AGP Executive Report

Fuel Price Cut Promise: President Adama Barrow says fuel pump prices will be reduced nationwide starting July 2026, linking the move to easing cost pressures after inaugurating the Farato emergency treatment centre. Electricity & Livelihood Doubts: Residents question whether infrastructure spending is delivering real economic gains, citing unstable power and high electricity costs that are hurting small businesses despite new connections. Fertiliser Supply Delays: Even with government saying subsidised fertiliser is available at D1,100 per bag, farmers in the Upper River Region are still waiting as distribution at the Basse depot has not started pending approvals. Customs Reform Push: The Gambia Revenue Authority plans to use outcomes from World Customs Organization council sessions to modernise border management, strengthen compliance, and boost revenue. SOE Turnaround & Dividends: Public enterprises’ performance is credited for a shift from losses to profit, with five SOEs set to pay about D137 million in interim dividends to government. Jobs Claims Under Scrutiny: Parliament debates government’s claim of 163,660 new jobs between 2023 and 2026, with lawmakers demanding clearer survey methodology ahead of the full Labour Force Survey report. Court Orders Accountant General to Explain: The High Court orders the Accountant General to show cause in contempt proceedings over alleged non-compliance with an earlier ruling involving SHYBEN A. MADI & SONS LIMITED.

Port & Trade: Congestion at African ports is hitting fresh demand for Indian non-basmati white rice, with higher freight costs and longer vessel waits making buyers more cautious and selective; Gambia Shipping Watch: Banjul is named among the African ports still most impacted by extended queues and clearance delays, raising the risk of cost pressure on imports; Jobs & Labour Data: The Trade Minister says employment rose by 163,660 between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, while lawmakers push for clearer methodology before the full report is published end-June; Food Security & Prices: Government says it won’t impose price controls, but will keep monitoring markets and prioritise clearance of essential goods to reduce demurrage; Fertiliser Support: Farmers in the North Bank welcome the decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, with subsidised supply routed through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents; Local Governance: GALGA launches leadership and council resource-mobilisation strategies to strengthen transparency and own-revenue generation, supported by EU-UNDP GREAT.

Jobs & Labour Market: The Minister for Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Mod K. Ceesay, told the National Assembly that preliminary 2026 Labour Force Survey findings show employment rising from 563,395 (2023) to 727,055 (2026)—an increase of 163,660—with the labour force expanding from 609,410 to 775,348; lawmakers pressed for the survey methodology, with the full report expected by end-June. Food Security & Prices: Government said it will not introduce price controls, but will keep monitoring markets and prioritise clearance of essential imports; meanwhile, North Bank farmers welcomed the decision to maintain fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, citing a D1.601bn subsidy and wider access via NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Public Enterprises: President Adama Barrow said five public enterprises will pay 137 million Dalasis in interim dividends to government, pointing to a turnaround from net losses in 2023–2024 to a consolidated net profit in 2025. Local Governance Capacity: GALGA launched leadership and resource-mobilisation strategies for councils, supported by the EU-UNDP GREAT Project, targeting stronger transparency, accountability and own-revenue generation. Trade & Regional Integration: Morocco’s embassy held a conference on the Atlantic African States Process, pitching it as a platform to boost trade, energy and infrastructure across Atlantic coastal states. Aviation & Connectivity: United Nigeria Airlines announced plans to expand routes including Monrovia and Banjul, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign carriers. Capital Markets & Finance: Standard Chartered Ghana said it is reviewing and could sell its wealth and retail banking unit, with any transition expected over 18–24 months, subject to regulators.

Afreximbank Leadership in Southern Africa: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, effective May 1, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo and covering 13 countries with the regional office in Zimbabwe. Jobs and Labour Data: The Trade Minister, Mod K. Ceesay, told lawmakers that preliminary 2026 Labour Force Survey results show employment rising from 563,395 (2023) to 727,055 (2026)—an increase of 163,660—while the full report is expected by end-June. Public Finance and SOE Performance: President Adama Barrow said five state-owned enterprises will pay 137 million Dalasis in interim dividends to government, citing improved SOE profitability after losses in 2023–2024. Fertiliser Support for Farmers: Farmers in the North Bank welcomed the government’s decision to keep fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, supported by a D1.601 billion subsidy and distribution through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Local Governance Capacity Building: GALGA launched leadership training and unveiled council resource-mobilisation strategies, aiming to strengthen transparency, accountability and own-revenue generation for councils. Food Prices Policy: The Trade Minister said government cannot impose price controls, pointing instead to market monitoring, stock surveillance and coordination with the Gambia Ports Authority to reduce avoidable costs. Atlantic Integration Push: Morocco’s embassy held a conference on the Atlantic African States Process, positioning it as a platform for trade, energy and infrastructure cooperation.

