AGP Executive Report

Election Integrity & Media Literacy: EU-backed training brought media and civil society together to fight fake news, hate speech and AI-made political images ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 vote. Higher Education Expansion: The University of Education, Gambia, launched its first degree programmes at Brikama, rolling out new B.Sc. Ed and B.A. Education tracks plus postgraduate options. Jobs & Growth Planning: Stakeholders validated a report on five priority economic sectors—agribusiness, construction, ICT/creative tech, green/circular economy, and cultural/creative industries—aimed at boosting human capital and MSME opportunities. Inflation Watch: The Central Bank says inflation is back up, with food inflation at 6.7% and headline inflation at 7.0% in April, citing imported price pressures. Tax Compliance Push: GRA will hold its 8th Taxpayer Awards to reward top filers and payers. Regional Security: ECOWAS talks in Abuja renewed calls for unified action against border crimes and terrorism. Press Freedom Under Test: A demand letter challenges The Gambia’s press freedom after a dispute over reporting.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria says President Tinubu will launch the AU’s combined maritime task force for the Gulf of Guinea next month, with Gambia among the countries already onboard—aimed at hitting terrorism and cross-border crime. ECOWAS Trade & Borders: ECOWAS also met in Abuja to deepen cross-border cooperation, linking security coordination with faster regional trade. Gambia–Spain Sports Deal: TOLAC 2026 ended with a MoU between Gambia’s wrestling federation and the Canary Islands federation to boost youth, training and cultural exchange. Connect Gambia Roads: President Barrow continued the “Connect Gambia” drive in URR/CRR—launching mosques and laying foundation stones for major road expansion to cut rural isolation. Human Rights & Inclusion: Gambia reaffirmed its commitment to human rights at the ACHPR session, while deaf advocates warned that lack of sign-language support still blocks access to education and services. Tourism Boost: TUI announced new direct winter flights from Birmingham to Banjul, joining existing UK routes.

Border Security Push: Nigeria is driving an ECOWAS push for tighter cross-border cooperation to tackle terrorism and transboundary crime, with The Gambia among the countries meeting in Abuja. Tourism Boost: Tui launches its first direct winter flights from Birmingham to Banjul from Nov 2, adding to existing Gatwick and Manchester routes. Social Protection Expansion: The PEI programme is enrolling 3,420 vulnerable households across 12 districts, with 50% of beneficiaries drawn from Nafa participants, and D20,000 cash grants plus training and mentoring. Justice Delays: The ex-Lands Minister’s economic crime trial hit a snag after the first prosecution witness died, forcing the court to deal with document and admissibility issues. Roads for Rural Access: Barrow lays foundation stones for neglected road links in CRR and URR, aiming to cut transport costs and improve access to markets and health services. Human Rights Focus: Gambia reaffirms its commitment to human rights as the African Commission session closes in Banjul. Education Upgrade: The University of Education The Gambia launches its first-ever degree programmes, expanding teacher-focused and new academic offerings. Food Safety Warning: A study finds unsafe open bread selling remains widespread despite high public awareness of contamination risks.

Indian Confectionery Boom: India’s toffee and similar sweets exports jumped 166% over the past decade, rising from Rs 49.7 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 132 crore in 2025-26 as shipments spread beyond bulk buyers like Cameroon and Gambia into higher-value markets across Europe, the Gulf and the US. Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now urged African governments at the ACHPR in Banjul to close legal gaps on sexual violence, FGM, online safety and women’s rights—warning that weak enforcement leaves millions unprotected. Regional Mobility: Togo scrapped visas for all African passport holders for up to 30 days, joining Ghana’s earlier move and positioning itself as a hub for trade and people-to-people exchange. Gambia Court Update: Vista Bank staff were acquitted in a D2.59m fraud case tied to alleged unauthorised GPA withdrawals, with the court finding the prosecution failed to establish a case against them. Jobs & Inclusion: A new labour-market picture shows informality still dominates employment, while the PEI programme continues enrolling vulnerable households for cash grants and business support.

Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now warned at the ACHPR in Banjul that millions of women and girls still lack real legal protection across Africa, citing weak enforcement on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, reproductive healthcare, and discriminatory marriage property rules. Jobs & Growth Reality Check: A new labour-market picture shows why optimism is mixed: the informal economy dominates employment (about 76%), with women and rural workers hit hardest, and education acting as a key escape route from insecure work. Food Safety Alarm: A bread-selling study finds unsafe open-air practices are widespread—dust, flies, dirty hands and poor wrapping—despite very high public awareness of the health risks. Fire Safety Gap: In CRR north, residents backed road projects but youth leaders warned that without local firefighters, emergencies could turn “disastrous.” Social Protection Expansion: The PEI programme is enrolling vulnerable households across 12 districts, with D20,000 cash grants plus training and coaching. Tax Administration Upgrade: The GRA is running transfer-pricing training with ATAF and the World Bank to strengthen compliance as cross-border deals grow.

India-Africa Summit Watch: India’s 4th India-Africa Forum Summit opens in New Delhi May 28-31, with New Delhi pitching the theme “innovation, resilience and inclusive transformation” and framing Africa as central to its foreign policy. GFF Election: Sadibou Kamaso launches his manifesto for the Gambia Football Federation presidency, promising a more professional league structure and higher prize money, including D2m for men’s First Division champions. Jobs vs Growth: A new commentary argues the country is seeing activity, but not yet “transformation” into stable, formal jobs—especially for youth and women. Tax Integrity Push: The Gambia Revenue Authority steps up transfer pricing capacity with ATAF and World Bank support, training staff for audits and compliance as cross-border deals grow. Courtroom Update: A court issues a final warning to the prosecution in the ex-Lands Minister trial, as the state struggles to proceed. Infrastructure Momentum: President Barrow continues road drives in rural regions, including new projects aimed at connecting remote communities. Local Health Support: Salifu Jaiteh donates medicines to Fatoto District Hospital after a viral shortage alert.

Electoral Tension: The IEC has warned unregistered political movements to stop congresses, symbols, candidate selection and fundraising, signaling tougher enforcement as the UMC pushes ahead—raising fresh questions about when movements become parties under The Gambia’s electoral framework. Human Rights & Governance: A new rights report says democratic freedoms have improved since 2017, but weak law enforcement, corruption and limited accountability keep gains fragile, with concerns over arrests, force and protest restrictions. Tax Crackdown: The GRA is running a five-day transfer pricing training mission with the World Bank and African tax bodies to curb tax avoidance by multinationals. Visa Fraud Alert: The Chinese Embassy warns applicants against intermediaries and false submissions, stressing official online processing and no extra fees beyond stated charges. Infrastructure Push: President Barrow continues road drives, including 385km in URR and 395km in CRR, funded domestically. Health & Food Security: A global study links food-based prenatal supplements to better birth weights, while The Gambia’s groundnut audit flags a D16m+ shortfall.

Banking Update: Nigeria’s CIBN Lagos branch says it kept its lead in 2025, with aggregate net assets rising to N264.3m (up from N254.4m) and a net surplus of N10.4m despite rising costs. Border & Security: EU Schengen reporting points to fewer irregular crossings in 2025 and early 2026, but warns border risks persist as smuggling networks remain active. Counterterror Ops: US and Nigerian forces carried out coordinated airstrikes in Borno, killing 20+ ISWAP militants, following a prior joint operation that removed a top commander. Gambia Infrastructure: President Barrow launched major road works under Connect Gambia, including 85km of new feeder roads in URR and CRR, funded domestically to cut transport costs and connect remote communities. Digital & Trade: EU/ITC training in Bakau targets tourism and SMEs with branding and marketing support via NACCUG. Governance & Finance: Auditors flagged a D16m+ groundnut trade shortfall after reconciliation checks. Politics & Football: UMC held its maiden congress; meanwhile, GFF election candidate Sadibou Kamaso unveiled a football reform plan focused on professionalization and higher prize money.

