AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Mobility: A US federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s immigrant visa freeze covering nationals of 75 countries, saying the policy was “patently unlawful,” with impacts across Africa including The Gambia. West African Revenue: The AfDB launched a US$5.3m tax administration capacity project for six countries, including The Gambia, aiming to boost domestic revenue and strengthen resilient systems. Water & Development: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kenya’s Kirinyaga to benchmark its eWATER model, which uses smart systems, community participation and affordable tariffs to expand safe rural water access. Gambia-Linked Sports Business: Liverpool’s pursuit of Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh hit another snag as Brighton rejected a second £60m bid; Liverpool are still weighing options while pushing to strengthen wide attacking depth before the 1 September deadline. Education Tech: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates for school candidates are now available online via its digital certificate platform. Maritime Security: The US Coast Guard kept 22 countries on its port security advisory list, including The Gambia, meaning extra security conditions may apply to ships calling there before entering the US.

Water & Development: A World Bank and Mozambique delegation visited Kirinyaga to benchmark the county’s eWater model, which combines community participation, affordable tariffs, water conservation and smart technology to expand safe, treated water in rural areas. Sports & Talent (Gambia-linked): Liverpool’s transfer pursuit of Gambian winger Yankuba Minteh hit another snag as Brighton rejected a reported £60m bid after turning down £50m, with Brighton valuing him closer to £70m; Minteh is sidelined after right-leg surgery and is expected back in October. Regional Finance: The AfDB launched a US$5.3m West Africa tax administration project (STACP-WA) benefiting The Gambia and five other countries to strengthen domestic revenue systems. Education Systems: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates are now available online for school candidates via its digital certificate platform. Migration Watch: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants from a boat drifting off Nouadhibou, including 123 from The Gambia.

Gambia-UK Mobility & Jobs: The UK’s Ancestry visa lists Commonwealth countries whose citizens can apply, including The Gambia, alongside Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and others—letting eligible people live and work in the UK for up to five years. Regional Finance & Tax Capacity: The AfDB launched a US$5.3m West Africa tax administration project (STACP-WA) benefiting The Gambia and five neighbours, aiming to strengthen revenue systems and resilience. Education Access: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates for school candidates are now available online via its digital certificate platform. Energy Investment Outlook: Energia Limited (Nigeria) outlined plans for its next growth phase, focusing on operational capability and gas monetisation. Migration Safety: Mauritania’s coastguard rescued 315 migrants (including 123 from The Gambia) off Nouadhibou, highlighting ongoing Atlantic crossing risks. Politics & Elections: Coalition 2026 announced an alliance of eight parties ahead of the December 5 presidential election, backing Talib Ahmed Bensouda.

AfDB Tax Reform: The African Development Bank has launched a four-year US$5.3m Strengthening Tax Administration Capacity Project (STACP-WA) for Burkina Faso, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia and Sierra Leone, aiming to boost domestic revenue and strengthen resilient tax systems. Energy & Investment: Senegal’s MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 has confirmed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Energy Minister Dr El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf as official participants, as the country pushes ahead with oil and LNG output. Education Tech: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE digital certificates for school candidates are now available online via its official platform, urging candidates to retrieve results promptly. Geregu Bond Payment: Nigeria’s Geregu Power has reportedly paid N6bn owed to investors on its N40.09bn Series 1 bond after a default that had raised market concerns. Gambia Reparations Update: A TRRC victims explainer says the Gambia Reparations Commission has paid full compensation to 112 victims and disbursed GMD24.8m, with more approvals in progress. Migration Pressure: Afrobarometer data flags very high emigration interest in The Gambia, with 68% considering leaving and 53% saying “a lot.” Football With a Gambia Link: Liverpool’s £50m bid for Gambia winger Yankuba Minteh was rejected by Brighton, with the player sidelined by injury as the club searches for attacking reinforcements.

