AGP Executive Report

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.

Fuel & Transport Relief: The government cut diesel by D5 per litre (to D115) and set aside over D150m in subsidies, offering short-term pressure relief for transport operators and businesses, though critics warn the bigger question is how long support can last amid volatile global prices. Power Crisis & Accountability: Civil society group GALA threatened a nationwide sit-down protest starting 8 June unless NAWEC improves electricity supply and boosts transparency; rights activist Madi Jobarteh also challenged official explanations, arguing the crisis is structural and linked to weak planning and insufficient generation. Energy Investment Deal: The Ministry of Petroleum announced signing a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for Offshore Block Al with Eni Gambia Ltd, aiming to unlock hydrocarbons and strengthen investor confidence. Trade & Logistics Compliance: Bojang Sankaranka Shipping and Logistics Services was named GRA Clearing and Forwarding Agency of the Year, highlighting timely tax compliance and support for trade facilitation. Politics, Governance & Information: The NPP-led alliance accused opposition-aligned media of coordinated “disinformation” ahead of December 2026 elections, while the government condemned misinformation on corruption and urged responsible dialogue. Maritime Security & Regional Links: The Gambia called for deeper economic cooperation with South Korea in Seoul, spanning trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture and digital transformation. Visa Pressure for Gambians: The US plans to centralise visa processing in fewer “hub” locations across Africa, potentially forcing longer travel for applicants. Cost-of-Living Protest: Justice for All demanded a nationwide sit-down strike over fuel and transport hikes, starting 8 June. Regional Humanitarian Risk: An international NGO warned Libya has not dismantled trafficking networks targeting Gambians transiting toward Europe.

Maritime Security & Trade Disruptions: The U.S. says it disabled a Gambia-registered cargo ship, Lian Star, after it ignored more than 20 warnings while trying to breach the Iran blockade in the Gulf of Oman—its engine room was hit with a Hellfire missile, leaving the vessel unable to continue. Power Crunch Hitting Commerce: Greater Banjul businesses report heavy losses as NAWEC load-shedding continues amid a power supply deficit over 50%, with gradual recovery expected by mid-June. Water Stress During Tobaski: Severe water shortages in Bundung left households without running water during the holiday, forcing residents to buy water daily and carry supplies long distances. Transport Fare Gouging: During Tobaski travel, some drivers and operators charged double fares despite capped increases, squeezing already strained household budgets. Tax Reform Momentum: GRA says digital reforms drove record collections, with Q1 revenue reaching D7.71bn and March setting a new monthly record. Energy Policy & Investment Push: The Gambia’s petroleum delegation showcased offshore potential at the Africa Energies Summit in London, seeking investor interest and partnerships. Governance & Accountability: The National Assembly submitted its report on the inquiry into former President Yahya Jammeh’s assets to government.

Electricity Crisis Hits Businesses: NAWEC says Greater Banjul and the West Coast are facing daily outages as imports drop by up to 60MW and domestic backup generation is constrained by maintenance and high fuel costs, with recovery expected gradually by mid-June—while traders report spoiled stock, rising generator bills, and mounting losses. Power Communication Under Fire: Economist Dr. Ousman Gajigo accuses NAWEC of misleading the public, arguing outages are nationwide and questioning fuel-planning claims. Tobaski Fare Gouging: During the holiday rush, commuters say unauthorized fare hikes forced many to pay double or triple despite government caps, squeezing already strained household budgets. Tax & Trade Wins: GRA reports record revenue momentum driven by digital reforms, and Bojang Sankaranka Shipping and Logistics was named GRA Clearing and Forwarding Agency of the Year for compliance. Governance & Accountability: The National Assembly submits a report on Jammeh’s assets to government, while the Local Government Commission recommends dismissal, banning, and prosecution of Banjul City Council CEO Mustapha Bachilly over alleged false accounting and unlawful spending. Politics Watch: A commentary argues the opposition must unite ahead of the 2026 election to avoid Barrow’s third term. Water Shortage Disrupts Tobaski: Bundung residents report taps running dry and families paying for water delivery during the celebrations.

Maritime Security & Trade: The US Central Command says it disabled the Gambia-flagged cargo vessel Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman with a Hellfire missile after the ship ignored more than 20 warnings while trying to reach an Iranian port, as Washington continues enforcing its blockade despite ceasefire talks. Diplomacy & Energy Routes: US and Iran exchanged revised proposals over extending the ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, but progress remains unclear; Trump has reportedly sent tougher language on Iran’s nuclear commitments and concerns about financial relief, while Iran says it won’t approve a deal without securing Iranian rights. Local Governance & Power Supply: The Gambia government condemned misinformation about power cuts, urging national unity and warning against politically motivated distortions that undermine public confidence while electricity constraints are being addressed. Regional Power Investment: The World Bank says a West Africa power integration programme has expanded electricity access to over 3 million people since 2019, building thousands of kilometres of transmission lines across 15 countries to boost cross-border electricity trade. Business & Sports (Local Interest): The USMNT’s World Cup warm-up against Senegal drew attention after Christian Pulisic ended his goal drought in a 3-2 win, with Senegal also recently beating The Gambia—an indirect reminder of the region’s competitive football ecosystem.

