AGP Executive Report

Plastic Bag Ban Under Scrutiny: The Environment Ministry says it spent about D1.2 million in five days to enforce The Gambia’s plastic bag ban, but officials admit enforcement is costly and court delays weaken prosecutions—while plastic bags still remain widely visible, raising questions about long-term compliance. Fisheries Conservation: Stakeholders helped launch a landmark fisheries plan to protect key small pelagic stocks sardinella and bonga, using a scientifically grounded, ecosystem-based roadmap that also stresses cross-border cooperation. Agroecology & Climate-Smart Farming: The CIRAWA agroecology conference in Accra (with Gambia among partners) pushed nature-based solutions for resilient food systems, including agroforestry and soil fertility support. Groundnut Value Addition: Under the GIRAV matching grant scheme, rural entrepreneurs report improved groundnut processing into oil, with jobs for women and youth. Organic Fertiliser Push: Government plans to distribute 10,000 metric tonnes of free organic fertiliser nationwide, targeting farmers—especially women in horticulture—to boost soil health and cut costs. Food Safety Enforcement Gap: An audit found weak enforcement by the food safety authority, with only 1 fine out of 519 unsafe-food cases.

People & Borders: A £2million migrant-smuggling network tried to enter the UK using recycled Gambian passports with altered photos, with one passport linked to multiple different users over time. Food Safety: The National Audit Office says enforcement against unsafe food is extremely weak—only 1 fine came out of 519 sampled cases—raising concerns about public health protection. Environment & Health: The Ministry of Environment led a rainy-season cleaning drive from Abuko highway to GNPC, warning that clogged areas can worsen contamination and disease spread. Climate Finance: The Green Climate Fund agreed to loosen its reserve rules, freeing nearly $6bn more for emissions cuts and climate adaptation in developing countries. Agriculture & Soil: Government announced a free distribution of 10,000 metric tonnes of organic fertiliser nationwide, aiming to boost soil fertility and reduce farmers’ costs. Women & Education: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to help tackle period poverty and keep girls in school. Digital Tax: GRA launched a pilot electronic invoicing system to modernize tax administration and improve compliance.

Food Safety & Enforcement: The National Audit Office says the Food Safety and Quality Authority fined just 1 out of 519 sampled unsafe-food cases, with 99.8% of offenders escaping penalties—raising alarms for public health and accountability. Rainy-Season Cleanliness: The Ministry of Environment led a forestry and parks clean-up from Abuko highway to GNPC, urging regular community action to cut pollution and prevent disease spread during the rains. Organic Farming Push: Agriculture officials say 10,000 metric tonnes of free organic fertiliser will be distributed nationwide, with local chiefs and regional offices helping reach farmers—aiming to boost soil health and cut costs. Water Stress Context: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in countries like Kuwait and the wider risk of freshwater overuse as climate patterns shift—relevant for planning in water-limited regions. Education & Dignity: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to support schoolgirls, targeting period poverty and absenteeism. Telecom Reform: PURA announced a nine-digit national numbering plan starting 4 Sept 2026, reshaping how Gambians communicate as digital demand grows.

Food Safety Oversight: The National Audit Office says The Gambia’s Food Safety and Quality Authority weakly enforces unsafe-food rules—only 1 fine came out of 519 sampled cases, with 99.8% of offenders not fined. Rainy-Season Clean-Up: The Ministry of Environment led a health-hazard prevention cleaning drive from Abuko highway to GNPC, urging regular community action to cut pollution and disease spread. Organic Fertiliser Push: Agriculture officials say 10,000 metric tonnes of free organic fertiliser will be distributed nationwide, targeting women horticulture farmers to boost soil fertility and cut costs. Water Stress Data: A new global map highlights extreme water stress in several countries and warns that freshwater withdrawals are outpacing renewable supplies as climate patterns shift. Education & Dignity: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to support schoolgirls, aiming to reduce absenteeism linked to period poverty. Telecom Reform: PURA unveiled a nine-digit national numbering plan, with number changes starting 4 Sept 2026.

Water Stress Watch: A new global map ranks Kuwait as the most water-stressed country (3,850.5%), with the study using UN data on freshwater withdrawals versus renewable supply—an urgent reminder for climate-linked water pressure across the region. Food Safety Accountability: The National Audit Office says The Gambia’s Food Safety and Quality Authority is weak on enforcement, fining only 1 out of 519 unsafe-food cases (99.8% not fined), raising concerns about public health protection. Rainy-Season Cleanliness Drive: The Ministry of Environment led a health-hazard prevention cleaning push, urging communities to keep streets and drains clean to cut pollution and disease spread. Organic Fertiliser for Farmers: Government plans to distribute 10,000 metric tonnes of free organic fertiliser nationwide, targeting women horticulture producers to boost soil health and cut costs. Telecom Reform: PURA announced a nine-digit numbering plan starting 4 Sept 2026, changing all mobile numbers to meet growing demand. Gender & Education Support: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to reduce period poverty and keep girls in school, while teachers’ training in Brikama focuses on identifying and responding to gender-based violence.

