The Government of The Gambia has launched a project to electrify 241 communities in the Central River Region (CRR) and Upper River Region (URR) with a commitment of about $14 million from the national budget. This initiative aims to achieve universal electricity access by 2027. The project involves the installation of 377 kilometres of medium-voltage lines, 219 distribution transformers, and low-voltage networks across the two regions.
The project was launched with the signing of contracts at the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, and will be implemented in partnership with NAWEC, Alpha TND, and Power Factor Limited. Energy Minister Nani Juwara stated that the project demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind. The initiative will cover 148 communities in CRR, including Lower and Upper Fulladu, Sami, Janjanbureh, and others, and 93 communities in URR, including Sandu, Wuli, Tumana, Kantora, Basse, and Jimara.
Minister Juwara recalled that during the inauguration of projects covering hundreds of communities in February 2026, residents appealed for an extension to uncovered areas. He stated that the President is fulfilling his promise to the people with this new project. The minister also disclosed that the government has secured an additional $50 million from the World Bank to electrify other unelectrified communities.
The contracts have an 18-month timeline, but the government expects completion within 12 months. Minister Juwara warned against substandard work, emphasizing that there should be no substandard poles or undersized cables. He also urged contractors to employ youth from the beneficiary regions. The Deputy Director of NAWEC, representing NAWEC MD Sompo Ceesay, noted that the projects are significant because they are fully government-financed.
The contracts were awarded through international competitive bidding to the lowest responsive bidders. Alpha TND Project Manager Animesh stated that his company's lot covers 223km of MV lines and 165km of LV lines to 148 villages, and pledged to deliver quality and timely work. Power Factor Coordinator Eluwole Leke James said his firm will cover 93 communities, adding that reliable electricity will boost businesses, education, healthcare, and socio-economic development.
The project is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents in the beneficiary communities. With reliable electricity, businesses are expected to thrive, and there will be improvements in education, healthcare, and overall socio-economic development. The government's investment in the project demonstrates its commitment to improving the lives of its citizens.
The project is part of the government's efforts to achieve universal electricity access by 2027. With the additional $50 million secured from the World Bank, the government is expected to make significant progress in electrifying more communities across the country. The successful completion of this project will also serve as a model for future projects aimed at improving access to electricity in The Gambia.
Key points
- The Gambia government has committed $14 million to electrify 241 communities in the Central River Region and Upper River Region.
- The project involves the installation of 377 kilometres of medium-voltage lines, 219 distribution transformers, and low-voltage networks.
- The government expects to complete the project within 12 months, despite having an 18-month timeline.
