AGP Executive Report

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.

Digital Child Safety: A Türkiye-organised UN panel at UN headquarters urged stronger international standards to protect children from online risks as AI advances faster than safeguards, with Gambia’s First Lady Fatoumatta Bah Barrow calling for tougher rules and accountability from tech firms. Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis: UN Special Envoy Julie Bishop warned that nearly a decade after 2017, Rohingya refugees—especially children born in camps—still face protracted displacement, as the event was co-hosted by The Gambia and Bangladesh. West Africa Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration after the West Africa Regional Water Forum, pushing stronger shared management of transboundary rivers amid climate pressure and water insecurity. Malaria Funding Alarm: African leaders at UNGA warned that a 30% cut in malaria financing could drive 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 additional deaths by 2030. Gambia-linked Climate/Health Angle: The same UNGA week also highlighted how shrinking funding and extreme weather are worsening health risks across the region.

Budget & Debt Watch: The Gambia’s 2027 budget projects D16.17 billion for debt service, up 20.2% from 2026, with higher domestic interest costs—raising the stakes for disciplined spending and transparent delivery on priorities like agriculture, health, education, and infrastructure. Climate & Water Security: West African lawmakers warn that shrinking land and water are turning climate stress into a security and governance crisis, intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and displacement. Regional Water Governance: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS back a shared agenda to strengthen control of shared rivers and boost climate resilience, with Cabo Verde set to host the next forum. Malaria Funding Alarm: African leaders at UNGA warn that a 30% cut in malaria financing could mean 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 additional deaths by 2030—pushing for stronger domestic funding. Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation backs UNDP and WFP to test faster, lower-cost digital payment systems (including regulated stablecoins) to improve humanitarian delivery. Election-Rhetoric Scrutiny: Gambia’s Minister of Lands, Hamat Bah, faces monitoring after remarks framed around “foreigners,” raising concerns ahead of the Dec 5, 2026 presidential election.

Regional Water Security: ECOWAS, UEMOA and CILSS adopted the Abidjan Declaration after the West Africa Regional Water Forum, pushing stronger shared management of rivers and basins to tackle water insecurity, climate pressures, cross-border disputes and underfunding. Climate & Security: ECOWAS Parliamentarians warned that shrinking land and water are fuelling farmer-herder conflicts, displacement and insecurity, urging coordinated regional legislative action plus early-warning systems and a regional climate resilience fund. Malaria Funding Crunch: African leaders at UNGA urged sustained domestic financing and multisector action after ALMA warned a 30% malaria funding cut could mean 146m more cases and nearly 400,000 additional deaths by 2030. Digital Aid Payments: Circle Foundation backed UNDP and WFP digital-payment trials, including regulated stablecoin corridors, aiming to speed up and lower-cost humanitarian delivery. Storm Watch (West Africa): Tropical Storm Gonzalo triggered Cabo Verde warnings and forecasts 1–3 inches of rain for parts of the region, including The Gambia, with impacts likely as the system tracks north.

Climate & Security: ECOWAS lawmakers in Accra warned that shrinking water, degraded farmland and shifting weather are fueling farmer-herder clashes, displacement and wider insecurity across West Africa, urging stronger regional action and early-warning systems. Malaria Funding: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance says a 30% cut in malaria financing could mean 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 deaths by 2030, as extreme weather and drug resistance threaten progress. Storm Watch (Atlantic): Tropical Storm Gonzalo has a Cabo Verde warning in effect and is expected to pass near the islands, with rain also forecast for parts of Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia and Senegal. Digital Aid Payments: Circle Foundation announced grants for UNDP and WFP to test faster, lower-cost digital payments (including regulated stablecoins) to improve humanitarian delivery and transparency. Gambia-linked Policy: The Central Bank of The Gambia directed banks to phase out non-Gambian employees, highlighting tightening compliance expectations for foreign-owned lenders. UN Diplomacy: UNGA leaders urged a shift from reacting to crises toward prevention and diplomacy, with Gaza cited as a key example.

Digital Payments for Aid: Circle Foundation announced grants to UNDP and WFP to test faster, cheaper digital payments for development and humanitarian work, including regulated payment stablecoins, aiming to move from pilots to repeatable systems. Malaria Funding Alarm: The African Leaders Malaria Alliance warned that a 30% cut in malaria financing could add 146 million cases and nearly 400,000 deaths in Africa by 2030, urging stronger domestic funding and multisector action. Climate Security in West Africa: ECOWAS parliamentarians warned that shrinking water, degraded farmland and shifting weather are worsening farmer-herder conflicts, displacement and insecurity, calling for resilience funds and better early-warning systems. Gambia-Specific Climate Risk: Tropical Storm Gonzalo is bringing a tropical storm warning for the Cabo Verde Islands and forecasts 1–3 inches of rain for parts of the region, including The Gambia, highlighting near-term weather preparedness. Local Governance & Security Clarity: ECOMIG said the rotation of Senegalese troops in The Gambia is routine and not linked to the upcoming presidential election, urging the public to rely on verified information. Health & Environment Link: The malaria financing warning also points to climate-linked risks like extreme weather and rising resistance that can undermine public health gains.

Tropical Storm Gonzalo: The Atlantic’s Tropical Storm Gonzalo has formed and is moving toward the Cabo Verde Islands, with a Tropical Storm Warning in effect; forecasters say it may pass near or over parts of the islands, bringing rain that could reach Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia and Senegal. Climate & security in West Africa: ECOWAS parliamentarians warn that shrinking water, degraded farmland and shifting weather are intensifying farmer-herder conflicts and displacement, turning climate change into a governance and security issue. Malaria funding pressure: ALMA says a 30% cut in malaria financing could mean 146 million more cases and nearly 400,000 additional deaths in Africa by 2030, as extreme weather and resistance threaten progress. ECOWAS in The Gambia: ECOMIG says the rotation of Senegalese troops is routine and not linked to the upcoming presidential election, urging the public to rely on verified information. Local governance & jobs: Analysts note The Gambia’s move to phase out non-Gambian bank staff is part of tighter compliance expectations across Africa. Health & development finance: Foreign Office funding for Afghanistan’s CHOICES program includes The Gambia, raising debate over abortion and contraception support. Tourism push: Gambia Tourism Board’s Ida Jeng Njie urges Nigerians to “come to the Gambia,” aiming to boost visitor numbers. Digital payments for aid: Circle Foundation backs UNDP and WFP to test faster, lower-cost digital payments for humanitarian and development work.