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FROM DATA TO IMPACT: THE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OF THE GAMBIA’S SOCIAL REGISTRY

In a concerted effort to address social issues and provide targeted assistance to vulnerable families, the National Social Protection Secretariat in The Gambia has implemented a comprehensive social registry system. This innovative approach harnesses the power of data to identify and support those in need, ensuring that assistance is directed where it is needed most.The National Social Protection Secretariate is the custodian of the Registry under the authority of the National Coordinator, it serves as a dynamic database containing valuable information about households across the country. Its primary goal is to identify vulnerable families and individuals, allowing for more precise and effective social interventions.The Gambia Bureau of Statistics handles the data collection, it is responsible for garnering data and supervising the process, this meticulous approach aims to create a reliable and up-to-date Social Registry, serving as a valuable resource for social service providers and policymakers.‘The data collection for The Gambia Social Registry follows a census approach – covers all households in the areas we have covered. The exercise is led by The Gambia Bureau of Statistics. The First phase covered 30 districts initially and then 6 additional districts (36 in total). The second phase covered 4 districts All Regions (URR, CRR, NBR, LRR, and WCR) are covered now; only KM and Banjul are left.’ Momodou Dibba, National Coordinator, National Social Protection SecretariatThe Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) employs advanced technology in data collection through Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI) for the GamSR project. This data is then seamlessly migrated into the Social Registry Information System (SRIS), a purpose-built platform designed for secure storage, updates, and efficient querying.Ensuring a robust shield of data protection, SRIS incorporates sophisticated user privilege management and comprehensive access control mechanisms. Committed to upholding the highest standards, these security features safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of the data, aligning with leading practices in data management and security.Collaboration is also a cornerstone of the initiative, with the National Protection Secretariat working closely with other government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community leaders. This collaborative effort enhances the overall effectiveness of social interventions, creating a holistic approach to addressing the diverse challenges faced by vulnerable populations.The social registry under the social safety net project, funded by the World Bank, is a vital component of the government’s commitment to providing effective social protection for the most vulnerable populations in The Gambia. By collecting precise data on extremely poor households, stakeholders can design targeted interventions such as the Nafa cash transfer to alleviate poverty and improve living conditions. One of the key strengths of the social registry lies in its ability to collect and analyse data on various socio-economic indicators. By understanding the specific needs and challenges faced by different households, the National Protection Secretariat can tailor its support programs to address those issues directly.“The Nafa Cash transfer has really helped ease my financial challenges, my family benefited significantly from the program. -Ebrima Gibba, Nafa Program beneficiary. The utilization of data in the social registry has already yielded positive outcomes according to officials. Targeted interventions, such as financial aid, healthcare support, and disaster support, have been deployed to families identified as particularly vulnerable. This approach ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, maximizing the impact on the lives of those facing socio-economic hardships.According to the National Social Protection Secretariat, it is committed to upholding the privacy and security of the data collected. Stringent measures are in place to safeguard the information, ensuring that individuals' personal details are treated with the utmost confidentiality.‘The data that we collect is based on the informed consent of the people. Following the field data collection and cleaning by the Gambia Bureau of Statistics, the data is submitted in an encrypted format to the National Coordinator of NSPS. At the Secretariat, it is only the Social Registry Manager and Data Analyst who has access to the dataset because they work on it to make it available to programs.’ ‘These officials operate based on prescribed rules and guidelines stipulated in a Data Sharing Protocol we developed with technical support from WFP which is based on the Data Protection and Privacy Policy of 2019. Anytime, we share data with programs, we sign an MoU that places certain obligations on the receiving agencies/programs in terms of protecting the data from misuse, unauthorized third-party access, or anything incompatible with the purposes for which the data was given. Momodou Dibba, National Coordinator, National Social Protection Secretariat.’ By seamlessly integrating digital solutions, such as cloud-based storage and secure data transmission protocols, the social registry system can unlock new levels of efficiency, accessibility, and security. This strategic leap will not only safeguard the privacy of collected data but also streamline the process of sharing valuable insights with stakeholders. As The Gambia continues its commitment to social protection, the incorporation of Digital Public Infrastructure is poised to catalyse a more impactful and technologically advanced era in targeted social interventions, underscoring the government's dedication to the well-being of its citizens.

