AGP Executive Report

Illegal Fishing Crackdown: Fifteen countries signed the “Mombasa Declaration” at Kenya’s Our Ocean Conference, pledging better data on fishing vessels and stronger sharing to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing that threatens marine life and livelihoods. Gambia’s Water, Sanitation Pressure: UNICEF says The Gambia is close to open-defecation-free status, but only 48% have safely managed drinking water, 28% safely managed sanitation, and just 13% have handwashing with soap—gaps that still hit children hardest. Electricity Crisis Hits Daily Life: Gambians report prolonged power cuts and water shortages, with businesses losing stock and income when refrigeration and services fail. Energy Dependence Warning: A lawmaker says relying on imported electricity leaves The Gambia exposed to disruptions, calling for stronger domestic generation. Green Development & Rights: VP Jallow told a Beijing forum that climate action and human rights are inseparable, warning coastal erosion and worsening rainfall are already harming communities. Tourism Growth Signal: A cruise ship arrival in Banjul highlights cruise tourism’s economic ripple effects for local vendors and small businesses. Regional Cooperation: President Barrow and Senegal leaders reaffirmed plans under the Senegalo-Gambian Presidential Council, including cooperation on fisheries and environment. Blue Economy Security: Gambia joined a Gulf of Guinea maritime task force to tackle insecurity and protect trade. Health Innovation: A study suggests a sidewalk yeast could inspire eco-friendly mosquito traps to reduce malaria transmission.

Electricity & Water Crisis: Gambians report worsening blackouts and dry taps, with some outages lasting up to 48 hours, hitting businesses and households hard—especially during peak periods like Tobaski. Energy Security Debate: A lawmaker warned The Gambia’s reliance on imported electricity from Senegal leaves the country exposed, urging investment in domestic generation and long-term solutions. Climate-Linked Rights & Resilience: VP Jallow told a Beijing forum that green development and human rights are inseparable, pointing to sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and shifting rainfall already damaging coastal livelihoods and farming. Wetland Under Threat: Tanbi Wetland Complex faces pressure from land reclamation and infrastructure plans like a dry port, as climate risks like future flooding warnings become more urgent. FAO Communication for Food Security: FAO urged West African teams to use strategic storytelling and digital media to strengthen food security and resilience, with The Gambia among participating countries. Tourism Growth—Cruise Arrivals: The arrival of a cruise ship at Port of Banjul signals rising cruise tourism, bringing short-term income for transport, guides, vendors, and small businesses. Gambia–Senegal Cooperation: Barrow highlighted renewed Senegalo-Gambian council work on border management, trade, agriculture, fisheries, transport, health, environment, and digital transformation.

Electricity & Water Crisis: Gambians report worsening blackouts and dry taps, with some power cuts lasting up to 48 hours and businesses and households taking hits—fuel costs for generators are rising too. Energy Security Debate: A lawmaker warns The Gambia’s reliance on imported electricity from Senegal leaves the country exposed, calling for stronger domestic generation and long-term solutions. Climate & Coastal Risk: At a Beijing forum, VP Jallow links environmental sustainability to human rights, warning coastal communities face sea-level rise and erosion while farmers struggle with erratic rainfall. Wetland Under Threat: Activists warn Tanbi Wetland Complex is under pressure from land reclamation and infrastructure plans, as climate change already drives flooding and damage in and around Banjul. Blue Economy & Maritime Safety: Gambia joins a new Combined Maritime Task Force Gulf of Guinea to tackle maritime insecurity and protect trade. Tourism Growth: Cruise tourism is gaining momentum with more international calls at Port of Banjul, bringing short-term income for local vendors and operators. Green Development Partnerships: Senegal-Gambia cooperation is renewed through a presidential council, with commitments including environment and fisheries.

Energy & Water Crisis: Gambians report worsening electricity shortages and dry taps, with outages lasting up to 48 hours and forcing businesses to lose stock and income, while lawmakers warn the country’s reliance on imported power leaves it exposed to disruptions. Climate & Rights: VP Jallow told a Beijing forum that green development and human rights are inseparable, citing sea-level rise, coastal erosion, and erratic rainfall hitting coastal communities and farmers hardest. Coastal & Wetland Pressure: Activists warn Tanbi Wetland Complex is under attack from land reclamation and infrastructure plans like a proposed dry port, as climate risk to Banjul—including flooding by 2050—already feels real. Regional Cooperation: President Barrow and Senegal leaders reaffirmed the Senegalo-Gambian Presidential Council, pushing joint work on defence, trade, fisheries, transport, health, environment, and border management. Blue Economy Security: Gambia joins the Combined Maritime Task Force Gulf of Guinea to tackle maritime insecurity and protect trade. Health & Lifestyle: SICPA Gambia and OSHAG run a Community Wellness Day targeting rising hypertension, diabetes, and obesity through screenings and prevention.

Tanbi Wetland Under Attack: Activists warn the Ramsar-listed Tanbi Wetland Complex is facing rising pressure from land reclamation and infrastructure plans, including a proposed dry port along Bund Road, as climate impacts already worsen flooding and livelihoods in Banjul. Climate & Rainfall Concerns: Farmers and experts discuss unusual rain patterns and urge better timing for sowing and fertiliser use, with the rainy season expected to start around 15 June. Health & Lifestyles: SICPA Gambia and OSHAG held a Community Wellness Day in Brusubi to tackle rising non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and obesity through screenings, nutrition guidance and fitness. Blue Economy Security: The Combined Maritime Task Force Gulf of Guinea (CMTF-GoG) was flagged off in Lagos with Gambia among pioneer states, aiming to curb maritime insecurity and protect trade and the region’s blue economy. Green Port Tech: A delegation praised Tianjin Port’s smart, carbon-neutral terminal, highlighting clean power, automation and lower emissions—lessons for sustainable logistics. Water & Climate Lens: A feature reflects on how climate change is reshaping water cycles and intensifying risks, urging collective action to protect freshwater and ecosystems.

