By: Fatou Krubally
Gambian Government Wednesday launched social protection policy aimed at expanding social protection coverage for vulnerable groups.
The National Social Protection Policy (NSPP) 2026–2035 is a 10-year framework aimed at strengthening safety nets and improving resilience among vulnerable populations.
The policy was launched by Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in the presence of government officials, development partners, civil society representatives and other stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of Finance Minister Seedy Keita, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs Baboucarr Jobe described social protection as a strategic investment that promotes resilience, equity and inclusive growth.
He said the government allocated D18.6 billion to social sectors in the 2026 national budget, representing 35.3 per cent of total expenditure, as part of efforts to strengthen social protection financing.
Jobe highlighted government-supported interventions, including cash transfer programmes, school feeding initiatives, health insurance pilots and subsidies on essential commodities, which he said have helped vulnerable households cope with economic challenges.
He also recognised the support of development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank, Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, European Union and United Nations agencies, in advancing social protection programmes in the country.
Speaking on behalf of development partners, United Nations Resident Coordinator Karl Frédérick Paul commended the government and the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) for developing the policy, describing it as a forward-looking framework.
He said the policy represents a shift from fragmented interventions towards a more integrated social protection system that responds to changing patterns of poverty and vulnerability.
Paul notes that the framework focuses on strengthening digital systems, expanding support for informal sector workers and improving preparedness for future economic, climate and public health shocks.
NSPA Executive Director Saikou Jeng said the policy prioritizes protecting vulnerable groups, supporting livelihoods through labour market initiatives, strengthening adaptive social protection and improving coordination among stakeholders.
He emphasized the need for stronger delivery mechanisms, harmonised databases and sustainable financing to ensure effective implementation of the policy.
In his keynote address, Vice President Jallow says social protection remains a key component of the government’s development agenda and plays an important role in promoting social justice and national stability.
He discloses that the new policy provides a roadmap for building an inclusive and coordinated system capable of responding to challenges such as climate change, health emergencies and economic uncertainty.
The launch ended with the symbolic presentation of the policy document to the Vice President by Special Olympics athlete Isatou Sanyang on behalf of Gambian youth.
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