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RISE IN IRREGULAR MIGRATION FORCES STAKEHOLDERS TO DIALOGUE FOR WAY FORWARD

Irregular migration is an alarming reality that calls for a united response. This, as many of our youths continue to dare the vastness of the dangerous seas and the harsh Sahara Deserts at huge human, financial, and material costs to the country.The recent surge in the number of youths undertaking such perilous adventures and the alarming loss of lives have generated massive responses from the government and ordinary people alike.Thus the need for this first-ever ‘National Dialogue on Migration’ which brought together key stakeholders, including Mamadou Tangara Gambia’s minister for foreign affairs, Sering Modou Njie, defence Minister, Siaka Sonko, Interior Minister and Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, National Security Adviser, for a two-day convergence.Governors, ambassadors, senior government officials, community representatives, and international partners were also in attendance.The dialogue which is ‘themed on building national consensus on migration interventions’, was organized by the Gambia YMCA and TANGO, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad.The forum provided participants representing various regions and communities mainly along the coastal regions to participate in shaping interventions geared towards addressing the root causes of irregular migration.Mamadou Tangara, Gambia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said the dialogue is timely. ‘The urgency of this gathering cannot be overstated. Irregular migration has claimed the lives of many of our young ones, leaving families shattered and communities in mourning.’The objective of the convergence is to enable all the players to frankly discuss best practices, and challenges and forge a national framework for comprehensive migration intervention which will address the immediate crisis, and cater to the growing demand for youth empowerment.Migration has been a complex phenomenon influenced by social and economic factors in Gambia. With the advent of smugglers using boats that ventured through the high seas, curbing the menace has been a major challenge for stakeholders.‘The surge of young people taking the perilous journey has had serious implications on their communities and the country at large.’ Abubakarr Suleiman Jeng, National Security Adviser, said.‘We remain committed to undertaking all necessary action to provide job opportunities for our young people, intending to address the root causes of irregular migration in the Gambia.’ Jeng addedMusa Camara, Director of Migration and Diaspora Affairs, said the government is working on a series of bilateral agreements geared towards creating more regular pathways to curb this menace. ‘The government through the Foreign Affairs Ministry is on the verge of signing labour agreements with Spain and Italy. We have plans to engage Germany also, which has a labour shortage of over one million’, He said.Alagie Jarju, the Executive Director of the National Youth Council said as stakeholders, they have implemented so many activities together with their partners, including providing information to ‘thousands of young Gambians on the risk of irregular migration and the opportunities that exist in the Gambia.’He further called on youths to renew their hopes of making it in the Gambia rather than embarking on the risky journey.‘To the young person that thinks it is only possible outside of this country, please look within your society, how many Gambians can you see as examples that have not moved beyond the West African Sub Regions and are today successful.’During the two-day dialogue, participants were divided into seven thematic groups to look into several areas like employment, security, and border management, among others, and also answer questions on the current state of migration, gaps and challenges, and management mechanisms.During their presentations, the majority holds the belief that irregular migration has been on the rise, and low wages, limited job opportunities, lack of awareness, and peer pressure are among the root causes.In their resolution, they recommend that the government create more employment opportunities for the youths, with a key focus on investment in technical and vocational education and training. Also, to engage in bilateral labour agreements with European countries to create more regular pathways.The convergence also recommends more sensitization about the dangers of irregular migration and calls on families and communities to desist from supporting trips, financially or failing to report departures.Increasing the budget for Youth and Sports was another major cry as the youths constitute over 60% of the Gambia’s population. The 2024 estimated budget for youth and sports is one hundred and twenty-two million, three hundred and ninety-five thousand dalasi.They also put forward that communities should closely collaborate to campaign against smuggling. Also, they called for a proactive approach to curbing the menace, tasking the government to take the lead role in organising national migration dialogue annually.These among criminalising smuggling and a host of other resolutions were agreed upon by the gathering and are set for submission to the executive for consideration.  2023 has seen an unprecedented rise in irregular migration, especially through the sea. Foday Gassama, Commissioner for Migration Management at the Gambia Immigration Department, said, within 2023, they have responded to ‘29 cases’ of planned departures across the coastal beltsThat number is different from the successful departures that have taken place. Two boats that departed from Kartong in Kombo South, West Coast Region, on the 14 and 19 October 2023, went missing, until recently when reports came out that the boat that left on the 14th capsized in Mauritania sea without a single survival. On board that boat, included 41 youths from Jamburr and 27 from Kartong, among others.There is still no trace of the boat that departed on 19 October. According to relatives of the would-be migrants on board, the vessel, it carries 147 people, including three pregnant women. 47 of the people on board all hailed from Gunjur in Kombo South, where the trip was organised.Historically, migration has underpinned economic development and nation-building. Enrich cultures and help civilization to strive. Recently, it has been turning those dreams of some people taking irregular means into tragedies.Unless a holistic approach is taken and actions spring out from dialogues like this, curbing the menace of trafficking will continue to be a nightmare.

