By: Fatou Krubally
Gambian President Adama Barrow on Thursday outlined major achievements in economic recovery, institutional reform and infrastructure development, while acknowledging persistent challenges, in his 2026 State of the Nation Address(SONA) before the National Assembly on Thursday.
Delivering what he described as the final address of his current five-year mandate, Barrow said the country stands at a “defining moment” as citizens reflect on progress since 2017 and prepare for key national decisions.
He said that since the democratic transition, his government had prioritised restoring public trust, rebuilding institutions and stabilising the economy, guided by national development frameworks, including the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (YIRIWA 2023–2027).
According to the President, the Gambian economy remains resilient despite global uncertainties, recording real GDP growth of 5.9 percent in 2025, compared to 5.7 percent in 2024.
Inflation declined from 10.2 percent in December 2024 to 6.6 percent in December 2025, which he attributed to tighter monetary policy and improved domestic supply.
Barrow said the 2026 national budget projects revenues and grants of GMD50.3 billion, with GMD32.2 billion expected from domestic sources, adding that public debt has been placed on a sustainable downward path.
He noted that remittances from the diaspora reached US$872 million in 2025, representing 34 percent of GDP and supporting the stability of the national currency.
On public enterprise reforms, the President highlighted the establishment of a State-Owned Enterprises Commission to strengthen governance and performance, noting that the sector recorded a consolidated net profit of GMD2.5 billion in 2025, compared to a loss of GMD2.6 billion in 2024.
“For the first time, five SOEs are expected to pay dividends to government,” he said.
Barrow said significant investments had been made in infrastructure, with over 1,200 kilometres of roads constructed since 2017. He cited key projects, including the Niumi–Hakalang Road and ongoing works on the OIC road network, notably the Sukuta overpass.
He added that an additional 375 kilometres of paved roads would be completed by the end of 2026, alongside plans for 700 kilometres of new roads.
The President said port operations had improved significantly, reducing cargo waiting time at the Port of Banjul from more than 14 days to about 17 hours.
He further disclosed that the country had achieved 90 percent national electricity access, with a target of universal access by the end of 2026. Investments include a 225KV transmission line and a planned 150-megawatt solar park in Soma.
In the digital sector, mobile subscriptions have surpassed 3.4 million, while new initiatives such as e-visa and e-Cabinet services are expected to enhance public service delivery.
Agriculture continues to play a key role in the economy, contributing over 22 percent to GDP. The President reported increases in cereal and groundnut production, supported by subsidies, mechanisation and irrigation expansion.
In the social sectors, Barrow said the government had invested in education and health, including the construction of teachers’ quarters, expansion of digital learning and upgrading of health facilities.
He added that social protection programmes were supporting vulnerable households through cash transfers and targeted interventions for women and youth.
On governance, the President highlighted major legislative reforms, including the enactment of new election and criminal laws to strengthen democratic governance and human rights protections.
He said 60 recommendations of the Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) had been fully implemented, with others ongoing, while an Anti-Corruption Commission had been established to enhance accountability.
Barrow said the country had also made progress in security sector reform, noting that The Gambia is now ranked among the safest countries in Africa.
He added that border control systems had been strengthened, alongside increased success in combating drug-related crimes.
On the international front, he noted that the country continues to play an active role globally, including serving as Chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
Efforts to address climate change include a €6.9 million resilience project to restore more than 100,000 hectares of mangroves, benefiting 180 communities, alongside strengthened disaster risk management and enforcement against environmental degradation.
Despite these gains, the President acknowledged ongoing challenges, including cost-of-living pressures, youth unemployment and irregular migration.
He said the government would continue to invest in agriculture, skills development and private sector growth to address these issues.
Ahead of the 2026 presidential election, Barrow called on political actors to conduct their campaigns peacefully and uphold democratic values, reaffirming his government’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process.
“We are shaping a more resilient and inclusive nation,” he said, urging citizens to remain united and committed to national development.
