By Omar Bah
The African Development Bank’s (AfDB) investments in the Gambia’s energy sector have substantially enhanced access to affordable and dependable electricity. According to a recent progress report from the Bank, at least 70% of Gambians (50% in rural areas) will have access to electricity by the end of 2024. One of AfDB’s significant projects involves establishing a connection with Senegal, which provides an additional 50 megawatts of power to support the Gambia’s main power supply system.
The report, endorsed by the Bank Group’s Board on June 13, 2024, showcases the progress in implementing the Bank’s 2021-2025 Country Strategy Paper for the Gambia. It underscores significant accomplishments in the country’s energy, agriculture, and transport fields. The AfDB has amplified its backing for the Gambia’s economic diversification and resilience, aligning closely with the nation’s enduring development objectives.
The Bank’s support for the agricultural sector has been transformative, leading to increased productivity, higher production levels, and heightened private investment. The introduction of the Bank’s flagship program, Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), and the Rice Value Chain Transformation Program (RVCP), has resulted in a substantial increase in rice yields, from 2.2 to 4 tonnes per hectare. Yields for other crops such as maize, groundnut, cowpea, and sorghum have also improved. The expansion of irrigation across 4,369 hectares has boosted rice production by 27,828 tonnes, while the backing of local seed producers has secured a sustainable seed supply.
The Trans-Gambia Bridge, a significant undertaking by the African Development Bank, has had a groundbreaking impact on the transportation sector. Its accompanying road network connects significant routes and destinations, facilitating the smooth movement of goods and people, bolstering trade, increasing incomes, and enhancing living standards across West Africa. The bridge’s construction has notably decreased transportation expenses along the trans-Gambia corridor by reducing travel times previously prolonged by ferry crossings. It is anticipated that passenger and freight transport costs will decrease by 50 to 100% compared to pre-bridge investment levels, and annual trips made by households to educational and healthcare facilities are expected to double.
Dr. Joseph Ribeiro, the Deputy-Director General for West Africa at the Bank, emphasized that the interventions are designed to assist The Gambia in establishing the groundwork for socio-economic transformation. He mentioned that the AfDB has intensified its backing for economic diversification and resilience in The Gambia, aligning with the country’s enduring development objectives and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals while addressing fragility factors.
As of March 31, 2024, the African Development Bank had 17 ongoing projects in The Gambia totaling $252.1 million. These projects are primarily funded by grants and are focused on public operations. The transport sector received 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%).