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GAMBIA MULLS OVER THE ADOPTION OF SMART TRANSPORTATION

In the evolving landscape of transportation, the concept of smart transportation is gaining traction worldwide, smart transportation leverages digital technologies to optimize and enhance the efficiency of urban mobility.African countries like Kenya are pioneering innovative solutions that redefine the way people move, platforms like Uber have revolutionized traditional taxi services by allowing users to conveniently order rides through a mobile application. This shift not only provides a seamless experience for commuters but also improves the overall efficiency of transportation networks.In Gambia, citizens face formidable challenges accessing transportation, leading to increased hardships in daily commuting. Insufficient infrastructure, limited public transportation options, and economic constraints contribute to a struggle for many Gambians seeking reliable means of travel.The inadequate road network in some regions exacerbates transportation difficulties, with poorly maintained roads and lack of proper signage hampering smooth traffic flow. This not only prolongs travel times but also poses safety risks to commuters.Some frequent road users lamented the difficulties they face while navigating the daily traffic.‘I wish I would be able to order a taxi or Uber from any location and not have to struggle to board a loaded bus, van, or taxi every day, we are in a digital era, and by utilizing it, life will be much easier’-said Fatou Njie, a commuter As the Gambia strives for progress, considering the adoption of smart transportation systems becomes imperative, according to Ebrima Colley, Deputy Permanent Secretary-Technical at the Ministry of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, before the implementation of smart transportation in the Gambia’s national transportation system, several key strategies need to be taken into consideration to ensure successful planning, deployment, and integration.The Gambia stands to benefit significantly from embracing Digital Public Infrastructure. By introducing similar services, the country can address challenges related to traffic congestion, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall commuting experience for its residents, therefore, without smart transportation, Public transportation remains limited, primarily relying on informal modes like shared taxis, vans, and minibuses.However, concerns linger regarding the compatibility of smart transportation with the country’s road infrastructure. The unpredictability of these services leaves citizens grappling with inconsistent schedules and overcrowded vehicles, making the daily commute a time-consuming and uncomfortable experience.According to the Ministry of Transport, swift actions are underway to change the current status quo.‘Currently, The Government of the Gambia is focused on improving Infrastructure Development requirements such as roads, energy and ICT. By investing in the necessary physical and digital infrastructure, this will ensure that the infrastructure can support the deployment of technologies such as connected vehicles, sensors, and smart traffic control systems.’ _Deputy Permanent Secretary-Technical, Ministry of TransportThe convenience of on-demand transportation services, coupled with the integration of digital payment methods, contributes to a more connected and accessible urban environment.As the global community increasingly gravitates toward smart transportation solutions, the Gambia has the opportunity to position itself at the forefront of technological advancements in the transportation sector. By learning from successful implementations in countries like Kenya, the Gambia can create a modern, efficient, and user-friendly transportation system that meets the evolving needs of its citizens.

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PRESIDENT BARROW DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENT WITH DIPLOMATS IN SAUDI

On the sidelines of the Saudi-Africa Summit, several Saudi dignitaries called on His Excellency Adama Barrow in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss bilateral and other diplomatic issues of mutual concern to their institutions and The Gambia.In his first engagement on Thursday, 9th November 2023, the President held an audience with the Islamic Development Bank Group Chairman, H.E Dr Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Jasser. President Adama Barrow commended the Bank for the magnificent support provided to his Government, from the construction of the University of The Gambia Faraba Banta Campus to the Bertil Harding Highway and other flagship projects.In acknowledging the ISDB Group's significant contribution to the country's development, President Barrow described the Bank as a "valued partner" towards realising his dream and vision for The Gambia.In augmenting its great support to The Gambia, the Islamic Development Bank Group commits to extending and expanding another much-needed road infrastructure project in the Great Banjul Area.President Adama Barrow, in appreciation, thanked the IsDB and said, "The extension of the Bertil Harding Highway to Kafuta and an additional bypass bridge at the Sukuta Traffic Light Junction are highly welcomed projects." He also urged the Bank Chairman to explore the funding possibility of the bypass road from Banjul to the airport through a Public Private Partnership arrangement.The IsDB Group Chairman, Dr Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Jasser, said the Bank showcased The Gambia as a success story in its portfolio because of the flagship projects such as the University of The Gambia and the Bertil Harding Highway achieved under what he called "the excellent leadership" of President Barrow. He added that the Islamic Development Bank is willing to collaborate with The Gambia to bring about more national development and prosperity for Gambians.In another engagement, President Barrow received the Saudi Minister of Environment, Agriculture, and Water Resources, H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Fadhli, and discussed bilateral cooperation and partnership in areas to strengthen food security and access to clean water in The Gambia.President Barrow invited the Saudi Minister to cooperate in Agriculture investment and water resources, emphasising his Government's determination to provide Gambians with accessible and clean drinking water and enhance food security.Minister Al-Fadhli welcomed the President's invitation and pledged his Ministry's willingness to send an Agriculture investment mission to The Gambia and have bilateral cooperation with The Gambia's Ministry of Water Resources. He offered to support the Ministry in sending a mission to study the Kingdom's Water Management System for production and distribution.In his final engagement on Thursday, President Barrow held an audience with the Secretary General of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth - WAMY, Dr Saleh bin Sulaiman Al-Wohaibi. They discussed the plight of Muslim Youths, who form about 60% of the Muslim population, and the need to provide skills for the youth through education and social amenities in their environment.President Barrow took the opportunity and thank WAMY for its work in The Gambia in providing wells, mosques, and scholarships to students. It also supports the needy during Muslim festive periods with foodstuff.Dr. Al-Wohaibi said they are willing to support the needy through charitable acts as prescribed by Islam and mentioned that they will continue to do so with the support of their financiers and the appreciation of beneficiaries. In the Gambia, WAMY is also partnering with the Fatoumatta Bah- -Barrow Foundation - FaBB to complement the Government's effort to provide social amenities in communities. 