Food Safety Oversight: The National Audit Office says The Gambia’s Food Safety and Quality Authority weakly enforces unsafe-food rules—only 1 fine came from 519 sampled cases, leaving 99.8% of offenders unpunished. Rainy-Season Clean-Up: The Ministry of Environment led a nationwide cleaning push with Forestry staff, parks and wildlife teams, and senior officials, targeting pollution hotspots from Abuko highway to GNPC to curb disease spread. Organic Fertiliser for Farmers: Agriculture officials say 10,000 metric tonnes of free organic fertiliser will be distributed nationwide, with women horticulture farmers a key target, aiming to boost soil fertility and cut costs. Rice Self-Sufficiency Plan: The Agriculture Minister outlines a push to develop 20,000 hectares and raise rice output to 200,000 metric tonnes by 2030, including improved seeds and mechanisation. Green Climate Funding Boost: The Green Climate Fund board approved rule changes to unlock nearly $6bn more for climate adaptation and emissions cuts. Sustainable Energy Push: UNDP urges faster renewable energy transitions, warning fossil dependence fuels environmental degradation and supply shocks. Water & Sanitation for Schoolgirls: Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to tackle period poverty and help girls stay in school.

Climate finance boost: The Green Climate Fund agreed to loosen its reserve rules, freeing nearly $6bn more for emissions cuts and climate adaptation in developing countries—good news for regional resilience planning. Rainy-season clean-up: The Gambia’s Ministry of Environment led a staff drive to clean the Abuko highway to GNPC, warning that clogged areas during the rains can spread disease and contamination. Women’s livelihoods & health: President Barrow backed SWEDD+ entrepreneurship grants for 730 young women, while Access Bank donated 8,400 sanitary pads to tackle period poverty and keep girls in school. Workplace safety push: A training-of-trainers workshop linked occupational health and safety with innovation and IP tools to reduce injuries and prevent counterfeit safety products. Fertiliser for sustainable farming: Agriculture announced free organic fertiliser for women horticulture farmers—10,000 metric tonnes nationwide—aimed at boosting soil fertility and cutting costs. Governance watch: The National Assembly flagged governance and investment-control concerns at SSHFC, saying pension funds may be exposed to risk. Digital reform with reach: GRA launched a pilot electronic invoicing system to modernize tax administration and improve compliance.

Renewables Push: UNDP urged Nigeria to speed up the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, warning oil dependence fuels conflict, supply shocks and environmental harm. Organic Fertiliser Rollout: The Gambia plans to distribute 10,000 metric tonnes of free organic fertiliser nationwide, targeting women horticulture farmers to cut costs and boost soil fertility. Telecom Reform: PURA announced a nine-digit national numbering plan starting 4 September 2026, changing all mobile numbers to support growing digital demand. Agri Roadmap: The Agriculture Minister outlined plans for rice self-sufficiency by 2030, including developing 20,000 hectares, expanding improved seeds, and boosting mechanisation. Water Access for Communities: Rotary Club of Banjul commissioned a new water project in Essau Newtown with a 40,000-litre facility and 35 taps, aiming to improve health and reduce time spent fetching unsafe water. Youth & Jobs via Skills: GYCC marked 10 years with Skill Rise 3.0, focusing on youth-led innovation and turning skills into enterprises. Professional Football League: Football stakeholders will validate a business plan to establish The Gambia’s first professional league, aiming for jobs, youth engagement and stronger local football careers.