Aviation & Connectivity: United Nigeria Airlines says it will expand across West and Central Africa, with new routes planned to Monrovia, Banjul, Dakar, Abidjan and Conakry, plus Douala and Libreville, as it seeks to reduce reliance on foreign carriers. Jobs & Labour Data: The Trade Minister told lawmakers employment rose by 163,660 between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary Labour Force Survey figures, while MPs pressed for clearer methodology ahead of the full report. Public Finance & SOEs: President Barrow announced five public enterprises will pay 137 million Dalasis in interim dividends to government, pointing to improved sector performance. Food Security & Prices: Government maintained fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, with farmers welcoming the subsidy and distribution through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Local Governance Oversight: The Local Government Commission of Inquiry report will be published before end-August, alongside a cabinet White Paper. Trade Policy: The Trade Minister said The Gambia is not moving back to price controls, stressing market-based pricing plus monitoring and port clearance to limit costs. Regional Integration: Morocco’s embassy hosted a conference on the Atlantic African States Process, pitching it as a platform for trade, energy and infrastructure links.

Jobs & Data Integrity: The Trade Minister says employment rose by 163,660 between 2023 and 2026, citing preliminary 2026 Labour Force Survey figures (563,395 to 727,055 employed), but lawmakers pressed for clearer survey methodology and youth/women unemployment details ahead of the full report end-June. State-Owned Enterprise Turnaround: Five SOEs handed over D137m in dividends to President Barrow, including GPA (D70m) and GNPC (D50m), as reforms improved profitability after losses in 2023–2024. Fertiliser Relief for Farmers: Government kept fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, with a D1.601bn subsidy, and urged sales through NFSC depots, seccos and authorised agents. Local Governance Funding: GALGA and councils unveiled resource mobilisation strategies (2026–2030) to boost own-revenue and improve transparency, supported by EU-UNDP GREAT. Digital Finance Push: Wave held talks with Cameroon’s regulators and tax and payments bodies to expand digital payments and financial inclusion. Food Safety as Business: A commentary argues food safety is an economic imperative for Gambia’s agriculture and market access.

Jobs & Labour Survey: The Trade Minister says employment rose by 163,660 from 2023 to 2026, citing preliminary 2026 Labour Force Survey figures (563,395 to 727,055 employed), while lawmakers pressed for clearer survey methodology ahead of the full report by end-June. SOE Dividends: Five state-owned enterprises paid D137m in interim dividends to President Barrow, as reforms lift SOE performance and shift the sector toward profitability. Fertiliser Relief for Farmers: Government keeps fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, and urges purchases only through NFSPMC depots, seccos and approved agents. Local Governance Capacity: GALGA launches leadership training and unveils council resource-mobilisation strategies to improve transparency, accountability and own-revenue financing. Food Prices Policy: Trade Minister says The Gambia will not move to price controls, stressing market-based pricing plus monitoring and port clearance support to prevent shortages. Atlantic & Ocean Links: Morocco hosts a conference on the Atlantic African States Process, while the Our Ocean Conference in Kenya ends with $6.4bn in ocean conservation commitments. Business & Courts: A High Court case continues as a businessman denies stealing from government, and in Nigeria, Golden Guinea wins again in its “Eagle Stout” trademark dispute.

Court Ruling for Breweries: The Appeal Court upheld Golden Guinea Breweries’ win in its N10bn trademark dispute with International Breweries, granting a perpetual injunction protecting the “Eagle Stout” brand. Public Finance & SOE Reform: Five Gambia state-owned enterprises handed over D137m in dividends to President Barrow, signaling improved performance after reforms. Electricity Emergency: NAWEC is reportedly seeking government support to buy up to 70MW of emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec as outages disrupt water supply and strain the grid. Agriculture Costs & Cashflow: Fertiliser for the 2026 season stays at D1,100 per bag under a D1.601bn subsidy, while farmers in Jokadou report unpaid groundnut deliveries and say investigations are underway. Regional Trade & Connectivity: ValueJet announced direct Accra–Lagos and Accra–Banjul routes to cut travel friction across West Africa. Education Financing: MoHERST validated the Student Revolving Loan Scheme strategic plan and loan policy, with D40m committed for rollout. Governance & Compliance: MPs moved to simplify document authentication abroad via an apostille-style treaty, aiming to reduce costs and delays for citizens and businesses.