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DIGITALIZING HEALTHCARE: The Gambia Advances Implementation of Health Insurance Scheme

Inadequate medical infrastructure, a shortage of health care resources and limited access to essential health services have left many Gambians without the quality healthcare they deserve.Numerous African nations facing health sector challenges, have adopted digital public infrastructure as a means to alleviate inadequacies impeding healthcare through digital solutions. In a landmark move, the Government of the Gambia embraced digital transformations to enhance healthcare services, with the intention to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for all Gambians. This initiation of The Gambia's National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which carves an ambitious promise to cover the entire population, is a significant step in the country's pursuit of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).“The systems all along had been manual process and then we have challenges along the line, this includes data coalition, archiving the data, retrieving the data from the database is also a problem, so if the people misplaced their certificates, we find it difficult to retrieve the certificates.”-Lamin Fatty, Registrar, Birth & Death, Ministry of Health The journey towards realizing the vision of the NHIS reached a critical milestone in 2021 when the National Assembly passed the National Health Insurance Bill into law. This significant achievement was followed by the crucial approval of the  President H.E Adama Barrow, solidifying the NHIS as a vital element in The Gambia's healthcare landscape. The health insurance scheme which will record citizen data, enables policyholders to access healthcare services, make appointments, and access medical records remotely. After the mass campaign, thousands of citizens particularly families stormed registration centers to get registered for the insurance scheme.“I don’t know much about the scheme, but I am optimistic it will ease most of the challenges we go through just to have access to health care. I have registered and am now looking forward to enjoying the benefits.” ~Bintou Sillah, citizen. According to officials, digital birth registration and health insurance membership will reduce healthcare costs for citizens. Over a million have registered, but thousands still have doubts about the scheme's viability, the health sector still has work to do to get more citizens to register amid widespread skepticism. The NHIS aims to significantly reduce waiting times and bureaucratic hurdles that have historically impeded timely access to healthcare services.“We are working with the World Bank to ensure that everything goes well, all the plans are being laid. We are yet to launch, for now all the institutions have been set up, all the mechanisms have been put in place so that it will be effective “~Dr.Mustapha Bittaye, Ministry of Health With funding from the world bank, the ministry is also tapping various means to fund the long term project. Few months ago, stakeholders from various institutions led by the Vice President and health minister assembled to discuss strategic ways to mobilise funding opportunities for the scheme. The NHIS has fortified its digital infrastructure with robust cybersecurity measures to ensure the confidentiality. Data security and privacy are paramount in this transformation, a sophisticated software is built to confirm and regulate wrong data. Scores of people registered for the digital birth and insurance scheme, but the benefit is yet to come there way and for many who are keenly anticipating its arrival, the development signals a new dawn easing access to viable and affordable healthcare services if fully implemented.

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KUNTA KINTEH FERRY ON BREAKDOWN MAINTENANCE

PRESS RELEASE The Ferry Service Management wishes to inform the general public that the Kunta Kinteh Ferry will be witndrawn for breakdown maintenance for at least 48 hours with effect from Tuesday, 8th August 2023.Meanwhile, Kanilai Ferry will be deployed to provide minimal service. Efforts will be made to restore Kunta Kinteh Ferry, and Management wishes to apologize to the travelling public for any inconvenience that this disruption in service may cause. GFSC MANAGEMENT

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PRESIDENT BARROW CALLS ON LAWMAKERS TO UNITE FOR EFFECTIVE DELIVERY

The Gambian leader made the remarks in his State of the Nation address for the 2023 legislative year at the assembly chambers where he addressed the condition of the country and outlined the government's policies.President Barrow said disunity is a threat to progress.‘The critical factor that threatens peace and development most is disunity. We may belong to different political parties, religious faiths, or other social groupings, but we must unite as a nation to realise our national targets.’‘Honourable Members, while discharging your duties, I urge you to dialogue and initiate bi-partisan collaboration in a positively democratic manner. This would allow you to table issues not exclusively from political party perspectives, but from genuine patriotic standpoints and through the people’s lenses.’ He said.The Head of State further said the core mandate of the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary are ‘interlocked’ thus requiring them to work together.‘Once we have a common goal, such as the development and progress of the people we serve, there will always be the need to unite.’The president said the legal frameworks, policies, and programmes developed and mentioned in his address are relevant and good enough to guide the people to success. But, ‘the Assembly and the public have a facilitating role to play in their implementation process.’He promised to serve the country with a ‘clear conscience, vision, and realistic development plans and programmes.’

