The Gambia to Reach 70% Electrification Rate by Year-End

Investments from multilateral finance institution the African Development Bank (AfDB) are set to result in a 70% electrification rate in The Gambia – 50% in rural areas – by the end of 2024.

Announced through a country progress report for The Gambia released on June 13, notable AfDB-led projects include a 50 MW interconnection project with Senegal and The Gambia Electricity System Rehabilitation and Expansion Project.

The report, which was approved by the bank’s Group Board, serves as part of the AfDB’s 2021-2025 Country Strategy Paper for The Gambia.

“The AfDB has increased its support for economic diversification and resilience in The Gambia, taking into account the country’s long-term development priorities and the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and targeting factors of fragility,” stated AfDB Deputy-Director General for West Africa Dr. Joseph Ribeiro.

The AfDB boasts 17 active projects in The Gambia valued at $252.1 million. The transport sector has received the largest share of funding at 51.2% followed by agriculture and rural development with 21%, energy with 17.5%, water and sanitation at 7.7% and governance and the social sector with 2.6% each.