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President Barrow laid foundation stone of Solar plant

President Adama Barrow Saturday  laid the foundation for the construction of a 23 Mega Watts Solar Plant and an eight (8) Mega Watt-Battery Energy Storage System, with three (3) years of operations and maintenance.In his keynote address, the President said, “The proposed Jambur solar plant is a component of The Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project, which is co-financed by the World Bank and the European Investment Bank at an estimated budget of US$27 million (twenty-seven million United States dollars).The ultimate goal of this project is to provide additional reliable, affordable, sustainable, and green energy generation capacity to meet the increasing energy needs of the Gambian people.  This Solar project is an integral part of our national Strategic Roadmap, 2021-2024, aimed at attaining universal energy access by 2025 and transforming The Gambia Electricity Sub-sector, as approved by Cabinet in November 2021.The roadmap outlines my government’s aspiration to achieve universal access to electricity by 2025 and, at the same time, transform the electricity sector so that Gambians can benefit from reliable and affordable electricity, leading to NAWEC becoming an efficient, financially sustainable power utility.The strategic roadmap serves as the development blueprint for the electricity sub-sector in the short and medium term. Renewable energy is highly placed on its order of priority.In the roadmap, Solar PV is considered as the cheapest form of renewable energy in The Gambia.This project will inject clean energy into the electricity grid, thus contributing to the achievement of The Gambia’s Climate Change Targets of Nationally Determined Contributions. It will also help us to diversify our electricity generation sources, reducing the country’s over-dependence on imported petroleum products.”

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President Calls for the Implementation of the Anti-Littering Law

In what many described as symbolic leadership, President Barrow earlier today led the re-introduction of the National Cleansing Exercise ‘Set Settal’, calling on the relevant authorities to implement the anti-littering law. President Barrow said that many people are in the habit of indiscriminate littering, which renders the environment dirty. ‘’We have the laws and should use them to stop littering. That is what democracy is about,’’ he stressed. The President, however, expressed delight at the turnout of the people to clean even though it was a voluntary exercise, saying, ‘’We cannot force people to come; we can only encourage them’’. He added that people must not wait for the exercise to clean their environment; they must do it daily to ensure clean and healthy surroundings. On him leading the exercise, President Barrow said leadership is a big responsibility and a position of trust, thus the participation to join the citizens. He thanked the lord Mayor of Kanifing Talib Ahmed Bensouda, the Cabinet members and all the people that came out to join him. President Barrow urged the journalists to lead the advocacy in the exercise.

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President Barrow Applauds Islamic Development Bank Support to The Gambia

President Adama Barrow, Sunday, 29th January, commended the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for its support to his Government when he received the President of the Bank, Dr Muhammed Al Jasser, at the State House in Banjul. The President highlighted key projects supported by the Bank, including the Laminkoto-Passamas road, the agriculture sector and electricity, noting they significantly impact people's lives. He added that the country largely depends on agriculture and that it ensures food security, which is national security. Stressing the importance of roads, the President said it has made travelling easy and connecting businesses and services, positively impacting the economy. He assured the Bank of his Government's continuous partnership for the mutual benefit of the country and institution. Following his audience with the President, Dr Muhammad Al Jasser told the waiting press that the IsDB regarded The Gambia as a vital member and had financed up to a Billion Dollars in projects in the country over the years. He added they stand shoulder to shoulder with the Government and people of The Gambia in their journey to development. Dr Jasser further stated that he visited some of the projects like road and electricity they are financing, some of which have been completed and others steadily progressing, adding there are evident achievements. The IsDB head said they had signed a grant with the Government to enhance productivity in agriculture by providing suitable crop varieties. "Agriculture is a pivotal sector in every and any economy, especially in developing countries, and to have such a mapping of the land of any country will be very important to choose the right crop for the right place to have the quantities," he noted. The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Hon. Seedy Keita, who accompanied the delegation to the State House, thanked the IsDB for the trusted partnership over the years, saying the Bank is financing many projects that positively impact the lives and livelihoods of Gambians.

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President Barrow meets International Civil Defence Organisation

President Adama Barrow received a delegation from the International Civil Defence Organisation – ICDO to discuss the country’s recruitment as a member of the Organisation on Wednesday, 25th January 2023.During discussions, President Barrow underscored the importance of membership to organisations that support their members with capacity and logistics. He added that capacity building in disaster management is crucial, recalling the challenges the country had to deal with during the unfortunate disasters due to windstorms and floods. He noted that in light of climate change, it is difficult to predict a disaster; thus, the necessity to develop capacity.    “When a disaster occurs, people look to the government for food, shelter, and protection. the importance of having the capacity and logistics to do so.”  As he looks forward to The Gambia becoming the 61st member of the International Civil Defence Organisation established after World War 1- (WWI), the President advised the relevant stakeholders to pursue legal advice and the possibility for The Gambia to become a member.Director Mariatou Yap, briefing the President, gave a history of the organisation and its focus to provide technical and humanitarian support to members, mainly in Africa, through training and capacity building. She stressed the importance of data collection and sharing at the regional level, hence working to increase its membership.  Madam Yap used the occasion to extend her sincere condolences on the demise of the Late Vice President.    Permanent Secretary Office of The Vice President, Dawda Ceesay, said the visit was timely as his office completed a National Strategy on Disaster Management and Resilience in June 2022 and would require support in its implementation through capacity building and provision of logistics.Executive Director of the National Disaster Management Agency – NDMA, Mr Sanna Dahaba, led the delegation to the State House.

