By: Kemo Kenyi
The Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC) has been named one of the 50 global finalists in the 2025 Bloomberg Philanthropies Mayors Challenge emerging from a pool of more than 630 cities across 33 countries.
The announcement places KMC on the international map for its bold and creative approach to tackling pressing urban challenges. The council’s shortlisted idea, while not yet fully disclosed, was praised for its potential to improve lives and transform the way local governments serve their communities.
As a finalist, KMC will receive $50,000 in seed funding to test its concept and participate in the prestigious Bloomberg Ideas Camp. The camp will bring together top city leaders and global experts for a collaborative exchange aimed at refining the finalist projects.
The Mayors Challenge, run by Bloomberg Philanthropies, is one of the world’s most competitive platforms for urban innovation. Only 50 cities made the final shortlist, and in January 2026, 25 will be selected to receive $1 million each to scale up their solutions.
In a statement, KMC hailed the selection as a milestone achievement and a recognition of its drive for innovation, sustainability, and better public service delivery. The council also credited its team and community members for their contributions.
“This global recognition is a testament to our ongoing commitment to delivering better services for the people of Kanifing,” KMC said in a press note.
If successful in the next round, KMC could be among the select few cities globally implementing trailblazing urban solutions backed by international funding and expertise.
For now, the municipality stands proudly as the only Gambian city on the list making history and raising the national flag in a global contest of ideas.