration development and production licence agreement. Trade & Connectivity: ValueJet added direct Accra–Banjul flights, improving West Africa travel links. Aviation: Air Sénégal resumed ATR72-600 services on routes including Banjul. Halal Push: The Gambia Standards Bureau and SMIIC are training stakeholders to strengthen halal quality infrastructure and certification. Tax Spotlight: Africell won The Gambia’s largest taxpayer award for the 7th time. Institution Building: Professor Sainey Faye urged stronger enforcement and better ESG integration to make Gambian institutions more resilient.

IMF Support for War Fallout: The IMF says it is stepping up financial backing for Ethiopia, The Gambia and Burkina Faso, with The Gambia seeking a 20% augmentation and possible rephasing/extension, as Middle East conflict pushes up energy and fertilizer costs. Fuel Relief for Businesses: Government cut gasoil by D5 per litre via a D150M+ subsidy, aiming to ease pressure on transport operators, farmers and manufacturers while PMS prices stay at D112. Power Crisis Update: NAWEC says recent outages are driven by maintenance and equipment rehabilitation, not debts to cross-border suppliers, while GALA set a June 19 deadline for action. Halal Trade Push: SMIIC is in The Gambia to train stakeholders on halal quality infrastructure, certification and accreditation—positioning the country as a regional halal hub. Regional Connectivity: ValueJet added Accra–Banjul direct flights, boosting West African travel links. Tax & Telecom Win: Africell won Gambia’s largest taxpayer award for the 7th time. Education Labour Action: UEG staff began a sit-down strike from 1 June over unresolved salary upgrade demands. Sports & Tourism: The Gambia will host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games in Banjul (7–13 June), expected to boost hospitality and services.

Fuel Relief: Government cut gasoil by D5 per litre via a D150M subsidy, while petrol (PMS) stays at D112—aimed at easing costs for transport, farmers and businesses. Power Sector Pressure: NAWEC says the worst outages are driven by maintenance and equipment rehabilitation, not debts to Senelec; GALA meanwhile set a June 19 deadline for action. IMF Disbursement Watch: IMF staff reached a staff-level deal under Gambia’s ECF and RSF, with a planned SDR 6.22M (about US$8.5M) disbursement pending Board approval. Tax & Telecom: Africell won the country’s largest taxpayer award for the 7th time, highlighting over a billion dalasi in annual taxes. Halal Trade Push: SMIIC training in Banjul targets halal standards, certification and accreditation to position The Gambia as a regional hub. Education Pay Talks: MoBSE and teachers reached consensus on delayed salary upgrades, with attestations still being cleared. Court Ruling: High Court awarded former Oryx Energy IT manager Momodou Jallow over D1.95M for unlawful dismissal. Sports & Youth: Gambia to host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games (7–13 June), expected to boost hospitality and services.

IMF Funding for Gambia: The IMF says it has reached staff-level agreements under the ECF and RSF programs, paving the way for a new disbursement of about US$8.5m (SDR 6.22m) and additional support, with Board approval and prior actions required. Electricity Pressure Builds: The Gambia’s power crisis remains a flashpoint as GALA warns NAWEC and government ahead of a June 19 accountability deadline, arguing the problem is political and planning-related—not just technical. Regional Power Integration: The World Bank highlights West Africa’s power integration push, noting transmission links across 15 countries including The Gambia and electricity access gains for millions. Visa-Free Momentum: Togo and Ghana move to visa-free entry for all Africans, adding to a growing list that includes Gambia, boosting hopes for freer movement and trade. Migration Risk Off Mauritania: A surge of interceptions off Mauritania—including 181 Gambians in five days—signals worsening pressure on youth livelihoods and the Atlantic route’s dangers. AUSC Games in Banjul: The Gambia prepares to host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games (7–13 June), expected to drive hospitality and services activity.

IMF Support for Reforms: The IMF says it has reached staff-level agreements for an ECF review and an RSF review for The Gambia, paving the way for about US$8.5m in a first disbursement (subject to Executive Board approval) and additional RSF funding. Electricity Accountability Pressure: GALA has set a June 19 deadline for government and NAWEC to stabilize power, arguing the crisis is political and planning-related, not just technical. Energy Deal Watch: Government announced the signing of a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block Al with Eni Gambia Ltd, positioning it as a step toward unlocking hydrocarbons and boosting investor confidence. Migration and Trade Risks: A new report highlights a surge in Atlantic rescues off Mauritania, including 181 Gambians in five days, underscoring worsening irregular migration pressures. Regional Sports Push: The Gambia is preparing to host the 2026 AUSC Region 2 Games in Banjul (7–13 June), expected to drive hospitality and services demand. Cost-of-Living Protest Threat: Justice for All calls for a nationwide sit-down strike starting 8 June over fuel and transport hikes. Business & Finance Signals: BoU approved a major banking transaction involving Standard Chartered and Absa (Uganda), a reminder of ongoing financial-sector consolidation across Africa.

Energy & Cost of Living: UNCTAD warns Strait of Hormuz disruptions could lift oil import bills for vulnerable economies by $20B+ a year, with Gambia among the most exposed as fuel and transport costs feed into inflation. Fuel Policy: Government reduces diesel by D5 per litre (to D115) with D150M in subsidies, offering short-term relief but raising questions on long-term fiscal sustainability. Electricity Crisis: GALA threatens a nationwide sit-down strike from 8 June over recurring power outages, citing weak planning and accountability; rights activist Madi Jobarteh also challenges official claims that recovery is imminent. Maritime Security & Trade: US CENTCOM says it disabled a Botswana-flagged VLCC and previously a Gambia-flagged vessel enforcing Iran port blockade; MSC confirms its MSC Sariska V was hit near Umm Qasr, condemning the risk to neutral shipping. Investment & Energy Sector: Government signs a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for Offshore Block Al with Eni Gambia Ltd, aiming to unlock hydrocarbons and boost investor confidence. Business & Finance: Ecobank launches a $450M Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange to finance biodiversity protection; Legend Internet reassures investors on future earnings despite weaker interim results. Politics & Governance: NPP-led alliance rejects “disinformation” claims on corruption ahead of December 2026 elections; separate local governance dispute continues over removal of an alkalo in Nyangen.