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PRESIDENT BARROW OUTLINES GOVERNMENTS’ ACHIEVEMENTS AND PLANS

His Excellency Adama Barrow delivered the 2023 state of the nation address outlining his government’s achievements and national development plans, spurring sustainable growth and economic stability.During a marathon address before a fully packed Assembly of deputies, senior government officials and the diplomatic corps, President Barrow revealed insights into his government's plans for the coming year, outlining some major breakthroughs attained over the past years.The president said despite the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, the Gambia’s economy registered impressive development in all forms, with robust economic fundamentals directed at maintaining sustained levels of positive growth and price stability.Dilating on various sectors, policies and national programmes, the Gambian leader said his government is committed to supporting farmers.‘The Ministry of Agriculture has initiated The Gambia Incentive-based Risk Sharing and Agricultural Lending Facility Project to improve access to finance by de-risking lending to the agriculture sector.’‘The project will collaborate with financial institutions to avail farmers and value chain actors of the needed finance for a transformed Food System.’ He said.He underscored the defence Ministry’s development of the first ever defence policy, while highlighting focused efforts to empower women.‘The Women Enterprise Fund introduced in 2020 has benefited more than 93,000 women entrepreneurs, with D68 million disbursed to 628 Women Groups. The recovery rate during the past three years stands at 75% and 53%, respectively, for the first and second disbursements. In 2023 about 550 women groups will be reached countrywide through the same arrangement.’The president’s state of the nation address further noted the government's success in building key sectors such as education with more schools and trained teachers responding to the increasing enrolment in all levels of the education system alongside scholarship opportunities.On crime and security, The Gambian leader revealed the drastic reduction of crime in the first quarter of 2023 compared to 2021 and 2022, outlining corresponding efforts to strengthen and indigenize the judiciary and justice system.The President further highlighted major headways in energy and infrastructural development citing the numerous road constructions registered by his administration. He said NAWEC is being restructured to improve services as the government continues to subsidize fuel prices to respond to rising global fuel prices.Reacting to the president’s speech, Alhagie S. Darboe the minority leader said the president should be commended for appearing a little earlier compared to the previous year.‘The president’s address should come in the first quarter of the year so the deputies can be well informed on the issues and address them. This time it came in the second quarter, but we will keep pushing so it can be delivered in the first quarter.’Deputies are expected to deliberate on the president’s address in subsequent parliamentary sittings. Muhammed B.S Jallow the vice president will represent the president to answer questions. Cabinet ministers will also appear on separate days to take questions regarding their various ministries.During subsequent assembly deliberations, bills and motions will be presented to the legislature for enactment alongside treaties and international agreements scheduled for ratification.

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PRESIDENT BARROW LEAVES FOR NIGERIA TO ATTEND TINUBU’S INAUGURATION

PRESIDENT BARROW LEAVES FOR NIGERIA TO ATTEND TINUBU’S INAUGURATIONGambia’s President Adama Barrow on Sunday departed Banjul for Nigeria, where he is expected to attend the inauguration of Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president-elect of Nigeria. The president was seen off on departure at the Banjul international airport by cabinet ministers, senior security, and government officials among others. The Gambian leader is expected to join several other heads of state for the inauguration of Nigeria's president-elect Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Eagles Square in Abuja. During the visit, President Barrow is expected to engage in bilateral talks to further strengthen ties between Banjul and Abuja. The Gambian leader is expected to return to Banjul on Tuesday 30th May 2023.Having emerged victorious in Nigeria’s February Presidential Election, Senator Bola Tinubu of the APC party, will be sworn-in on May 29, 2023, as the president of the federal republic of Nigeria. Gambia and Nigeria share historic relations dating back to the post-independence era when the two countries established formal diplomatic relations. Since then, relations have been described as ‘excellent’ as the two countries partner in several areas of cooperation. Nigeria supports The Gambia in the areas of education, judiciary, security, and capacity building. Nigeria played a key role in ending the political impasse in the aftermath of the December 2016 Presidential elections and has since deployed a contingent to serve in peacekeeping operation in The Gambia.Over the years the two countries have worked to build a solid foundation to further entrench the existing bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