Education & Skills: WAEC says 2026 WASSCE school candidates can now access and download digital certificates via the WAEC Digital Certificate Platform at waec.org. Power & Finance: Geregu Power Plc has paid N6bn owed to bond investors on its N40.09bn Series 1 Senior Unsecured Bond, after a missed coupon and rating fallout, easing fears of a deeper default. Energy & Regulation: Ghana’s Petroleum Commission marks its 15th anniversary with a push for “regulatory excellence,” spotlighting sustainable upstream development and future industry innovation. Capital Markets & Corporate Moves: Nigeria’s FMDQ Exchange reports July 2026 secondary market turnover rising 41.23% to N63.64trn, while Airtel Africa’s share buyback totals 18.34m shares; Oando seeks shareholder approval to pursue cross-border listings. Policy & Governance: Coalition 2026 announces it will sign an alliance of eight parties ahead of the Dec 5 presidential election, pitching good governance and economic revival. Business-Adjacent Global Watch: US visa services are being realigned to regional hubs in Nigeria and other African locations, affecting routine non-immigrant processing.

Regional Finance & Markets: Nigeria’s FMDQ Exchange reported July 2026 secondary market turnover of N63.64trn, up 41.23% month-on-month and 36.40% year-on-year, with spot FX turnover rising to $18.23bn. Digital Tax Infrastructure: OlivePay won Nigeria Revenue Service accreditation as both system integrator and access point provider for e-invoicing, aiming to simplify compliance for businesses. Energy & Investment Data: Viridien signed a multi-client subsurface data partnership with Senegal’s Petrosen to improve exploration intelligence across the MSGBC basin. West Africa Resilience: WAIFEM urged WAMZ reserve managers to strengthen risk management and prepare for shocks, including climate risk, at a regional reserves management course in Monrovia. Gambia Policy & Governance: A Malagen explainer says TRRC victims’ reparations are ongoing via the Gambia Reparations Commission, with compensation paid to 112 victims so far. Migration Pressure: Afrobarometer data flags Gambia as a top “considered emigrating” country in Africa, with 68% of citizens thinking about leaving. Business Skills & Women: China-backed training for African women entrepreneurs focuses on short-video and live-streaming marketing to expand market access. Health & Climate: New research links climate change to shifts in childhood diarrheal disease risk, while highlighting how vaccination and transport access can reduce impacts.

TRRC Reparations Follow-Up: A new explainer looks at what happened to victims after The Gambia’s Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission wrapped up—highlighting the Reparations Commission’s progress, including full compensation paid to 112 victims and GMD24.8 million disbursed so far, with about 200 more approved for payment. Migration Pressure: An Afrobarometer study finds emigration thoughts are highest in The Gambia, where 68% have considered leaving and 53% think about it “a lot,” with Europe the main destination. Illegal Fishing Governance: China’s refusal to sign the Mombasa Declaration is flagged as a setback for efforts against IUU fishing, even as several African states including The Gambia signed. Petroleum Regulation Milestone: Ghana’s Petroleum Commission marks its 15th anniversary, spotlighting “regulatory excellence” and a sustainable upstream petroleum agenda—relevant for regional energy governance. Diaspora & Business Links: A report on Nigeria–Gambia technology and skills cooperation points to practical pathways from research to marketable skills and products. Regional Finance Resilience: WAIFEM urges West African reserve managers to strengthen institutions and risk planning amid shocks, including climate risk—covering The Gambia among participants. Visa Service Realignment: The US announces routine visa processing changes in Africa, listing Banjul among affected locations and pointing to regional visa hubs from Aug. 1, 2026. Women’s Digital Skills: A China-backed seminar trains African women entrepreneurs in short-video and live-stream marketing, including participants from The Gambia, to expand market access. Sports & Community: The Gambia Football Federation mourns legendary goalkeeper Kebba Massaneh Ceesay, recalling his roles as player, administrator and technical director.

