AGP Executive Report

AU Gender Rights: The Gambia ratified the African Union Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, turning its earlier signature into binding legal duties and pushing for stronger protection, justice and accountability. Energy & Public Finance: A World Bank Public Finance Review says electricity tariffs in The Gambia are among the highest globally (about $0.21/kWh), driven by weak sector finances, costly subsidies and system losses—while access gains still lag in rural areas. Offshore Oil Watch: The government signed an offshore Block A1 licence deal with Eni, with public scepticism still high after past exploration “roller coaster” promises. Coastal Safety: Crocodiles were reported in Banjul North drainage systems, raising urgent public safety concerns. Tourism & Land Use: The Tourism Board warned against illegal encroachment and poor sanitation in tourism zones. Regional Fisheries: West Africa stepped up action against illegal fishing, with regional coordination and enforcement efforts aimed at protecting fish stocks and food security. Climate-Linked Trade: West Africa also moved to strengthen rules of origin expertise for trade agreements—supporting more compliant, sustainable commerce.

Coastal & Tourism Enforcement: The Gambia Tourism Board says illegal beachfront construction and fencing are driving coastal erosion and environmental degradation, warning developers who ignored earlier notices and urging approvals through the proper channels. Climate-leaning Port Model: Vice President B.S. Jallow praised Tianjin Port’s zero-emission, fully automated “smart” terminal—powered by wind-solar-storage and certified carbon-neutral—as a lesson for The Gambia, which he says is highly exposed to sea-level rise. Food Safety & Trade: A new National SPS committee was launched to coordinate food safety, plant protection and animal health systems, aiming to meet WTO standards and protect public health while boosting agricultural exports. Electricity Affordability: A World Bank Public Finance Review warns Gambia’s electricity tariffs average about $0.21/kWh and remain among the highest globally, citing weak sector finances and inefficient subsidies that also slow rural access. Offshore Oil Deal (Block A1): Government signed an Eni Petroleum Exploration deal for offshore Block A1, with GNPC holding a 10% carried interest (no exploration costs) and potential for more—framing it as a renewed push for upstream activity. Wildlife Alert: Crocodiles were reported in Banjul North drainage systems, prompting a public safety watch. Food Security & Climate-Smart Farming: A report highlights hybrid rice cooperation and how climate stress, fertilizer costs and storage gaps keep African yields low. Illegal Fishing Crackdown (Regional): West Africa steps up action against IUU fishing, citing huge losses and stock pressure, with coordinated operations involving Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia and Cape Verde.

Tourism & Coast Protection: The Gambia Tourism Board warned developers to stop illegal construction in the Tourism Development Area, saying unapproved fencing and building along beaches are driving coastal erosion and environmental degradation, with poor sanitation also flagged. Energy Affordability: A World Bank Public Finance Review says The Gambia’s electricity tariffs average about $0.21 per kWh, among the highest globally, citing weak sector finances, system losses and inefficient subsidies that hurt affordability and slow rural access. Offshore Oil Governance: The government signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement with Eni for offshore Block A1, with GNPC set to hold a 10% carried interest and the state able to take more after discoveries—renewing debate over whether exploration will deliver real national value. Food Safety & Trade: A new National SPS committee was launched to coordinate food safety, plant protection and animal health obligations, aiming to protect public health while improving agricultural trade compliance. Digital Safety: The Gambia Police Force and PURA moved to formalize cooperation to fight cybercrime, including scams and hacking, through a proposed MoU. Climate-Linked Learning: Vice President Jallow highlighted Tianjin Port’s zero-emission, automated terminal as a model for climate resilience in a low-lying Gambia.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Gambia’s Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow praised Tianjin Port’s zero-emission, fully automated smart terminal as a model for aligning growth with environmental protection—an urgent lesson for a low-lying country facing sea-level risks. Tourism & Coastal Protection: The Gambia Tourism Board warned developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop illegal construction, fencing and poor sanitation, saying unregulated coastal building is driving environmental degradation and coastal erosion. Wildlife: Welsh osprey fans were left heartbroken after Natural Resources Wales reported three two-week-old chicks died from hypothermia after heavy rain exposed the nest. Food Safety & Trade: Gambia launched a National Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) committee to strengthen food safety, plant protection and animal health systems for better trade compliance. Electricity Affordability: A World Bank-backed Public Finance Review says weak electricity sector finances and system losses keep tariffs among the highest globally, hurting affordability and rural access. Offshore Oil (Environment Watch angle): Government signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement with Eni for offshore Block A1, with GNPC holding a 10% carried interest—renewing debate over how future upstream activity should protect national interests and the environment. Illegal Fishing (Regional): West Africa intensified action against IUU fishing, where losses are estimated at over US$2.3bn annually, threatening fish stocks and food security.