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BBC JOURNALIST CONCLUDES THREE-DAY TRAINING FOR STUDENTS IN GAMBIA

Esau Williams, a BBC News presenter, and producer completes a three-day training for the Media Academy for Journalism and Communication students in the Gambia.The BBC journalist who had over 10 years of experience with one of the world's leading media institutions, delivered lectures on key areas of journalism. This includes idea development, research, interviews, sourcing, news presentation, and production.The training brought together Diploma and Advanced Diploma students of the Academy.Sang Mendy, the Managing Director of the school who facilitated the training said, it is part of their plans to better prepare the students for better deliverables in the newsroom.'Our English teacher always emphasises that the students listen to the BBC.' 'We can inspire them, giving reference to what we do and how we did it before. But here is someone working for the BBC which is a reference for global broadcasting, will inspire them. This is the objective and also to learn from a great mind like Esau', Sang said.The BBC Focus on Africa producer and presenter said the areas he discussed with the students 'form the bedrock of any proper journalistic career.' 'The point of the training is to boost and add capacity to the work that journalists do in the Gambia.' 'We have issues with the National Journalism Awards. We don't think the quality of journalism is up to scratch. This is just an effort to improve that' he added. Adama Sanneh a Diploma student said he has learned a lot of new things that were not taught in class. 'Now I will be able to look at little things and make good news out of them.''There are a lot of things going on that we feel are not important. But going through the training and knowing you can think beyond, that will help me to become better.'Media Academy for Journalism and Communication (MAJaC), was established in 2010 by the Gambia Press Union.Its focus is to 'strengthen democracy in the Gambia through quality journalism and effective communication.'

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President Barrow Congratulates Nigeria, Calls for Prioritising of Agric-Business

President Adama Barrow congratulated H.E Muhamadu Buhari, his government and the people of Nigeria for a successful and peaceful election and a demonstration of leadership by example for ECOWAS. The President extended the message through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Zubairu Dada, who is in The Gambia on a two-day visit.   The Gambian President reiterated the brotherly relations with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through which the country enjoys technical support in various sectors.  President Barrow recounted the valuable role of Nigeria in The Gambia’s transition since 2017 and called for continued support as the country moves to the next phase of implementing its reform programme.In a separate diplomatic engagement Thursday morning, President Barrow met the ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic and Agricultural Affairs, Mrs Massanje Tour- Litse.    The two discussed regional integration and ECOWAS’ commitment to continue supporting and working with The Gambia. President Barrow stressed that Africa has the human and natural resources and should invest in making agribusiness a priority through industrialisation to feed itself.  He decried Africa, with a much bigger population, having to suffer due to the unfortunate War in Ukraine. “The way forward for Africa is prioritising Agric-business for economic development and food security,” President Barrow emphasised. He commended the ECOWAS Commissioner for prioritising agriculture, school feeding and working with the youth, adding, “we cannot continue blaming colonialism; it is time to be innovative and do things for ourselves.''

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Prevention against Torture Act passed

The National Assembly has recently passed the Prevention Against Torture Act, 2023. The Act  seeks to prevent & eradicate the use of torture and other cruel, inhuman treatment or punishment & to ensure accountability of acts of torture.A statement from the Ministry of Justice says the passing of  this Act plays a central role in our transitional justice process especially in our bid to ensure accountability for gross human rights violations under the previous  government and to ensuring that these atrocities never reoccur.

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Latest Updates

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THE GAMBIA AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO GEORGIA, MOLDOVA TO BOOST BILATERAL TIES

His Excellency Mr Pa Musa Jobarteh, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, on Friday 22nd May 2026 presented his Letters of Credence to the President of Georgia, His Excellency Mr Mikheil Kavelashvili, as the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to Georgia at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Tbilisi.H.E. Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency President Adama Barrow to the President, the Government, and the people of Georgia. He underscored his willingness to work with Georgia further to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.During a closed-door meeting with the President, Ambassador Jobarteh highlighted several areas of cooperation, including Science and Technology, Agriculture, and Tourism. The two agreed to explore opportunities for economic cooperation between the two countries.In a similar development, His Excellency Mr Pa Musa Jobarteh, on Tuesday 26th May 2026 presented his Letters of Credence to the President of the Republic of Moldova, Her Excellency Ms Maia Sandu, as the Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the Republic of Moldova at a ceremony held in the Presidential Palace in Chisinau.H.E. Ambassador Jobarteh conveyed fraternal greetings from His Excellency President Adama Barrow to the President, the Government, and the people of the Republic of Moldova. He underscored his willingness to work with the Republic of Moldova further to strengthen the existing bilateral ties between the two countries.H.E Ambassador Jobarteh and Her Excellency Maia Sandu discussed and noted potential areas of aligned interest and cooperation in which The Gambia and the Republic of Moldova can mutually benefit, including support for each other’s candidature at multilateral levels and the relevance of multilateralism for small states. They both echoed similar sentiments on international peace and security, and the need to expand trade, agriculture and investment learning exchanges.

