AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Justice & Rule of Law: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice swore in five new judges in Abuja, including Awa Bah of The Gambia, with ECOWAS chair Bassirou Diomaye Faye urging impartial, independent decisions to rebuild public trust. Climate & Health: A UN warning at Pre-COP31 links extreme heat to higher risks in pregnancy, including preterm birth and gestational diabetes, underscoring climate impacts on everyday health. Gambia Power & Resilience: The Gambia received 21MW generators from China to tackle ongoing electricity shortages, with more capacity expected soon as NAWEC moves to install and commission the units. Sustainability & Waste: UK-based Waste to Wonder Worldwide received The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainability 2026, highlighting reuse of unwanted furniture into measurable environmental and social value. Smart Ports (Regional Lesson): A report on Rotterdam’s smart berths shows how sensor-enabled “smart” bollards can improve safety and maintenance planning—useful for West African port upgrades.

ECOWAS Justice: The ECOWAS Community Court of Justice swore in five new judges, including Awa Bah of The Gambia, a move that could shape regional rights and rule-of-law outcomes. Climate & Health: UN officials at Pre-COP31 warned that extreme heat is raising preterm birth risk (5% per degree) and gestational diabetes risk, with most surveyed health workers reporting rising heat-related pregnancy cases. Waste & Circular Economy: Waste to Wonder Worldwide received The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainability 2026 for turning unwanted workplace furniture into measurable environmental and social value. LDC Diplomacy: The Gambia took on a three-year UN role chairing the Global Coordination Bureau of the Least Developed Countries, with potential implications for climate and development support. Community Services Gap: A report highlights residents’ concerns in rural areas during President Barrow’s tour, stressing that poor roads, water access, and weak health and school facilities keep communities beyond basic services.

Tourism Safety: Gambia’s Tourism Development Area (TDA) is under a spotlight after an attack on visitors, with the Gambia Tourism Board DG Ida Jeng-Njie warning that any behaviour threatening safety and the “peaceful enjoyment” of the tourism environment will not be tolerated; the GTBoard, working with the Tourism Security Unit, has launched an investigation and says violators will face action under Gambian law. Women’s Livelihoods & Environment-Friendly Skills: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn practical skills into income and support longer-term empowerment through sustainable sales. Regional Risk & Resilience: The Africa Risk Index was unveiled in Paris, pushing for a new way to measure African risk and reduce costly mispricing—an issue that can shape climate and disaster planning across the region.

Tourism Safety in The Gambia: The Gambia Tourism Board says it’s investigating an attack on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning that any behaviour threatening safety, dignity, or peaceful enjoyment won’t be tolerated, and urging the public to report suspicious acts. Women’s Livelihoods & Environment: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, with products meant for sale to support sustainable income. Illicit Tobacco & Enforcement: New TCDI data shows Gambia has 8.6% illicit cigarette prevalence, tied to enforcement and supply-chain vulnerabilities more than tax levels. Regional Resilience: IFRC highlights disaster risk reduction and community resilience work in Africa, pointing to its partnership experience including the Accelerating Malaria Elimination project in The Gambia. Innovation & Sustainability: ECOWAS-backed startup awards spotlight regional green and development-focused entrepreneurship, with Baykart from The Gambia among finalists.

Tourism Safety in The Gambia: The Gambia Tourism Board says it’s investigating an attack on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning operators and residents that any behaviour threatening safety and dignity will face action under Gambian law. Disaster Preparedness: Vice President Muhammad BS Jallow launched The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035) to improve coordination, information sharing, and prevention before threats escalate. Women’s Skills & Environment-Friendly Livelihoods: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into sustainable income. Regional Agriculture Heritage: FAO convened a workshop including The Gambia to strengthen recognition and “dynamic conservation” of Africa’s agricultural heritage systems. Democracy & Peace: International IDEA reports The Gambia’s democratic performance has improved since 2017, while IDEAS pushes for a peaceful, credible December 2026 election environment.

Tourism Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) says it has launched a full investigation after an attack on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning that anyone breaching TDA rules will face action under Gambian law and urging the public to report threats. Early Warning for Crises: Vice President Muhammad BS Jallow launched The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035), aiming to spot emerging threats early and improve coordination for faster, prevention-focused responses. Women’s Livelihoods & Environment: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, supporting income generation and planning to expand to other regions. Agricultural Heritage: A FAO workshop in Southern Africa brought together countries including The Gambia to build skills for recognizing Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems and preparing conservation action plans. Regional Water Action: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional plan to tackle West Africa’s water crisis, with implications for drought risk and sustainable water management across the region.