Youth & Skills: The Gambia Youth Chamber of Commerce marked 10 years with the “Skill Rise 3.0” forum, pushing youth-led innovation and turning skills into jobs and enterprises. Digital Tax Reform: The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has started a pilot phase of electronic invoicing to modernize tax administration, cut paperwork, and improve compliance and transparency. Telecom Numbers Upgrade: PURA announced a nine-digit national telephone numbering plan, with mobile numbers changing from 7 digits starting 4 September 2026. Food Security & Farming Support: Government has begun distributing free organic fertiliser nationwide for the 2026 season, alongside subsidised chemical fertiliser, aiming to lower costs and boost output. Agriculture Roadmap: The Agriculture Minister set out plans for rice self-sufficiency by 2030, including developing 20,000 hectares, expanding improved seeds, and increasing mechanisation. Water Access: Essau Newtown received a new community water project (40,000-litre facility with 35 taps), designed to improve reliable, affordable drinking water. Maritime Safety: The Abuja MoU Port State Control capacity-building programme was launched, with The Gambia’s transport minister highlighted for regional leadership. Youth, Peace & Inclusion: A national action push is centering young people in peacebuilding through youth security plans and grassroots reconciliation efforts. Tobacco Harm: A Brikama case highlights children being used to buy cigarettes, raising alarms about weak enforcement and child exposure to tobacco.

Water Security: Rotary Club of Banjul commissioned a USD 67,000 water project in Essau Newtown (40,000-litre tank, 35 taps), aiming to cut the long walk for unsafe water and improve health and school attendance. Climate Resilience & Disasters: NDMA and CRS launched the PROTECT project in Lower River Region, delivering multipurpose cash transfers to 1,450 flood- and windstorm-affected households and drilling six boreholes to strengthen community preparedness. Agroecology & Farming Support: Ghana hosted a West Africa agroecology conference (EU-funded CIRAWA) focused on scaling research and training; meanwhile in The Gambia, women farmers are tackling post-harvest losses with project support, and government has started distributing free organic fertiliser nationwide to boost sustainable yields. Food & Land: The agriculture minister set out a rice self-sufficiency roadmap for 2030, including developing 20,000 hectares, improved seeds, and mechanisation. Environment Journalism: CJID selected a Gambia-based journalist for a fellowship on environmental reporting and the safety of environmental journalists across West Africa.

Disaster Resilience: NDMA and CRS launched the PROTECT project in Lower River Region, disbursing D14,526 via mobile money to 1,450 flood- and windstorm-affected households and adding six boreholes to strengthen climate resilience. Clean Energy & Jobs: The World Bank approved the RAISE project for Togo and The Gambia, aiming to connect about 1 million people by expanding and densifying power networks, cutting connection costs, and accelerating renewables to support small businesses and agro-processing. Telecom Reform: PURA unveiled a new nine-digit national numbering plan, with all mobile numbers shifting from seven digits starting 4 Sept 2026 to support the country’s growing digital economy. Water Access: Rotary Club of Banjul commissioned a USD 67,000 water project in Essau Newtown, installing a 40,000-litre facility with 35 taps to improve reliable, affordable drinking water. Food Security & Farming Costs: Government began distributing free organic fertiliser nationwide (10,000 metric tonnes), routing supplies through Seccos and approved dealers while warning against smuggling and capping chemical fertiliser purchases. Agroecology & Climate-Smart Farming: A West Africa agroecology conference in Accra (1–3 July) highlights EU-backed research and policy work to scale agroecological practices across the region. Youth, Peace & Inclusion: A Gambia youth peacebuilding push focuses on youth inclusion in decision-making and reconciliation efforts, targeting economic exclusion and social marginalization as conflict drivers. Tobacco Harm to Children: A Brikama case study shows a 10-year-old smoking daily after being sent to buy cigarettes for an adult, raising alarms over weak enforcement and child exposure. Maritime Safety: The Abuja MoU Port State Control capacity-building programme was launched, with The Gambia’s transport leadership recognized for strengthening regional port safety and compliance. Professional Football Planning: Football stakeholders will validate a business plan for The Gambia’s first professional league, framed as a jobs and youth opportunity boost.

Disaster Resilience & Water Access: NDMA and CRS launched the PROTECT project in Lower River Region, delivering D14,526 cash transfers to 1,450 flood/windstorm-affected households and adding six boreholes to improve local water security. Clean Energy & Jobs: The World Bank approved $323m in regional financing for Togo and The Gambia, including the RAISE project to expand electricity access, cut connection costs, and support renewable energy—aiming to connect about 1 million people and create thousands of jobs. Fertiliser for Sustainable Farming: Government began distributing free organic fertiliser nationwide (10,000 metric tonnes), with safeguards through Seccos and approved dealers to curb diversion and smuggling. Maritime Safety & Governance: The NPA rolled out capacity-building under the Abuja MoU on Port State Control, with The Gambia’s transport minister named as Abuja MoU chair—pushing safer, better-regulated regional shipping. Community Water Project: Rotary Club of Banjul commissioned a $67,000 water system for Essau Newtown (40,000-litre storage, 35 taps), improving reliable, safer supply for mothers, children and students. Media & Environment Reporting: GNA stringer Solomon Gumah was selected for a CJID fellowship on environmental journalism, focused on strengthening investigative reporting and protecting environmental media workers.