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PRESIDENT BARROW JOINS BANJUL EID PRAYERS, CALLS FOR PEACE AHEAD OF ELECTION

Muslims in Banjul gathered at the King Fahd Mosque to observe the Feast of Eid al-Adha, locally known as Tobaski. President Adama Barrow, cabinet ministers, security chiefs, and senior government officials also participated in Eid prayers, led by Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah. The president used his Eid message to call for peace, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.Imam Ratib of Banjul, Alhaji Cherno Alieu Mass Kah, led the two-rakah prayer.In his sermon after the prayer, the Imam Ratib urged Muslims to uphold peace, tolerance, and stability.He expressed concern over the rising use of drugs and illicit substances among youth and called for concerted efforts by government, parents, religious leaders, and society to address this menace, which threatens the well-being and future of young people.He also prayed for ongoing peace and stability in The Gambia and the wider world.In line with religious teachings, Imam Ratib supervised the slaughter of his sacrificial lamb, which opened the way for other Muslims across the city to do the same, as prescribed by Islamic faith.Outside the mosque, His Excellency Adama Barrow delivered his Eid address, congratulating Gambians and Muslims on this significant feast.He urged Muslims to be peaceful, tolerant, and law-abiding, adding that The Gambia is preparing for another presidential election, which the world will observe closely.On the international stage, President Barrow said he was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East. As chairman of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, he maintains contact with regional leaders to promote dialogue, restraint, and diplomacy for resolving differences.The President then left the King Fahd Mosque in Banjul for State House, where he also oversaw the slaughter of his two sacrificial lambs.The Imam of the State House mosque, Alhaji Mustafa Jallow, led the team that marked the conclusion of the President's Eid celebrations.

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GAMBIA SIGNS SPORTS & EDUCATION DEAL WITH TIBU AFRICA 

The Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, has presided over the signing of a cooperation agreement between Tibu Africa from the Kingdom of Morocco and the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education, Youth and Sports at the State House in Banjul. This agreement aims to support the national development agenda, especially in youth empowerment, education transformation, sports development, and international collaboration. The delegation from Tibu Africa accompanied by Bakary Y. Badjie the Minister of Youth and Sports, and Dr Habibatou Drammeh the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, went to the Vice President's office to formally introduce their initiatives in The Gambia.Following an in-depth discussion with VP Jallow regarding the programme, the approach to implementation, and its potential impact on the country, the president of Tibu Africa Mohamed Amine Zariat, proceeded to sign agreements with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.These agreements, reaffirming the Government’s strong commitment to investing in Gambian youth development and empowerment, through strategic international partnerships, also form part of broader efforts to expand opportunities for Gambian youth in sport and education, as highlighted by Tibu Africa's President, Mohamed Amine Zariat.This partnership also aims to incorporate sports into national development policies. Youth and Sports Minister Bakary Y Badjie described the arrival of Tibu Africa in The Gambia as a “significant advantage.”The Gambia is poised to become the first English-speaking country to benefit from Tibu Africa's intervention and partnership programmes, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s expansion within the African continent.Basic and Secondary Education Minister, Dr Habibatou Drammeh said the government, through her ministry, is “fully committed to the agreement with Tibu Africa.”This programme targets all “642 public primary schools across the country.” A similar agreement is expected to be signed between Tibu Africa and the Ministry of Interior.Tibu Africa is internationally recognised for its innovative use of sports as a catalyst for sustainable social transformation, youth empowerment, educational advancement, and community development. The organisation operates in more than fifty-two cities across the twelve regions of Morocco and has expanded its interventions to several African countries, including Tunisia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Madagascar.

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GOVERNMENT CONDEMNS MISINFORMATION ON POWER CUTS, URGES NATIONAL UNITY

