AfDB Transforms The Gambia's Infrastructure and Agriculture Sectors

One of the standout projects includes the interconnection with Senegal, which adds 50 megawatts to The Gambia’s power grid, enhancing the country’s overall electricity supply.

The African Development Bank’s strategic investments in The Gambia's energy sector have yielded substantial improvements in access to affordable and reliable electricity, with projections indicating that by the end of 2024, at least 70% of Gambians (50% in rural areas) will have access to power. This achievement is highlighted in a recent progress report approved by the Bank Group’s Board on June 13, 2024, reflecting significant milestones midway through the implementation of the Bank’s 2021-2025 Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for The Gambia.

One of the standout projects includes the interconnection with Senegal, which adds 50 megawatts to The Gambia’s power grid, enhancing the country’s overall electricity supply.

In addition to energy, the report underscores the Bank’s impact on The Gambia’s agriculture and transport sectors. Through initiatives like the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) and the Rice Value Chain Transformation Program (RVCP), the Bank has bolstered agricultural productivity. Rice yields, for instance, have doubled from 2.2 to 4 tonnes per hectare, supported by enhanced irrigation covering 4,369 hectares and sustainable seed supply systems.

The transport sector has also seen substantial improvements, notably with the completion of the Trans-Gambia Bridge and its associated road network. This infrastructure connects major routes, facilitates efficient movement of goods and people, and boosts regional trade. The bridge has significantly reduced transport costs along the trans-Gambia corridor by slashing journey times previously hindered by ferry crossings. This reduction is expected to lower transport costs for passengers and freight by 50-100% compared to pre-bridge investments, while increasing household trips to educational and healthcare facilities.

Dr. Joseph Ribeiro, the Bank’s Deputy-Director General for West Africa, emphasized the strategic nature of these interventions aimed at laying the groundwork for The Gambia's socio-economic transformation. “The African Development Bank’s increased support for economic diversification and resilience in The Gambia aligns with the country’s long-term development goals and the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda,” he affirmed.

As of March 31, 2024, the African Development Bank has been actively implementing 17 projects in The Gambia, totaling $252.1 million in public grants. These projects span various sectors, with the transport sector receiving the largest share of funding (51.2%), followed by agriculture and rural development (21%), energy (17.5%), water and sanitation (7.7%), governance (2.6%), and the social sector (2.6%).

These investments underscore the Bank's commitment to fostering sustainable development and resilience in The Gambia, addressing key challenges and paving the way for inclusive growth and improved livelihoods across the country.