Skills & Manufacturing: A new wave of Chinese-invested factories across Africa is training local workers in modern production and warehouse systems, with nearly 1,000 technical staff reported trained in glass, mechanical and electrical operations. Visa & Mobility: The US has realigned routine visa services in Nigeria and several African locations, with changes effective Aug. 1, 2026, pushing applicants toward designated regional visa hubs—Banjul is listed among affected locations. Gambia–Bangladesh Diplomacy: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam thanked The Gambia for pursuing Myanmar’s Rohingya genocide case at the ICJ and called for deeper bilateral trade and commerce cooperation. FX Reserves Training: WAIFEM urged reserve managers in the West African Monetary Zone to strengthen institutions and risk-management ahead of shocks tied to geopolitics and climate. Tourism Business Coordination: ECOWAS convened a consultative meeting on tourism business associations, including The Gambia, to support regional integration and jobs. Local Development Push: President Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance and agro-logistics groundwork. Business & Finance (Regional): Airtel Africa reported a major share repurchase, while Oando sought authorisation for potential cross-border listings. Policy & Governance: A Sierra Leone civil society group notified police of a planned Aug. 26 peaceful protest over alleged constitutional amendment process violations.

Visa Realignment Impact: The US State Department says routine non-immigrant visa services in Abuja and several African locations—including Banjul—are being realigned to regional visa hubs from August 1, citing national security, efficiency, and more consistent screening. Telecom Market Watch: Airtel Africa Plc has repurchased 18.34 million shares since May 22, cancelling them, as the stock surges 177.53% year-to-date on the NGX. Energy Capital Move: Oando Plc is seeking shareholder approval to pursue cross-border listings at its Sept 17 AGM, aiming to broaden its investor base and improve liquidity. Banking Control Drive: Nigerian billionaire Femi Otedola continues building his First HoldCo stake, buying 147.74 million shares at N140 each to reach 27.49%, edging toward the 30% takeover threshold. Gambia-Linked Diplomacy: State Minister Shama Obaed Islam praised The Gambia for actively pursuing Myanmar’s Rohingya genocide case at the ICJ, calling it a step toward voluntary Rohingya return. Skills & Women’s Trade: A China-backed seminar on short-video and live-stream marketing brought women entrepreneurs and professionals from across Africa, including Gambia, to learn digital tools for selling beyond local markets. Local Development: President Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance handover and foundations for road and agro-logistics initiatives. Regional Finance Resilience: WAIFEM urged WAMZ reserve managers to strengthen risk management and prepare for shocks, as it convened a course on strategic reserves management in Monrovia. Tech for Integrity: West Africa’s Dubawa is using AI to improve fact-checking, targeting how claims spread online. Governance & Unity: Opposition leader Ousainu Darboe urged parties to unite behind the Gambia First Coalition ahead of the December 2026 election. Sports Loss: Gambian football mourns legendary goalkeeper Kebba Massaneh Ceesay, a former national team player and football administrator.

FX Reserve Readiness: WAIFEM urged foreign exchange reserve managers across WAMZ to upgrade institutions and risk-management as shocks from geopolitics and climate intensify, launching a five-day strategic reserves course in Monrovia with central bank staff from Liberia, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Tourism & Regional Business: ECOWAS convened COPITOUR stakeholders in Abuja to strengthen tourism business associations as partners for regional integration, with The Gambia among participating member states. Tech & Skills for Development: NASENI and The Gambia are moving toward deeper technology, TVET and skills cooperation after a ministerial visit to NASENI in Abuja, aiming to turn research into practical, commercially viable solutions. Transport & Trade Access: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie said government will introduce a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra crossing, responding to concerns that delays hurt patients and families. Education Outcomes: WAEC’s Banjul office released 2026 WASSCE results, with only 1,556 candidates earning at least five credits including English and Mathematics. Public Finance & Governance: An ECA push for stronger social protection and youth employment reached discussions with The Gambia’s gender ministry, focusing on women’s economic empowerment and extending support to informal workers. Development Projects: President Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including an ambulance handover and foundations for road and agro-logistics initiatives. Diaspora Politics & Fundraising: The NPP held a Seattle fundraising drive raising US$65,230 for its 2026 campaign, highlighting diaspora support and tighter financial oversight.