Tourism Safety in TDA: The Gambia Tourism Board says it’s investigating an attack on visitors in the Tourism Development Area after disturbing videos circulated online, warning operators and residents that any threat to safety and dignity will face action under Gambian law. Disaster Preparedness: Vice President Muhammad BS Jallow launched The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035) to strengthen prevention, coordination, and faster responses to threats to peace, security, and development. Women’s Livelihoods: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, with products planned for sale to support ongoing income. Agricultural Heritage Conservation: FAO gathered representatives from 16 African countries, including The Gambia, to build capacity for recognizing and dynamically conserving Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.

Tourism Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board has launched an investigation after videos showed attacks on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning that any threats to safety and the “peaceful enjoyment” of the tourism environment will face decisive action. Community Resilience & Health: The IFRC says China is a key partner for building disaster risk reduction and community resilience in Africa, pointing to its work with The Gambia on malaria elimination. Skills & Livelihoods: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into income and expand to other regions. Agricultural Heritage: A FAO workshop in Johannesburg is building capacity for countries including The Gambia to identify and protect Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems. Early Warning Policy: Vice President Muhammad BS Jallow launched The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035) to improve coordination and help prevent crises before they escalate. Regional Water Focus: ECOWAS and partners adopted a regional action plan to tackle West Africa’s water crisis.

Tourism Safety in the Gambia: The Gambia Tourism Board has launched an investigation after videos showed attacks on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning operators and residents that any behaviour threatening safety and peaceful enjoyment will face action under Gambian law. Community Resilience & Disaster Risk: The IFRC says China is a key partner for building durable solutions and community resilience in Africa, pointing to disaster risk reduction and sustainable development training that included an example project in The Gambia. Women’s Livelihoods: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into income and expand to other regions. Early Warning for Threats: Vice President Muhammad BS Jallow launched The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035) to improve coordination and help the country respond before crises escalate. Agricultural Heritage Conservation: FAO gathered representatives from 16 African countries, including The Gambia, to strengthen recognition and dynamic conservation of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.

Tourism Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board says it’s investigating an attack on visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning that any threat to safety, dignity, and peaceful enjoyment will face decisive action. Disaster Preparedness: Vice President Muhammad BS Jallow launched The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035) to improve risk detection, coordination, and timely responses across government, security services, local authorities, and communities. Skills for Livelihoods: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into income and expand support to other regions. Climate & Heritage Farming: FAO convened a regional workshop (including The Gambia) to strengthen recognition and dynamic conservation of Africa’s agricultural heritage systems, helping countries prepare nomination plans and conservation actions. Regional Environment Watch: ECOWAS lawmakers warned that shrinking land and water could fuel security crises, pushing for stronger climate and land-water safeguards.

Tourism Safety in TDA: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) has condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and others that violations will face decisive action. GTBoard DG Ida Jeng-Njie says a full investigation is underway with the Tourism Security Unit, and urges the public and operators to report threats. Tourism Push with Digital Focus: On World Tourism Day, The Gambia highlighted AI and digital tools for tourism, including a tree-planting event in the TDA and talks on how travellers discover and book online. Tourism Diversification: The Ministry of Tourism says it will expand beyond the main hubs with ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy, using regional consultations to shape projects that can bring lasting local benefits. Land Governance: Government inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee and the Mansa Bengo Committee to drive the 2026–2035 land policy, aiming for fairer land administration, fewer disputes, and stronger management of land—especially where vested interests and foreign firms are involved. Skills for Women with Limb Differences: STAND-Gambia, with EU support, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative to support income and independence.

Tourism Safety: Gambia Tourism Board DG Ida Jeng-Njie condemned attacks on visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), saying the Board and the Tourism Security Unit are investigating and will take decisive action against anyone violating rules. Tourism Diversification: World Tourism Day in The Gambia spotlighted AI and digital tools, alongside tree-planting and public talks, while officials also outlined plans to diversify tourism beyond the main sites through ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy. Skills for Livelihoods: STAND-Gambia, with the EU, trained 10 women amputees in tie-dye production under its LEGS initiative, aiming to turn skills into sustainable income. Land Governance: The government inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee to improve land administration, reduce disputes and tackle vested interests. Early Warning: Vice President Muhammad BS Jallow launched The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035) to strengthen prevention and coordination across institutions. Agricultural Heritage: FAO convened a regional workshop including The Gambia to build capacity for recognizing and conserving Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems.