Maritime Security: The Combined Maritime Task Force Gulf of Guinea (CMTF-GoG) was flagged off in Lagos with Gambia among six pioneer states, aiming to tackle Gulf of Guinea insecurity through a permanent, shared operational framework that protects trade and supports the “blue economy.” Wetlands Under Threat: Tanbi Wetland Complex in The Gambia is facing mounting pressure from land reclamation and infrastructure plans, including a proposed dry port along Bund Road—raising fears that short-term development could undermine long-term environmental security. Climate Impacts on Food & Flooding: A report warns Banjul could face serious flooding by 2050 if action isn’t taken, while recent weather disruptions are already affecting rain-fed farming and livelihoods. Green Port Tech: A delegation praised Tianjin Port’s smart, carbon-neutral terminal—powered by wind-solar-storage and run with automation and clean energy—offering a model for lower-emission logistics. Policy & Governance: The National Assembly ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, strengthening legal protections; meanwhile, the Gambia Revenue Authority began sensitizing taxpayers on the new digital Integrated Tax Administration System (ITAS).

Sustainable Industry & Clean Tech: Berger Paints says demand is shifting to eco-friendly coatings with lower odour and reduced VOCs, while it points to investments and stronger cash generation as drivers of long-term growth. Land Restoration & Desertification: A Gambia-linked mentorship programme under the UNCCD is pairing local land restorers with policy advocates to strengthen voices in land degradation neutrality talks. Climate & Water Risks: A new piece on how climate change is reshaping water cycles highlights mounting pressure on fresh water and ecosystems. Biodiversity & Wildlife: Updates from a Welsh osprey nest leave wildlife fans heartbroken, underscoring how vulnerable habitats can be. Energy Affordability: The World Bank’s public finance review warns Gambia’s electricity tariffs are among the highest globally, tied to weak sector finances and inefficient subsidies. Governance & Accountability: Parliament says no records were found for a reported D48m forensic laboratory contract, raising questions about oversight. Offshore Oil: Gambia signs an offshore Block A1 deal with Eni, with public scepticism about whether it will deliver real exploration progress. Gender & Rights: The AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls is ratified, making protections binding.

Land & Ecosystems: A GEF-backed mentorship programme is pairing land restoration practitioners with UNCCD policy advocates, with a first cohort that includes participants from Gambia, aiming to strengthen local voices in land degradation neutrality talks. Wildlife & Climate Awareness: A total solar eclipse on Aug. 12, 2026 will be visible as a partial eclipse across Senegal and the Gambia, with eclipse-chasers urged to plan for what can be seen locally. Gender & Rights: The National Assembly ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, making it binding for The Gambia and pushing legal alignment to protect women and girls. Energy & Affordability: A World Bank Public Finance Review says electricity tariffs in The Gambia remain among the highest globally (about $0.21/kWh), citing weak sector finances and costly subsidies. Tourism & Environment Governance: The Gambia Tourism Board warns of illegal encroachment and poor sanitation in tourism zones, linking environmental protection to tourism growth. Infrastructure Materials: GAMGO reports a new shipment of high-grade basalt from Cape Verde to support road works and construction.

Land Restoration & Policy Mentorship: A GEF-backed mentorship programme is pairing people restoring degraded lands with those shaping UNCCD policy, with a first cohort that includes participants from The Gambia. Tourism & Wildlife Promotion: Uganda plans to use the 2026 Africa Nations Cup in the UK to spotlight wildlife and landscapes to diaspora audiences—an indirect reminder of how regional tourism branding can support conservation. Electricity Affordability Pressure: The World Bank’s Gambia Public Finance Review flags high electricity tariffs (among the highest globally) tied to weak sector finances and costly subsidies, a key environmental-health issue for households. Construction Materials Supply: GAMGO reports a major basalt shipment from Cape Verde to support road works and infrastructure—important for durable building and reduced material waste. Gender Violence Legal Step: The Gambia ratified the AU Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, strengthening protections that affect community safety and wellbeing. EU Pre-Election Check: An EU exploratory mission is assessing The Gambia’s pre-electoral environment, including media and information integrity.

Offshore Oil & Energy: The Gambia signed an offshore Block A1 exploration deal with Eni, with GNPC holding a 10% carried interest—renewing public debate over whether this time will translate into real progress on exploration and energy security. Electricity Costs: A World Bank Public Finance Review says Gambia’s electricity tariffs average about $0.21/kWh, among the highest globally, pointing to weak sector finances, system losses, and inefficient subsidies that keep power unaffordable. Illegal Fishing (West Africa): Regional action against IUU fishing is intensifying, with losses estimated at over US$2.3bn a year and a push for stronger enforcement and shared monitoring under the Dakar Declaration. Tourism & Pollution Watch: The Tourism Board warns against illegal developers and poor sanitation in the tourism zone—an environmental and public health issue that can quickly damage coastal livelihoods. Wildlife & Nature: Updates from a Welsh osprey nest left wildlife enthusiasts heartbroken, keeping attention on local conservation and habitat health. Food & Climate Resilience: China–Africa hybrid rice cooperation is highlighted as a way to boost yields amid climate stress and fertilizer price pressures. Public Health Labs: Gambia’s first Food and Drug Lab is welcomed as a boost for testing, quality assurance, and safer consumer products.

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.