SOE Dividends to State House: Five state-owned enterprises handed over D137 million in interim dividends to President Barrow, signaling progress from earlier bailouts and losses—Gambia Ports Authority (D70m), GNPC (D50m), GCAA (D5m), GPP (D5m) and GRTS (D2m). Fertiliser Price Shield: Government kept fertiliser at D1,100 per 50kg bag for the 2026 season, backed by a D1.601bn subsidy, urging farmers to buy only from NFSPMC depots, seccos and approved agents. Unpaid Farmers Dispute: In North Bank’s Jokadou, dozens of groundnut farmers say they’re still owed after deliveries to Kerr Alagie-Karu Secco; the minister says the money was paid to the secco president and police are pursuing the case. Electricity Emergency Support: NAWEC is reportedly seeking government backing to buy up to 70MW emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec as outages disrupt water operations. GFF Election Reform Push: Kemo Ceesay unveiled a “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030” for GFF presidency, promising decentralised administration, stronger competitions, and inclusion. Business & Finance: SEC cleared BGL group firms to return to Nigeria’s capital market with new operating licenses. Regional Trade & Security: A new Gulf of Guinea rapid-response maritime task force (CMTF) includes The Gambia, targeting piracy and illegal fishing.

SOE Dividends to State House: Five state-owned enterprises handed President Adama Barrow D137 million in dividends, marking a shift from bailouts to returns, with Gambia Ports Authority leading at D70m. Public Finance Oversight: Parliament’s FPAC flagged arrears of over D452m on government on-lent loans by public entities, including D142m tied to the Banjul airport improvement project and major energy-related obligations. Electricity Emergency Push: NAWEC is reportedly seeking government support to buy emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec (up to 70MW) as outages strain water operations and equipment. Student Loans Move: Government commits D40m to a student revolving loan scheme, with MoHERST validating the SRLS strategic plan and loan policy after rapid setup of governance and systems. Capital Markets: SEC approved BGL Group’s Nigerian units to resume market operations under fresh licenses, enabling broker/dealer, issuing house and fund/portfolio management roles. Agribusiness Support: GIRAV awarded over D156m to 214 farmers and agribusiness groups, while rural road works under GIRAV are praised for improving market access and reducing losses. Women & Governance: FLAG and partners held dialogue on women’s political participation, pushing for practical steps as representation lags behind women’s 51% population share. Business & Travel Link: ValueJet launched direct Accra–Lagos and Accra–Banjul routes, aiming to cut travel friction across West Africa.

Student Finance Push: The Ministry of Higher Education validated a Student Revolving Loan Scheme (SRLS) strategic plan and loan policy, with a D40m government commitment and an approved D56.5m budget, aiming to fund students within 180 days—if repayments hold up. Electricity Crisis Pressure: NAWEC is reportedly seeking up to 70MW emergency power from Senegal’s Senelec, as the power deficit and load shedding continue to disrupt water supply and raise security concerns. Capital Market Update: Nigeria’s SEC has granted fresh operating licences to BGL Group subsidiaries (BGL Securities, BGL Capital, BGL Asset Management), allowing renewed activity in broker/dealer, issuing house and fund management roles. Agriculture & Jobs: Under the World Bank-backed GIRAV project, matching grants were awarded to 214 farmers and agribusiness groups (over D156m), plus rural road works to cut transport costs and post-harvest losses. Women & Governance: FLAG and KAS consulted on women’s political participation, while a separate push highlights women’s underrepresentation in decision-making. Maritime Security: A new Gulf of Guinea task force led by The Gambia and partners targets piracy and illegal fishing to protect the region’s “blue economy.”

Electricity & Water Crisis: GALA led a rain-defying protest to NAWEC, delivering a petition and a 10-day ultimatum over persistent power cuts and water shortages, blaming governance and execution failures despite past energy spending. Regulatory/Accountability Pressure: The National Human Rights Commission held a consultative meeting on the electricity crisis with groups including GALA, NAWEC and others, but critics question the timing and the role of the NIA in “preventing potential conflict.” IMF Macro Outlook: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane warned the Middle East conflict will keep energy and fertilizer disruptions hitting sub-Saharan Africa for months, while noting the Fund has already stepped up support for countries including The Gambia. Agriculture Finance & Roads: GIRAV awarded over D156M to 214 farmers and agribusiness groups, and rural communities praised GIRAV-funded road works as a boost for market access and reduced post-harvest losses. Public Finance Risk: FPAC flagged D452M+ in loan arrears by state-owned enterprises, including major energy and airport-related projects. Governance & Justice: A court handed life imprisonment in a domestic violence case, reinforcing that violence at home is a serious crime. Business/Trade: Standard Chartered is exploring the sale of its Bahrain wealth and retail unit, while the Gambia’s digital tax push continues via GRA’s push for ITAS.