World Cup Logistics: Iran’s “Team Melli” landed in Turkey for a training camp and to complete US visa procedures, with FIFA calling talks with the Iranian federation “excellent” and “constructive” after concerns over participation amid US-Iran tensions. Roads & Rural Connectivity: President Adama Barrow launched new “Connect Gambia” road works—85km in URR and CRR to link 22 remote settlements—using domestic financing and promising lower transport costs and better market access for farmers. Banking & Cards: FirstBank and Visa expanded premium offerings with the launch of Visa Signature, targeting high-spending customers with global travel and lifestyle benefits. Trade & Enterprise Support: EU/ITC branding and digital marketing training reached tourism and MSMEs via NACCUG, with follow-on support on product development and grants. Governance & Finance Scrutiny: Auditors flagged a D16m+ groundnut trade shortfall after reconciliation of state purchases, while a separate debate continues over government “jobs created” claims. Politics & Unity: UNITE Movement for Change held its maiden congress, electing a full executive ahead of the 2026 presidential race.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA says it held “excellent” and “constructive” talks with Iran’s federation in Istanbul, with both sides confident Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup despite visa delays and wider US–Iran tensions. Iran’s head coach says the squad will fly to Turkey on Monday for training, friendlies (including a confirmed match vs Gambia on May 29) and to complete visa processes. AfCON Build-Up: CAF will run the AFCON PAMOJA 2027 qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday, setting the path for 48 teams into 12 groups, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already in as hosts. Media & Reputation: Ghana faces rising reputational pressure as US-linked fraud prosecutions involving Ghanaians intensify scrutiny of cybercrime abroad. Regional Security: ECOWAS lawmakers in Abuja urged a stronger, united Sahel response to terrorism, warning instability in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger spills across the region.

World Cup Logistics: FIFA says it held “excellent” and “constructive” talks with Iran’s federation in Istanbul, with Iran’s squad set to travel to Turkey on Monday for training, friendlies and visa procedures before heading to the US—after earlier visa concerns. AfCON PAMOJA 2027 Draw: CAF will run the qualifying draw in Cairo on Tuesday, May 18, splitting 48 teams into 12 groups, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already qualified as co-hosts. Youth Football Shock: Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were left out of the U-17 AFCON, a reminder of how qualification rules can swing youth tournaments. Sahel Security Push: ECOWAS lawmakers are calling for a stronger, united regional response to terrorism as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdraw from the bloc. Gambia Tech & Governance: PURA warns against operating unlicensed public Wi‑Fi access points, signaling tougher enforcement for digital connectivity. Health & Skills: Merck Foundation marks World Hypertension Day with nearly 1,000 scholarships for future cardiovascular and diabetes specialists across 52 countries.

World Cup Prep: Iran’s men’s squad is set to fly to Turkey for a final training camp and friendlies, with visa paperwork still not fully issued and fingerprinting expected before the team heads to the United States. Human Rights at the African Commission: CONASADH used the 87th African Commission session in Banjul to urge scrutiny of alleged Moroccan war crimes and the release of Sahrawi political prisoners. Climate Diplomacy: African parliamentarians meeting in Nairobi pushed for a united continental stance on climate and methane talks, arguing financing and targets must match Africa’s development realities. Food & Education: The Vice President backed universal school meals, citing coverage of public ECD and lower basic schools and support from the USDA McGovern-Dole programme. Fisheries Pressure: Debate continues over fish scarcity, with the fisheries ministry pointing to fuel costs and other operational constraints. Media Freedom: The Gambia Press Union warned that journalists still face intimidation and restrictive actions, including cases that could financially cripple outlets. Digital Regulation: PURA warned against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspots and signaled enforcement steps.

