By Haddy Touray
The World Bank Group has released its Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for The Gambia, warning that rising environmental pressures are increasingly threatening jobs, livelihoods and long-term economic growth.
The report, obtained by PANA on Tuesday, states that climate-related shocks are already affecting productivity, agriculture and infrastructure, and calls for targeted investments in resilience to protect employment and stimulate sustainable development.
“The CCDR shows that The Gambia can reduce future risks and unlock new opportunities through targeted investments and sound policies that protect people and support long-term economic growth,” said Franklin Mutahakana, World Bank Group Resident Representative for The Gambia.
According to the report, under an aspirational growth scenario, climate-related GDP losses could fall from 9.3 percent to as low as 2.6 percent by mid-century, helping to preserve jobs, sustain businesses and reduce poverty.
Agriculture, which employs about 70 percent of the workforce, is identified as the most vulnerable sector. The report notes that improved farming techniques, irrigation systems and market reforms could raise yields by up to 40 percent, strengthening rural incomes and employment.
It further highlights that small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for about 80 percent of businesses in the country, face limited access to finance, with only around 15 percent able to access formal credit. It recommends targeted credit guarantees, lower energy costs and improved financing mechanisms to support business expansion and job creation.
The report also stresses the need to protect Banjul’s role as the country’s economic hub, noting its high concentration of businesses, jobs and infrastructure. It calls for improved urban planning, including long-term inland expansion strategies, as well as stronger electricity supply and transport systems to support investment.
Energy and infrastructure expansion are identified as key priorities, with the report urging progress towards universal electricity access, currently estimated at about 90 percent, alongside stronger transport networks to support economic activity.
Tourism, which contributes about 20 percent of GDP and 15 percent of employment, is also highlighted as a key sector for quality job creation, particularly for young people and women.
The report estimates that The Gambia will require about 11 billion US dollars in long-term investment by 2050 to sustain growth and expand employment. It recommends increasing private sector participation to around 35 percent through blended finance and improved governance frameworks to support sustainable development.