Women’s Representation Push: FLAG and KAS Consult stakeholders on advancing women’s political participation in The Gambia, arguing gender-balanced representation strengthens governance and accountability ahead of the December electoral cycle. Agriculture Finance Boost: GIRAV awards over D156M to 214 farmers and agribusiness groups after 1,208 applications, aiming to strengthen value chains, create youth and women jobs, and raise domestic food production. Power Crisis Under Fire: GALA and GFA leaders protest persistent electricity and water shortages, blaming governance and operational failures and warning of higher costs, food spoilage, job losses and wider economic slowdown. Public Service Accountability: Government plans a performance management system for public service delivery, with underperformance to be formally recorded and addressed. Procurement Scrutiny: The National Assembly asks the IGP to investigate alleged overpricing in a SWEDD contract for 14 Toyota Prado vehicles, citing D37.39M losses. IMF Shock Watch: IMF Africa chief Zeine Zeidane warns Middle East conflict fallout will disrupt trade, energy and fertilizer supplies for months, while noting support for countries including The Gambia. Regional Trade/Tax Cooperation: West Africa pushes stronger tax cooperation and domestic resource mobilisation to fund development and reduce reliance on external financing. Health & Skills: Merck Foundation marks World Health Day with scholarship and capacity-building support for healthcare workers; NAQAA launches a national TVET curriculum for financial cooperatives and microfinance. Business & Governance in Focus: Standard Chartered explores selling its Bahrain wealth and retail unit, while also having exited retail/wealth operations in multiple African markets including Gambia.

Utility Accountability: Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) staged a rain-defying protest demanding answers from NAWEC over recurring electricity outages and water shortages, issuing a 10-day ultimatum and linking power cuts to worsening water production and distribution. Procurement Watch: The National Assembly has asked the Inspector General of Police to investigate alleged procurement breaches in a World Bank-funded SWEDD contract for 14 Toyota Prado vehicles, citing overpricing and reported financial losses of D37.39 million. Energy Crisis Debate: A Gambian economist and opposition figures warn the country’s growing electricity crisis is tied to import dependence and weak domestic generation, warning of business losses, job impacts, and higher prices. Public Service Delivery: Government announced a performance management system for public servants to formally record underperformance and improve accountability in service delivery. Human Capital Push: President Adama Barrow launched a Graduate Engineering Deployment Programme and urged newly qualified engineers to drive infrastructure, energy, and industrial solutions. Regional Finance & Tax: West Africa is urged to strengthen tax cooperation and domestic resource mobilisation to fund development, while the IMF warns Middle East conflict fallout could keep energy and food costs under pressure for months. Business & Trade Finance: FMDQ Exchange approved C & I Leasing’s N18.90bn commercial paper quotation, highlighting continued corporate short-term financing activity. Sports Governance: GFF reaffirmed promotion and relegation rules for regional and second-division leagues, aiming to keep competition and club development on track.

Electricity & Water Pressure: GALA staged a rain-defying protest and issued a 10-day ultimatum to NAWEC over recurring blackouts and water shortages, saying governance and execution failures—not funding—are behind the crisis. Business Impact: A Gambian opposition economist warned the electricity crunch is already spoiling perishable goods, raising costs, cutting output and jobs, and deepening risks from import dependence. Public Accountability: The National Assembly asked the IGP to investigate a SWEDD contract for 14 Toyota Prado vehicles after audit findings flagged D37.39m overpricing and possible conflicts of interest. Energy Policy Context: The IMF’s Africa director said the Iran-war fallout is creating a “difficult moment” for Africa and that Gulf energy recovery could take months. Skills for Growth: President Barrow launched a Graduate Engineering Deployment Programme and pushed USET’s expansion, while government also announced a performance management system for public service accountability. Finance & Capacity: NAQAA launched a national TVET curriculum for financial cooperatives and microfinance, aiming to professionalize the sector.

Tax Administration & Compliance: President Adama Barrow joined the Gambia Revenue Authority in honouring 33 top taxpayers at the 8th Taxpayer Awards, with Africell again named biggest taxpayer, as the GRA reiterates its push to boost domestic resource mobilisation and compliance. Infrastructure for Trade & Livelihoods: Barrow also laid the foundation stone for 85km of feeder roads across three Upper River districts under the “Connect Gambia” programme, aiming to cut travel costs and improve access for remote communities and small businesses. Coastal Resilience & Community Impact: Residents along the Kotu Stream say they have not seen officials of the WACA ResIP 2 project despite demarcation marks, raising fears about relocation and flooding protection ahead of the rainy season. Regional Trade & Women’s Commerce: ECOWAS hosted a Lomé event on women’s cross-border trade, bringing together traders, financial institutions and policymakers to tackle border barriers and improve inclusion. Maritime Transport Investment: Negmar Investment Cooperation says the new Salimiye ferry is ready for trial operations, targeting faster, higher-capacity water transport for passengers and vehicles. Governance & Oversight: A National Assembly report flags serious financial management and oversight weaknesses at EFSTH and the IEC, with deadlines set for corrective actions. Security & Public Safety: Lawmakers urged urgent action as homicide and violent crime concerns rise, debating whether stronger enforcement, youth jobs, and community policing should lead the response.