The Government wishes to express deep concern over the increasing spread of misinformation, deliberate distortions, and politically motivated narratives circulating on social media and certain online platforms regarding issues of governance, corruption, and recent electricity supply challenges.While the government fully acknowledges the concerns of citizens affected by intermittent power shortages and other national challenges, it is both irresponsible and unfortunate that some individuals and groups have chosen to exploit these temporary challenges to spread falsehoods, undermine public confidence, and score cheap political points rather than contribute constructively to national dialogue and solutions.The Government remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible governance.  Consequently, allegations of corruption must never be reduced to social media propaganda, political sensationalism, or coordinated misinformation campaigns aimed solely at scoring cheap political points and creating public distrust. Matters of governance and public accountability are serious national issues that must be addressed through credible institutions, evidence-based processes, and the rule of law and not through reckless speculation and politically charged disinformation.It is essential to remind the public that the current electricity supply constraints are being actively addressed through ongoing interventions, investments, and regional energy cooperation efforts, particularly within the framework of the OMVG. The Gambia Government, under the leadership of President Adama Barrow has achieved significant progress in expanding national electricity access, improving generation capacity, and modernising energy infrastructure over recent years. These achievements should not be ignored simply for political convenience.No responsible government desires inconvenience for its citizens, particularly during important social and religious periods. However, genuine leadership requires honesty, patience, and collective responsibility, especially during moments like these.For nearly the past year, the country has experienced one of the most stable and reliable electricity supply periods in recent national history, with many households and businesses enjoying significantly improved power availability and fewer interruptions. This progress was not accidental, but the result of deliberate government investments and reforms in the energy sector. Therefore, temporary technical challenges currently affecting electricity supply in parts of the country should be viewed within their proper context. While any disruption to electricity supply is regrettable and taken seriously by the Government, isolated operational and technical challenges cannot reasonably justify the level of outrage, alarmism, and politically charged narratives being amplified in some quarters.The Government is therefore urging political actors, media platforms, activists, and members of the public to exercise restraint, patriotism, and responsibility in their public commentary. Constructive criticism is welcome in every democratic society, but the deliberate politicisation of temporary national challenges for narrow partisan gain does not serve the interests of the country or its people.National development cannot thrive in an atmosphere poisoned by misinformation, constant negativity, and manufactured outrage. Progress requires unity, stability, responsible citizenship, and a shared commitment to national interest above political opportunism.The Government reassures the public that efforts are ongoing to stabilise the electricity supply, strengthen service delivery, and continue advancing the country’s development agenda. Citizens are encouraged to rely on official channels for accurate information and to reject the spread of false and misleading content designed to create unnecessary panic and division.

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PRESIDENT BARROW HOSTS TIBU AFRICA AS MOROCCO GROUP LAUNCHES FIRST ANGLOPHONE PROGRAM IN GAMBIA

The President, His Excellency Adama Barrow, on Tuesday received Mohamed Amine Zariat, President of Tibu Africa, at the State House. Tibu Africa is a Morocco-based sports organisation specialising in sports education, empowerment, and socio-economic inclusion of youth, women, and children across Africa. Mr Zariat launched the first Tibu in The Gambia, marking the first in Anglophone Africa.The President of Tibu Africa, Muhammed Amin Zariat, was accompanied to the State House by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, and the Tibu country representative, Ebrima Manneh.Speaking to journalists after their audience with President Barrow, Mr Zariat disclosed that Tibu Africa was founded in 2011 to promote sports education and empower women and youths.Mr Zariat added that Tibu Africa plans to expand its activities in The Gambia, targeting schools across the country to give young people opportunities to pursue careers in sports education.The Tibu Africa President also praised the Gambia-Morocco friendship, which inspired this partnership, and expressed particular thanks to King Mohammed VI and President Barrow for their patronage.To further strengthen this partnership, Mr Zariat announced plans to establish a basketball court in The Gambia in December. He also extended an invitation to the President to attend the next Education Through Sport summit, to be held in Casablanca next year, where The Gambia will be the guest country.Finally, Mr Zariat expressed hope that The Gambia will qualify for the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco.

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GRA DOUBLES REVENUE TO D25.3B IN 5 YEARS UNDER DARBOE

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has significantly improved its performance over the last five years, thanks to good management, strong leadership, and new ideas. Their revenue has increased from D12.7 billion in 2021 to an impressive D25.3 billion in 2025. This success has come from the efforts of Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe and his team, who transformed an authority that used to struggle to meet its goals.The 2026 GRA awards celebrate the biggest and most compliant taxpayers of the year. They also highlight the GRA as an institution that consistently exceeds expectations.Yankuba Darboe has been leading the GRA since 2014, six years after it was created by combining the central revenue department with the customs and excise departments. His leadership has brought about changes that have greatly improved how revenue is collected and taxed in The Gambia.With a dedicated team and support from a government focused on development, Mr Darboe started reforms that doubled and even tripled revenue in a short time. This earned him praise from the government and his colleagues.President H.E. Adama Barrow has been inspired by Darboe’s achievements and has attended every taxpayer award night to recognise and appreciate his leadership and contributions.Colleagues at the GRA also admire Darboe for his leadership skills, passion for success, and commitment to exceeding targets.Despite this success, Mr Darboe remains humble and sees these achievements as motivation to keep improving. He believes in always finding new opportunities and welcoming innovations, without creating more pressure on taxpayers. His main goal is to expand the tax base, rather than raise tax rates for the people.As they celebrate another successful year, the GRA leadership and team are confident in their ability to continue meeting and exceeding targets, supported by new technologies and systems. The future looks bright for them.

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