Africa-Press – Gambia. The World Bank Group has approved a $45 million grant to help The Gambia accelerate key development initiatives, including domestic revenue mobilization, infrastructure development, and climate resilience.
In a statement, Ephrem Niyongabo, a World Bank economist and the project’s task team leader, said the country has made notable progress despite facing external economic shocks in recent years. Yet he cautioned that The Gambia’s growth remains fragile, in part due to structural vulnerabilities and climate risks.
“The Gambia is on a good growth trajectory despite the external shocks of recent years, but growth remains fragile due to a combination of structural weaknesses, including climate vulnerability,” Niyongabo said. “To sustain its growth and improve the living standards of the population, it is essential for The Gambia to pursue and accelerate transformational reforms.”
The grant is part of the World Bank’s first development policy support operation for The Gambia, designed to underpin reforms that promote inclusive and sustainable growth. The initiative focuses on three pillars: increasing government revenue, fostering private sector–led growth, and enhancing climate resilience.
Franklin Mutahakana, the World Bank’s resident representative in The Gambia, expressed optimism that the funding would enable the government to implement critical reforms.
“This financing will enable The Gambia to carry out reforms to build fiscal space, facilitate the development of key sectors, improve human capital and business environment to enhance participation of the private sector in the economy,” Mutahakana said.
He added that the program is expected to enhance access to essential services, create employment opportunities for women and youth, and support environmental sustainability. “The proposed operation provides a critical line to improve access to essential services, enhance women’s and youth employment opportunities while enhancing environmental sustainability,” he said.
The grant, the release stated, aligns with priorities outlined in The Gambia Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (2023–2027) and underscores the country’s commitment to a green, resilient, and inclusive development agenda.
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