The Government of The Gambia and the People’s Republic of China have signed a US$11.9 million contract aimed at improving electricity distribution networks and expanding access to reliable power for communities across the Greater Banjul Area. The contract for the China Aid Gambia Electricity Enhancement Project (GEEP) was signed on Friday, September 18, 2026, at the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines.
The project, funded through China Aid, will focus on the rehabilitation and upgrading of medium- and low-voltage distribution networks, installation of transformers and modern equipment, and expansion of electricity connections to communities that have faced limited or unreliable access to electricity. Minister of Petroleum and Energy Nani Juwara described the signing as a historic milestone in the Government’s drive towards universal electricity access.
Minister Juwara said the project would electrify more than 40 communities in the Greater Banjul Area and benefit more than 80,000 residents who have been waiting for improved access to electricity for decades. He said the works would cover engineering, procurement and construction of distribution networks, including medium- and low-voltage lines, transformers and meter connections.
With the completion of this project, thousands of households, businesses, schools, health facilities and other institutions will be taken out of darkness for the first time, Minister Juwara stated. Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia Liu Jin congratulated both governments and institutions involved in bringing the project to fruition, noting that negotiations and technical discussions had taken place over the past two to three years.
Ambassador Liu said electricity remained a priority area of China-Gambia cooperation and stressed that the project was aligned with The Gambia’s development priorities. He said the project is expected to increase the load-bearing capacity of power lines, reduce transmission losses and address unstable electricity supplies and inadequate coverage across the Greater Banjul Area.
NAWEC Managing Director Galo Saidy said the signing marked an important milestone in efforts to strengthen the country’s electricity infrastructure. He said the project will be implemented over 18 months and will rehabilitate medium and low voltage networks, install modern equipment and expand electricity connections across the Greater Banjul Area.
The ultimate measure of the investment would be improved electricity reliability, fewer outages, better service delivery and greater access for households and businesses, Saidy said. The signing further strengthens bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and China, with officials describing the project as a people-centred investment expected to deliver long-term benefits to communities in the Greater Banjul Area.
Key points
- The project will electrify more than 40 communities in the Greater Banjul Area and benefit more than 80,000 residents.