Opposition Unity Drive: UDP leader Ousainu Darboe urged other opposition parties to unite behind the Gambia First Coalition after the UDP formalised the coalition with seven partners via an MoU, promising a collective campaign and a five-year reform agenda ahead of the December 2026 presidential election. Diaspora Political Funding: The NPP Seattle Chapter raised US$65,230 for its 2026 campaign, with party officials stressing transparency in spending and stronger diaspora engagement. Microfinance Investment Push: Dr. Sam Ankrah called for African microfinance to be treated as an investable asset class, not charity, at an Accra summit attended by regulators and institutions including delegations from The Gambia. Development Projects in CRR North: President Adama Barrow inaugurated roads and health projects, including an ambulance handover and foundations for road and agro-logistics initiatives aimed at boosting trade and connectivity. Education Results: WAEC’s 2026 WASSCE results in The Gambia showed only 1,556 candidates earning at least five credits including English and Mathematics, from 20,610 registered. Technology & Skills Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to develop an MoU to deepen technology development and TVET, following a ministerial visit to NASENI’s research and innovation facilities. Higher Education Funding Model: The Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund as it prepares its own tertiary education funding institution, seeking lessons on sustained support for universities. Banking Sector Note: Access Bank Gambia won Euromoney’s “Best Bank in the Gambia” award for the third consecutive year. Tourism & Public Finance: The Gambia’s wider policy debate continues as regional partners push for stronger social protection and youth employment, while public audit bodies urged AI and cybersecurity tools to fight fraud.

Regional Energy & Infrastructure: Nigeria’s “African-Atlantic Gas Pipeline” (formerly the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline) worth over $25bn is still stuck as sources cite lukewarm Nigerian buy-in and likely bureaucratic roadblocks, despite ECOWAS endorsement and a July 19 IGA signing in Lungi. Governance & Public Finance: The U.S. says Nigeria failed its minimum fiscal transparency test for a second year, flagging opaque budget reporting, weak audit independence and poor procurement disclosure—an investor-confidence warning that also echoes across the region. Education & Skills: WAEC releases The Gambia’s 2026 WASSCE results, with 1,556 candidates earning at least five credits (907 female, 649 male) out of 20,610 registered. Transport & Health Access: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie pledges a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra link after complaints that unreliable crossings delay patients. Technology & Anti-Corruption: Gambia is among countries urged to embrace AI to fight corruption, while Nigeria’s Dubawa is using AI to better separate claims from misinformation. Regional Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agree to develop an MoU to deepen technology development and TVET cooperation.

Roads & Health Push: President Adama Barrow inaugurated new roads and health projects in Central River Region North, including a 17km road in Upper Badibou, an ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto, and foundations for roads and an agro-logistics centre aimed at boosting connectivity and trade. Food Security & Jobs: Kanifing Municipal Council launched a circular agriculture facility linking production, cold storage, composting and a local market to cut post-harvest losses and create jobs for women. Climate Resilience Funding: The World Bank handed over waste-collection equipment worth about 30 million dalasis under WACA ResIP II to reduce flooding risks around the Kotu Stream. Regional Tech Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to develop an MoU to deepen technology, TVET, research and skills development cooperation. Education Outcomes: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE results in The Gambia, with 1,556 candidates scoring credits in at least five subjects including English and Mathematics. Governance & Integrity: ECA urged stronger social protection and youth employment across Africa, with discussions held with The Gambia’s gender and social welfare ministry. Transport Bottleneck: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie promised a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra link after complaints about delays affecting patients. Business & Finance Signals: Access Bank Gambia won Euromoney’s “Best Bank in the Gambia” award for a third straight year. Policy Watch: The US made its visa bond program permanent, a move that could affect travel and business activity for countries including The Gambia.