Electricity affordability: The World Bank’s Gambia Public Finance Review warns that weak sector finances and system losses keep power tariffs extremely high (about $0.21/kWh), with progress on access still held back by costly, inefficient subsidies and poor rural coverage. Tourism and coastal protection: The Gambia Tourism Board is stepping up enforcement against illegal structures in the Tourism Development Area, saying unapproved fencing and construction are worsening coastal erosion and environmental degradation, alongside sanitation problems. Wildlife update: Wildlife lovers are mourning the loss of three two-week-old osprey chicks in Wales after hypothermia, a reminder of how weather shocks can hit vulnerable species. Offshore oil governance: Government signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement with Eni for offshore Block A1, with GNPC set to hold a 10% carried interest—renewing debate over whether exploration promises will translate into real national benefits. Food safety trade: Gambia launched a National SPS committee to coordinate food safety, plant protection and animal health systems for safer trade and better compliance with WTO rules. Public finance and gender: A World Bank briefing links gender inequality to lower productivity and growth, while also launching the Public Finance Review aimed at improving revenue and spending efficiency.

Food safety & industry testing: The Confederation of Gambian Industries hailed the inauguration of Gambia’s first Food and Drug Lab, saying local testing and certification will cut costs, speed approvals, and strengthen consumer protection. Tourism & coastal protection: The Gambia Tourism Board warned developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop illegal construction, citing unapproved fencing and structures that worsen coastal erosion and sanitation problems. Energy crisis pressure: The Gambia Democratic Congress urged NAWEC and government to give a clear, honest roadmap to end electricity instability, warning the ongoing cuts are damaging businesses and tourism. Offshore oil governance: The government signed an Offshore Block A1 exploration deal with Eni, setting a legal and commercial framework for exploration and possible development, with state participation via GNPC. Illegal fishing crackdown (regional): West Africa stepped up action against IUU fishing, citing major annual losses and pushing stronger regional coordination and enforcement. Wildlife heartbreak (global): A Welsh osprey nest update reported chicks dying from hypothermia, reminding readers how weather shocks can hit wildlife fast. Cybersecurity push: Gambia Police and PURA discussed a formal partnership to fight cybercrime and online scams.

Tourism & Coastal Protection: The Gambia Tourism Board warned developers and businesses in the Tourism Development Area to stop illegal construction, unapproved fencing and poor sanitation, saying it is driving coastal erosion and environmental degradation and will trigger legal action. Wildlife & Public Safety: Reports of crocodiles in Banjul North drainage systems have prompted calls for urgent response and precautions for residents, especially children, while authorities assess the affected areas. Food Safety & Agriculture Trade: A new National SPS committee was launched to coordinate food safety, plant protection and animal health rules, aiming to meet WTO standards and protect public health while strengthening agricultural market access. Offshore Oil & Environment: Eni was granted a licence to explore Block A1 offshore, with the government saying the deal includes training and local content obligations—raising the stakes for how environmental safeguards are handled as exploration ramps up. Regional Fisheries Pressure: West Africa intensified action against illegal fishing, with losses estimated at over US$2.3 billion and new regional coordination efforts underway, including operations involving Senegal, Mauritania, The Gambia and Cape Verde. Digital Safety: GPF and PURA moved to formalise cooperation against cybercrime, supporting a safer digital environment for citizens.

Offshore Energy Deal: The Gambia has signed a landmark offshore petroleum exploration agreement with Eni for Block A1, granting Eni a licence to explore deepwater acreage of about 1,300km² and giving the state participation via GNPC (with an option to increase its stake after a discovery). Tourism & Coastal Protection: The Gambia Tourism Board is warning developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop illegal construction, fencing and poor sanitation, saying unregulated coastal building is driving environmental degradation and coastal erosion. Electricity Crisis Pressure: The Gambia Democratic Congress is calling for clear answers on the prolonged electricity crisis, urging NAWEC and government to share causes, short-term fixes and long-term plans for stable power. Energy-Climate Learning: Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow praised China’s Tianjin Port as a “zero-emission” automated model, saying it offers lessons for The Gambia’s climate risk as sea levels threaten low-lying Banjul. Wildlife Safety Alert: A public safety warning has been issued after crocodiles were reported in Banjul North drainage systems, with residents urged to avoid open drains and report sightings. Maritime Governance: Nigeria is set to host a regional workshop on port state control for 22 West and Central African countries, aiming to strengthen maritime safety and enforcement. Cybercrime Response: GPF and PURA plan to partner through a proposed MoU to tackle online scams, hacking and other cyber threats.

Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia has signed a landmark offshore petroleum exploration agreement with Eni for Block A1, granting Eni licence rights over 1,300km² in deep Atlantic waters and giving the state participation via GNPC (with an option to expand its stake after a discovery). Tourism & Coastal Protection: The Gambia Tourism Board has warned developers in the Tourism Development Area to stop illegal construction, unapproved fencing and poor sanitation, saying it fuels coastal erosion and environmental degradation; it also plans joint action with planning, environmental agencies and law enforcement. Electricity Crisis Pressure: GDC is calling for clear answers and a roadmap over the prolonged electricity crisis, arguing NAWEC and government must explain causes and long-term fixes. Cybercrime Response: GPF and PURA are moving to formalise cooperation to fight cybercrime, including scams and hacking, through a proposed MoU. Wildlife Safety Alert: Crocodiles have been reported in Banjul North drainage systems, prompting calls for urgent response and public precautions. Wildlife Tragedy Abroad: A Welsh osprey nest update reports chicks died from hypothermia after heavy rain—another reminder of how weather extremes can hit wildlife.

Offshore Oil & Environment: The Gambia has awarded Eni rights to explore deepwater Block A1 under a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement, with the 1,300 sq km Atlantic block previously operated by BP—raising fresh attention on how offshore development should be managed alongside marine protection. Public Safety & Wildlife: Banjul North residents have been warned after reports of crocodiles in drainage systems; MPs say a response team will assess affected areas, while the public is urged to avoid open drains and stop dumping waste that blocks waterways. Climate Finance Access: The Bonn climate talks (8–18 June) may see smaller Gambian delegations after visa barriers shut out some of the most climate-vulnerable countries, limiting participation in key negotiations. Water & Climate Risk: An OpEd argues that warming is pushing beyond old water-control models, with shifting water cycles and wider ecological impacts—an issue that matters for Gambia’s water security. Food Systems & Emissions: Experts call for plant-based pathways to protein to boost food security and cut greenhouse gases, land and water pressure—relevant as climate stress meets import dependence. Fuel Prices & Subsidies: Amid global shocks, government cut gasoil by D5 per litre using D150m subsidy support, while analysis warns the wider Iran-linked crisis could hit remittances, tourism and food costs. Electricity Reliability: A report on Nawec’s regional power trading debts puts liabilities to Senelec and Guinea’s EDG at about US$58m, as the utility transitions after the Karpowership contract ended.

Offshore Energy Watch: The Gambia has signed a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1, with Eni taking over exploration rights—an effort to unlock deepwater potential in the Atlantic Margin. Public Safety & Wildlife: Banjul North residents have reported crocodiles in drainage systems; a response team is expected after officials confirmed sightings, with warnings to avoid open drains and stop dumping waste that blocks waterways. Climate Diplomacy Access: Visa barriers are keeping The Gambia and other climate-vulnerable countries out of crucial UN climate talks in Bonn, forcing smaller delegations despite high vulnerability to climate impacts. Food, Climate & Health: Experts are urging a shift toward plant-based diets to strengthen food security, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and ease pressure on land and water. Regional Fisheries: West Africa is stepping up action against illegal fishing, with new cooperation and patrols under the Dakar Declaration to curb IUU losses. Power & Cost Pressure: Analysts warn fuel and electricity shocks are hitting households and businesses, as The Gambia navigates subsidy pressure and ongoing power-sector transition.

Water & Climate Resilience: A new OpEd argues that for 6,000 years humans have controlled water through dams and canals, but warming is now breaking those systems—changing water cycles and pushing the world toward a “sixth extinction” risk. Food, Diet & Emissions: Experts at a World Environment Day policy webinar urged a shift toward plant-based diets to boost food security, cut greenhouse gases, and relieve pressure on land and water. Coastal Wildlife Safety: A public safety alert says crocodiles have been spotted in Banjul North drainage systems; residents are urged to avoid open drains and stop dumping waste that blocks waterways. Gambia Offshore Energy: Government awarded Eni rights to explore offshore Block A1, a move aimed at unlocking deepwater potential. Fuel Prices & Subsidies: The government cut gasoil by D5 per litre via a D150M subsidy, while petrol prices stay unchanged—framed as relief amid global market volatility. Power Sector Watch: Nawec’s debt debate is clarified: liabilities to Senelec and EDG are put at about US$58M, amid a post-Karpowership transition. Regional Fisheries: West Africa steps up action against illegal fishing, with the Dakar Declaration pushing cooperation, surveillance, and port controls. Nature Finance: Ecobank issues a Nature Bond to protect African ecosystems, backing farmers and water systems through biodiversity-focused funding. Climate Access Barrier: Visa obstacles are reported to be shrinking delegations from climate-vulnerable countries, including The Gambia, at UN talks in Bonn. Migration Risk: AFP reports 110 migrants rescued off Mauritania after a boat breakdown, including Gambians—highlighting ongoing dangers on the Atlantic route.