Energy & Trade: The World Bank says its West Africa Regional Power Integration and Electricity Access Programme has extended electricity access to over 3 million people, building 4,000+ km of high-voltage lines across 15 countries, including The Gambia, to boost cross-border power trade and jobs. Maritime Security & Business Risk: The US Central Command reports it disabled the Gambia-flagged cargo ship M/V Lian Star in the Gulf of Oman with a Hellfire missile after the vessel ignored 20+ warnings while trying to reach an Iranian port, adding to a blockade enforcement that has disabled five ships and redirected 116—raising fresh uncertainty for shipping, oil, and regional trade flows. Diplomacy Watch: Iran’s chief negotiator says Tehran won’t approve any US deal unless Iran’s people’s rights are secured, while US officials say talks are “productive” but Trump has sent tougher changes back to Tehran, keeping a possible 60-day ceasefire extension in play.

Maritime Trade & Security: The US military disabled the Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star after it ignored warnings and tried to breach Washington’s blockade to enter an Iranian port; the ship remains adrift in the Gulf of Oman, with the action marking the sixth vessel stopped and highlighting how Hormuz disruptions are still feeding into global oil, fertilizer and food supply pressures. Diplomacy & Regional Risk: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Iran it can either reach an agreement or face military consequences as talks continue, while Iran signalled openness to a “dignified framework” to end the conflict. Gambia’s Economic Policy Watch: In Banjul, the IMF said staff-level agreement was reached on the fifth review under the ECF and the second under the RSF, despite missed fiscal targets tied to higher 2025 spending, with 2026 outlook clouded by Middle East-linked commodity spikes. Finance & Governance: Gambia’s Special Prosecutor spotlight continues as coverage questions the choice of a non-Gambian barrister for the inaugural role in Jammeh-era accountability. Regional Business Signals: Ghana launched an e-Visa platform and waived visa fees for African passport holders, a move aimed at boosting intra-Africa tourism and trade under AfCFTA. Sports & Integrity: A Gambian football stakeholder alleged bribery in GFF presidential politics, raising fresh questions about election integrity and enforcement.

Gambia Football Governance: A Gambian football stakeholder alleges bribery in the GFF presidential race, claiming one candidate offered 25,000 dalasis to delegates for votes—raising fresh questions about election integrity and possible sanctions if proven. IMF & Macroeconomy: In Banjul, the IMF says it reached staff-level agreement on the fifth ECF review and the second RSF review for The Gambia, noting missed fiscal targets but progress on reforms, with 2026 outlook clouded by Middle East-linked commodity shocks. Banking Capital Raise: Nigeria’s Abbey Mortgage Bank secured shareholders’ approval to raise up to N164.5bn in fresh capital, positioning it for growth and a push toward a regional commercial banking licence. Health & Care Standards: New research highlights that immediate kangaroo mother care for premature/low-birth-weight babies could improve outcomes, but adoption varies widely across hospitals. Special Accountability Debate: Commentary questions whether The Gambia’s first Special Prosecutor being non-Gambian fits the “Gambian-driven” accountability framework. Regional Integration & Travel: Ghana launched an e-visa platform with zero fees for African passport holders, aiming to speed up approvals and boost intra-Africa trade. Tourism Push: TUI announced direct Birmingham–Banjul flights starting November, targeting winter sun demand with about six-hour journeys.

IMF Deal for The Gambia: The IMF says staff-level agreement was reached with Gambian authorities under the 2026 Article IV review, including the fifth review of the Extended Credit Facility and a second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility, despite two fiscal targets missed due to higher 2025 spending; growth is estimated at 6.0% and inflation is easing, though 2026 risks remain from Middle East conflict and commodity-price spikes. Special Prosecutor Debate: The Gambia’s first Special Prosecutor, British barrister Martin Hackett, was sworn in to handle crimes from Yahya Jammeh’s era, but commentary raises concerns about whether a non-Gambian appointment fits the “Gambian-driven” accountability framework in the 2024 Special Accountability Mechanism Bill. Tax and Revenue Focus: Separate reporting highlights GRA’s push on compliance and revenue performance, including surpassing 2025 targets and recognising top tax-compliant firms—signals of tighter enforcement and a stronger domestic revenue drive. Youth Civic Prep: Gambian youth concluded a voter awareness caravan as supplementary registration for the December 2026 presidential election ended, with the IEC compiling the final voters’ roll. Regional Integration Push: Ghana launched an e-visa system and waived visa fees for African passport holders, positioning faster travel as a boost to intra-Africa trade under AfCFTA—relevant to The Gambia’s own openness agenda.

Gambia Election Watch: Gambian youth have wrapped up a nationwide voter awareness caravan and supplementary voters’ registration for the December 2026 presidential election, with the IEC now compiling the official voters’ roll. Tax & Revenue Signals: GRA reports it has surpassed its 2025 revenue target by 10% and honours top tax-compliant firms, while Barrow says tax compliance is driving national transformation. Central Bank Focus: The Central Bank of The Gambia kept its policy rate at 14% as food inflation pressures and global risks continue to bite. Investment Rules: The National Assembly is urged to protect Gambia’s national interest in investment treaties, warning that bilateral deals can expose the country to costly disputes. OMVG Energy Governance: OMVG ministers met in an extraordinary session as persistent funding gaps and contractual tensions threaten projects like the Sambangalou Dam and the OMVG interconnection. Regional Mobility: Congo announced visa-free entry for all Africans from January 1, 2027, joining a growing list of African open-border moves.