Infrastructure & Health Delivery: President Adama Barrow continued his Central River Region North tour, inaugurating roads and health projects, including a new ambulance for Ballanghar Jaloto and laying stones for road links and a Farafenni Roads Project aimed at boosting trade on the Senegambia corridor. Agro-logistics & Trade: The President also inspected an agro-logistics centre at Maka Farafenni co-funded by the Government and the World Bank, with training, logistics and food processing plans. Transport for Commerce & Care: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie pledged a faster ferry to improve the Banjul–Barra link after complaints that delays disrupt patients’ access to specialist care. Education Outcomes: WAEC released 2026 WASSCE results in The Gambia, with 20,610 candidates registered and only 1,556 scoring at least five credits including English and Maths. Skills & Tech Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to develop an MoU to deepen technology development and TVET, following a ministerial visit to NASENI facilities in Abuja. Higher Education Financing Model: The Gambia plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund as it builds its own tertiary funding institution, THET Fund. Public Finance & Governance: A U.S. fiscal transparency report again flagged Nigeria for weak budget openness and audit independence, a reminder of the governance standards investors watch across the region. Climate Resilience & Waste: The World Bank handed over waste-collection equipment under WACA ResIP II to KMC and BAC to tackle flooding risks around the Kotu Stream. Food Security Jobs: Kanifing Municipal Council launched a circular agriculture facility combining a production garden, market, cold storage and composting to cut post-harvest losses and create jobs for women. Regional Aviation Safety: BAGAIA moved to strengthen aircraft accident investigation capacity through board-level cooperation across BAG member states. Border Security Tech: NACSA joined West Africa Border Security Week in Accra, highlighting digital identity and biometrics for balancing security, trade and mobility.

Infrastructure & Health Delivery: President Adama Barrow continued his Central River Region North tour, inaugurating roads and health projects, laying foundations for new road links, and presenting an ambulance to Ballanghar Jaloto—moves aimed at improving access for farmers and boosting trade along the Senegambia corridor. Transport for Commerce & Care: Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie announced a faster ferry to strengthen the Banjul–Barra link, responding to concerns that unreliable crossings delay patients and disrupt families. Food Security Jobs: Kanifing Municipal Council launched a circular agriculture facility combining production, a market, cold storage, and composting to cut post-harvest losses and create women-led jobs. Climate Resilience Funding: The World Bank handed over waste-collection equipment under WACA’s coastal resilience project to tackle flooding risks around the Kotu Stream, highlighting gaps in council waste budgets. Education & Skills: WAEC released WASSCE 2026 results in The Gambia, while The Gambia also plans a study tour of Nigeria’s TETFund model to guide its new THET Fund. Regional Aviation Safety: BAGAIA advanced aircraft accident investigation capacity through board discussions hosted by Nigeria’s aviation authority. Governance & Oversight: A call for African public audit institutions to adopt AI and cybersecurity tools for fraud detection and better use of public funds. Tech & TVET Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agreed to develop an MoU to deepen technology development and skills training. Tourism Budget Pressure: Hotels Association in Ghana urged higher tourism funding—an indirect reminder for regional hospitality investment priorities.

Ferry & Health Access: Kanifing Municipal Council’s circular agriculture push and the government’s promise of a faster Banjul–Barra ferry both point to a focus on practical livelihoods—KMC is linking gardens, cold storage and composting to cut post-harvest losses and create jobs for women, while Deputy Speaker Seedy SK Njie says a new quicker ferry is coming to reduce delays that worsen patients’ conditions. Roads & Regional Trade: President Adama Barrow continues his Central River Region North tour, inaugurating and laying foundations for roads meant to connect farmers to markets and unlock the “food basket” economy, including the Njau Loop completion and a 52km Ngayen Sanjal road. Climate Resilience & Waste Management: The World Bank has invested US$45m to reduce flooding and strengthen climate resilience, handing over waste-collection equipment for Kotu Stream hotspots in Kanifing and Brikama. Education Outcomes: WAEC’s release of WASSCE results shows only 1,556 candidates achieved credits in at least five subjects (including English and Maths), with performance still being finalized for 994 incomplete records. Public Sector Integrity: A regional push urges African audit institutions, including The Gambia’s, to adopt AI, data analysis and cybersecurity tools to better detect fraud and misuse of public funds. Tech & Skills Cooperation: NASENI and The Gambia agree to develop an MoU to deepen technology development, TVET, research and skills commercialization. Regional Aviation Safety: BAGAIA moves to strengthen aircraft accident investigation capacity through renewed regional cooperation and governance discussions in Abuja. Tourism & Finance Signals: A World Bank-backed resilience effort and a separate call for more tourism budget in the region underline how funding decisions are shaping growth prospects.