Water Security: Essau Newtown (Lower Niumi) celebrated the commissioning of a USD 67,000 water project with a 40,000-litre tank and 35 taps—aimed at ending long, unsafe water walks and restoring dignity for mothers, children and students. Climate Resilience & Disaster Response: NDMA and CRS launched the PROTECT project in Lower River Region, disbursing D14,526 via APS mobile money to 1,450 flood- and windstorm-affected households and adding six boreholes to strengthen recovery and preparedness. Sustainable Farming: Government has started distributing free organic fertiliser nationwide (10,000 metric tonnes), routing supplies through Seccos and approved dealers while capping chemical fertiliser purchases and warning against smuggling. Electricity Access: The World Bank approved an expansion push (RAISE) to connect about 1 million people in Togo and The Gambia by densifying distribution networks, cutting connection costs, and accelerating renewables. Food & Health: NaNA and partners wrapped up the DiGES push to promote climate-resilient fruits and vegetables, tackling the cost gap for diversified diets. Governance for Environment: ECOWAS Court launched an electronic case management system to speed justice—supporting rule-of-law foundations that underpin environmental enforcement and accountability.

Disaster Resilience in LRR: NDMA and CRS launched the 9-month PROTECT project in Mansakonko, Lower River Region, disbursing over USD 300,000 (about GMD 22m) to 1,450 flood- and windstorm-affected households via D14,526 cash transfers, and adding six community boreholes to cut water stress and boost recovery. Electricity Access Push: The World Bank approved a regional RAISE project for Togo and The Gambia, aiming to expand and densify distribution networks, lower connection costs, and accelerate renewables—targeting about 1 million new connections and jobs, including 2,500 in The Gambia. Water Safety Data: A new global map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the scale of the clean-water gap that affects health and livelihoods. Food, Climate and Diets: NaNA and MRCG at LSHTM wrapped up DiGES, promoting climate-resilient fruits and vegetables and training garden committees, while stressing that diversified diets can be costly for households. Local Governance for Sustainability: GALGA and councils unveiled strategies to strengthen own-resource mobilisation, helping councils plan, manage and report development funding more predictably. Maritime Governance: Nigeria’s NPA rolled out Port State Control capacity-building under the Abuja MoU, with Gambia’s transport minister named for leadership—relevant for safer, cleaner shipping across the region.

Flood & wind resilience in LRR: NDMA and CRS launched the PROTECT project, disbursing about D22M (USD 300,000) to 1,450 disaster-affected households via APS mobile money and adding six boreholes to boost water access and recovery capacity. Electricity access push: The World Bank approved a $160m plan to expand power access in Gambia and Togo, aiming to connect about 1 million people, cut connection costs, and support renewable energy and jobs. Water access mapping: A new global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the scale of the clean-water gap that affects health and development. Urban flooding debate: A geology expert challenges claims that Gambia’s flood crisis is driven by Casamance water, saying the problem is mainly urban flooding tied to how rainwater drains. Food security & climate-smart diets: NaNA and partners wrapped up DiGES work promoting diversified, climate-resilient fruits and vegetables, linking diet costs to household affordability and environmental sustainability. Fertiliser price held steady: Government kept fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, supported by a subsidy to protect farmers amid supply disruptions. Ocean commitments: Our Ocean Conference in Kenya ended with $6.4bn in mobilised pledges for marine protection, fisheries monitoring, waste reduction, and climate-resilient reefs.

Port & Trade Disruption: Congestion at African ports is pushing up container freight and delaying vessels, cooling demand for India’s non-basmati white rice as buyers become more price-sensitive and selective; Water Access Gap: A new global map shows safe drinking water is still out of reach for billions, with access below 20% in several low-income countries; Climate & Flooding Reality Check: A geology expert disputes claims that Gambia’s flooding is driven by Casamance water, saying it’s mainly urban flooding from rainfall and drainage limits; Food Security & Aflatoxin Risk: World Food Safety Day coverage highlights food safety as an economic issue for The Gambia, pointing to groundnut losses from aflatoxin contamination; Fertiliser Support: Government keeps fertiliser at D1,100 per bag for 2026, citing a subsidy to protect farmers despite Gulf supply-chain shocks; Ocean Conservation: Our Ocean Conference in Kenya ends with $6.4bn in pledges, including marine protection, fisheries monitoring, pollution cuts, and a push for action on deep-sea mining.