Tourism Safety: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning beach touts (“bumsters”) and others that violations will be met with appropriate action, in coordination with the Tourism Security Unit. Tourism Diversification: The Ministry of Tourism says it’s pushing new products beyond the main beach areas—ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy—so visitors spend more time in regions, with community input shaping what gets funded. Land Governance: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee to roll out the 2026–2035 land policy, aiming to improve land administration, cut disputes, and address vested interests, including concerns about foreign land beneficiaries. Early Warning for Crises: Vice President Muhammad BS Jallow launched The Gambia’s National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035) to strengthen prevention, coordination, and information-sharing across government, security services, local authorities and communities. Regional Agriculture Heritage: FAO’s GIAHS workshop in Johannesburg includes The Gambia, helping countries prepare conservation plans and proposals for agricultural heritage systems. Sports & Culture (Local angle): Gambia coach Jonathan McKinstry linked his Ghana football experience to tactics that helped secure a 4-2 comeback win over Ghana.

Early Warning for Threats: The Gambia launched its National Early Warning and Response Policy (2026–2035) to spot emerging risks early and coordinate action across government, security services, local authorities, civil society and communities. Tourism Safety in the TDA: The Gambia Tourism Board condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and others who break the law will face action, in partnership with the Tourism Security Unit. World Tourism Day 2026: The country marked World Tourism Day with a focus on AI and digital tech to redesign tourism, alongside tree planting and stakeholder talks. Tourism Diversification: The Ministry of Tourism outlined plans to expand beyond the main beach areas with ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy, aiming for better products and longer stays. Land Governance Push: Lands policy implementation committees were inaugurated to roll out the National Land Policy 2026–2035, targeting fair land administration and reducing disputes. Agricultural Heritage Capacity: A FAO workshop in Johannesburg builds skills for recognizing and conserving Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, including Gambia participation. Health & Climate Angle: First Ladies and partners marked World Heart Day by expanding diabetes and cardiovascular care capacity across Africa, linking prevention and community-level support.

ECOWAS & ECO Currency: ECOWAS confirmed a phased launch of the ECO in July 2027, with Phase 1 including Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and The Gambia—while key questions remain around exchange-rate rules, central bank governance and how CFA-linked countries will fit in. Tourism Safety in The Gambia: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area, warning “bumsters” and others who violate the law will face action, with the Tourism Security Unit involved. World Tourism Day (AI & Digital): The country marked World Tourism Day with a focus on AI and digital tech, plus tree-planting in the TDA, as tourism leaders push a modern, safer visitor experience. Tourism Diversification: Government is consulting communities to expand tourism beyond the main areas, including ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy—aiming for longer stays and better infrastructure. Land Governance: Lands policy implementation committees were inaugurated to oversee the National Land Policy 2026–2035, targeting fairer land administration and reducing disputes. Water & Climate Cooperation: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional agenda to strengthen shared river management and climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. Malaria Funding Alarm: African leaders warned that a 30% cut in malaria financing could trigger 146 million more cases by 2030, urging stronger domestic funding and multisector action.

Tourism Safety in the Gambia: The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) condemned attacks on tourists and visitors in the Tourism Development Area (TDA), warning “bumsters” and others who violate the law will face action, with the Tourism Security Unit involved. Tourism Diversification: The country marked World Tourism Day with a push on AI and digital tools, and officials say The Gambia will diversify beyond the main sites through ecotourism, culture, festivals and gastronomy to encourage longer stays. Land Governance: The Ministry of Lands inaugurated the National Land Policy Implementation Steering Committee and the Mansa Bengo Committee to implement the 2026–2035 land policy, aimed at reducing disputes and improving fair land administration, with concerns raised about foreign land interests. Climate & Water Security (Region): ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted a regional agenda to strengthen shared river management and climate resilience, including the Abidjan Declaration and a next forum in Cabo Verde. Malaria Funding Pressure: ALMA warned that a 30% cut in malaria financing could trigger 146 million more cases by 2030, as leaders call for stronger domestic funding and multisector action. Digital Child Protection (UN): A UN panel in New York urged stronger international standards to protect children from online risks as AI advances faster than safeguards.