Markets & Finance: CardinalStone kept a Buy on Access Holdings and lifted its 12-month target to N52.14 from N45.12, citing a shift toward earnings quality and cheaper foreign-currency funding. Digital Inclusion: Wave says it’s still pushing mobile money access in The Gambia, pointing to only 19% formal financial access at launch and a nationwide agent network of 1,900+. Food & Nutrition: The Vice President handed over groundnut threshers to communities nationwide, while government-backed school feeding efforts aim for universal coverage by 2030. Fisheries Pressure: A fresh debate on fish scarcity has the Ministry linking shortages partly to higher fuel costs, while others point to deeper structural issues. Governance & Oversight: The National Assembly’s 2022 spending audit shows D334.9m spent, with the Assembly appearing before the Finance and Public Accounts Committee for the first time. Media Freedom: The Gambia Press Union warns of ongoing intimidation and restrictive pressures on journalists.

Education & Culture Clash: Knox County Schools in Tennessee has banned Alex Haley’s Roots under a 2022 state law, removing a book that traces Kunta Kinte’s Gambia-to-America slave trade story and has long shaped public understanding. School Feeding Push: In The Gambia, Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow says school meals are a “strategic investment,” with the programme now covering all public ECD and lower basic schools (66% of eligible institutions) and reaching 101,669 learners, supported by the US USDA McGovern-Dole programme and Catholic Relief Services. Food Security & Farming Support: Government also moves to stabilise rural livelihoods—VP Jallow handed over groundnut threshers to communities nationwide, while the state highlights cooperatives as key to food security and price stability. Fisheries Pressure: Debate continues over why fish is scarce, with the Fisheries Ministry pointing to fuel costs and operational constraints, while others cite deeper structural issues. Digital Governance: PURA warns against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspots and signals enforcement. Africa–China Knowledge Links: An Africa–China seminar at the University of The Gambia Kanifing Campus focuses on peace, climate, food security, governance and cultural exchange.

Maternal health spotlight: Dr Fatoumatta Jarjusey says women’s healthcare in The Gambia must be built on dignity and survival, sharing her path from obstetrics training to a mission for better outcomes for mothers and children. Africa–China knowledge ties: A seminar at the University of The Gambia Kanifing Campus pushed deeper intellectual cooperation beyond trade, with sessions on peace, climate, food security and governance. Fisheries data upgrade: FAO donated tablets to help fisheries extension workers collect and manage data digitally, aiming to cut delays and errors in reporting. School meals push: Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow backed universal school feeding by 2030, citing coverage of public ECD and lower basic schools and US funding through McGovern-Dole. Politics and cost of living: Dr Ceesay dismissed past criticism of President Barrow as irrelevant to today’s realities, defending subsidies and interventions. Rainfall outlook: Seasonal forecasts expect Below Normal to Normal rains, with most areas unlikely to exceed 700mm between July–September. Media freedom pressure: The GPU warned of intimidation and restrictive actions against journalists, including arrests and defamation pressures. Labour market gains: A new report points to job growth of 163,000+ and unemployment falling to 6.2%.

Forestry Crackdown: The Department of Forestry has stepped up training and community action to curb bush burning in the Lower River Region, warning that LRR records the highest bush-fire rates and pushing for faster local response plus millions of seedlings planned for planting. Diaspora & Governance: Suwaibou Touray says corruption is draining billions while Gambians abroad fund the economy through remittances but are shut out of full political participation, renewing calls for constitutional and electoral reforms. Digital Payments & Trade: Wave Gambia is sponsoring the GCCI International Trade Fair, betting on easier digital financial services for merchants as cashless transactions grow in key markets. Internet Regulation: PURA has issued a seven-day ultimatum to unlicensed ISPs, signalling inspections and sanctions for unauthorised Wi‑Fi hotspots and resale services. Youth & Jobs: A new labour market report points to gains—employment up by 163,000+ and unemployment down—while student politics at UTG Kanifing turned violent, injuring three students.