Coastal Safety: Banjul North residents report crocodiles in drainage systems; MP Modou Lamin Bah says Parks and Wildlife will deploy a response team and urges people to avoid open drains and stop dumping waste that blocks gutters. Offshore Energy: The Gambia signs a Petroleum Exploration, Development and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1 with Eni, taking over from BP and aiming to unlock deepwater potential in the Atlantic Margin. Fuel Price Pressure: A policy brief warns the Middle East conflict is driving fuel import shocks, with government spending on fuel subsidies rising sharply; it also argues for replacing blanket diesel subsidies with a transparent, time-bound tax waiver. Regional Anti-IUU Fishing: West Africa steps up action against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, with the Dakar Declaration pushing stronger cooperation, surveillance, and community participation. Biodiversity Finance: Ecobank launches a Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange to protect African natural ecosystems, with proceeds aimed at farmers and sustainable water and agriculture systems.

Offshore Oil Deal: The Gambia has signed a Petroleum Exploration and Production Licence Agreement for offshore Block A1, with Eni taking over exploration rights in deep Atlantic waters—an effort to unlock commercial hydrocarbons and attract a more experienced operator. Public Safety & Wildlife: Crocodiles have been reported in Banjul North drainage systems; MPs say a response team will assess affected areas, while residents are urged to avoid open drains and stop dumping waste that blocks waterways. Fuel Prices & Climate-Linked Shocks: A policy institute warns that Middle East conflict-driven fuel and food price spikes could hit Gambia’s economy through imports, remittances, tourism, and agriculture—pushing up subsidy pressure. Power Sector Watch: Nawec’s regional electricity trading debts are being clarified amid speculation, with officials citing lower figures than widely reported as the utility transitions after Karpowership. Water & Food Security: A water expert flags salinization risks that could trigger food crises and migration pressures across regions. Nature Finance: Ecobank’s Nature Bond aims to protect African ecosystems by channeling capital toward farmers and water systems.

UN Climate Access: Visa hurdles are forcing smaller delegations from climate-vulnerable countries including The Gambia to the Bonn climate talks (8–18 June), raising fears that the poorest voices will be sidelined. Power Sector Watch: Nawec’s alleged debt to regional utilities is being put in context: official sources cite about US$37m owed to Senelec plus US$21m to Guinea’s EDG, around US$58m total, as Nawec transitions after the Karpowership contract ended. Fuel & Cost of Living: Government cut gasoil (diesel) by D5 per litre and set aside over D150m in subsidy support, while petrol stays at D112—aimed at easing pressure on transport, farmers and businesses. Electricity for More People: A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it has added over 4,000 km of transmission lines across 15 countries and expanded access to electricity for more than three million people since 2019. Water & Climate Risk: A new analysis warns that warming-driven water cycle shifts and salinization could trigger food crises and migration pressures across regions. Nature Finance: Ecobank launched a $450m Nature Bond on the London Stock Exchange to finance protection of African ecosystems via farmers and water systems. Regional Energy Context: UNCTAD warns that Strait of Hormuz disruptions and higher oil prices could hit 983m people in vulnerable economies, including many fuel importers.

Fuel Relief in Focus: The Gambia cut gasoil (diesel) by D5 per litre, with government committing over D150 million in subsidy support to cushion households and transport operators while petrol stays at D112 per litre. Energy Access & Grid Links: A World Bank-backed West Africa power programme says it has expanded electricity access to over three million people and built more than 4,000 km of transmission lines across 15 countries, including The Gambia, to boost cross-border trade and reliability. Nature Finance for Biodiversity: Ecobank launched a $450m “Nature Bond” on the London Stock Exchange to help protect African ecosystems via sustainable agriculture and water systems, aiming to channel capital to communities. Local Leadership & Environment: A documentary and book tribute to Banjul’s former Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe highlights sanitation, urban renewal, environmental protection and community participation under local governance. Halal Standards Push: SMIIC training in Banjul supports The Gambia’s drive to modernize halal quality infrastructure for certification, accreditation and conformity testing—positioning the country as a regional hub. Governance & Service Delivery: Commentary warns environmental management is failing, with forest parks and public spaces becoming dumping grounds due to weak enforcement and accountability. Migration Risk at Sea: Mauritania rescued 110 migrants off its coast, including Gambians, after a breakdown on a Europe-bound journey.