By Fatou Krubally
The Government of The Gambia has secured an additional US$10 million from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to finance the ongoing Greater Banjul Roads Project, according to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.
The additional financing agreement was signed during a visit by SFD President Sultan Ben Abdulrahman Al-Marshad and his delegation to The Gambia from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, 2026.
Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy K. M. Keita hosted the Saudi delegation, which visited The Gambia as guests of President Adama Barrow.
The Greater Banjul Roads Project covers 50 kilometres of roads and is aimed at improving transport infrastructure and connectivity within the Greater Banjul Area.
According to the Ministry, the project is expected to address longstanding challenges including traffic congestion, deteriorating road conditions and limited connectivity between communities.
It said improved road infrastructure would facilitate the movement of people and goods, support trade and strengthen links among communities across the Greater Banjul Area.
The Ministry noted that the Greater Banjul Area accommodates nearly half of the country’s population, placing significant pressure on its road network.
The additional financing forms part of broader development cooperation between The Gambia and Saudi Arabia, the Ministry said.
The SFD delegation’s visit also provided an opportunity for discussions on other areas of bilateral development cooperation.
The delegation included senior SFD officials Mohammad Ben Adhan Al-Shammari and Faisal Ben Sulaiman Al-Khoushiban.
Minister Keita reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening strategic development partnerships, saying such cooperation was important to advancing the country’s development priorities.
“This project is about improving lives, creating opportunities, and building a stronger future for The Gambia,” Keita said.
The additional US$10 million will provide further resources for the implementation of the Greater Banjul Roads Project as the Government continues efforts to improve road infrastructure and connectivity in the country’s most densely populated area.