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President Adama Barrow Confers on Late VP Joof Posthumous, Member of the Grand Commander of the Order of The Republic of The Gambia (G.C.R.G.)

President Barrow posthumously conferred the insignia of G.C.R.G of the Republic of The Gambia to the Late Vice President, H.E Alieu Badara Joof, at a State Funeral at the National Assembly in honour and appreciation for his patriotic service to the nation. It was a sombre moment as the late VP lay in State surrounded by a nation in mourning.  Eulogising the former VP, President Barrow described him as a friend and brother who touched uncountable lives and influenced various institutions he served through his multifaceted character and talent. ‘’As the whole nation mourns, it is with a great sense of loss and a very heavy heart that I deliver this tribute in remembrance and praise of a close colleague, friend, and brother, who sadly worked as my Vice President for less than a full year when he succumbed to a brief illness.’’ President Barrow saidSeveral people, including family, friends and colleagues, poured tributes on the late VP. For them, he would be remembered for his honesty, commitment, generosity and love for family. Following the ceremony, he was laid to rest at the Banjulnding cemetery next to his mother’s grave.

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Jaliba Kuyateh Bestowed an Honorary Fellowship

King of Kora Jaliba Kuyateh received an honorary fellowship from Goldsmiths, University of London at a graduation ceremony today. Jaliba Kuyateh’s award was in recognition of his work using music to improve perinatal mental health. He is the only Gambian appointed a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador for his charitable work with children in the Gambia.  Jaliba Kuyateh dedicated the honors to the people of the Gambia; especially the women whom he said ‘have supported his career from the very beginning’. He further thanked the Goldsmith University governing council and the entire faculties for the milestone gesture. Jaliba detailed his career in peacebuilding, climate change campaign, health and social welfare issues, child rights, and education among others. He thanked the Gambia High Commission for the support, through its representative to the event, Mr. Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission and staff for gracing the occasion, and to Yaram Arts for the collaboration and support.Jaliba Kuyateh felt honored and appreciated by the recognition and wishes to continue his collaborative work with Professor Lauren Stewarts of Goldsmith University in the area of participatory music research.Gambia High Commission in UK

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President Adama Barrow declares seven days mourning in memory of the late Vice President

President Adama Barrow has declared a 7-day National Mourning effective from the 18th January, 2023 in memory of the late Vice President Alieu Badara Joof. All flags will fly at half Mast. The body of the late VP will be laid in State at the National Assembly for a State Funeral.  Arrangements related to the funeral will be announced later. Meanwhile, book of condolences will be opened at the Presidency on Thursday 19th January, 2023.

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Vice President Alieu Badara Joof dies

The death has been announced of the Vice President of the Gambia Alieu Badara Joof. Mr Joof died in in India where he was being treated. President Adama Barrow expressed profound shock and sadness, the death of his deputy. The late Vice President Until his appointment as VP on 4th May 2022, VP Joof had served in various capacities including Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MOHERST), Permanent Secretary in various ministries across the Government. He had also served as World Bank Director for West and Central Africa for over a decade, a position he would relinquish to take up cabinet appointment in the new political dispensation.Earlier in his career, Mr. Joof, 66, had trained as a qualified teacher and taught for years at Nusrat High School in Bundung, The Gambia College in Brikama and The Gambia Technical Training Institute (GTTI).A scholar of profound intellect, late VP Joof took a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Bristol, Master’s Degree in English from University of London and Master’s Degree in Developmental Economics from the University of Bath. He had earlier received a Diploma in Human Rights Studies from the University of Saint Edwards Island, Canada.He was married to Mrs. Fatou Sonko Joof and the family is blessed with several children. May Allah grant him Jannah.

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Solo Sandeng finally laid to rest.

Hundreds of mourners have gathered at the Memorial Arch to pay their last respects to the late Solo Sandeng. The former UDP youth leader is being laid to rest following his brutal killing in 2016 in the hands of security agents. At an official funeral ceremony the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow spoke on behalf of the President HE Adama Barrow. In his speech Mr Jallow paid tribute to Solo Sandeng and said he died fighting for freedom and justice. The Attorney General drew the attention of the gathering to fact that justice have been served as the perpetrators of the crime have been convicted and sentenced. Muhammed Sandeng, one of the sons of Solo, paid tribute to his late father. He said his death created a void in the family. He questioned if the cause that his father died fighting for is achieved. Muhammed said his father's absence left the family destitute and struggled to come to terms with it. The leader of the opposition UDP, ANM Ousainou Darboe spoke highly of the late Solo Sandeng in eulogy of the former political activist. Representatives of the Sandeng and the Sonko families also paid tribute to Solo Sandeng and prayed for him. The casket of the late Solo Sandeng was draped in the national flag and given a befitting funeral and burial, a stark contrast to how he was callously buried in a shallow grave. He was finally laid to rest at the Dippa kunda cometary 

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President Barrow Extols Gambia-Senegal Relations

 President Adama Barrow renewed his commitment to strengthening the bilateral ties between The Gambia and Senegal when he received a Ministerial delegation headed by the Minister for Culture and Historical Heritage, Professor Alioun Sow, at the State House on Friday morning. President Barrow embraced the friendly and brotherly relations with his colleague President Macky Sall, the government and the people of Senegal, reiterating the socio-cultural bond he described as 'natural'. "We should be proud of who we are and believe in ourselves," he added  The Gambian Leader urged the two authorities to work closely to unite the people through the policies they developed to strengthen the excellent neighbourliness between the two countries. He stressed the importance of the relations, saying, "Your immediate neighbour is your strongest partner, and we will succeed together," while praying for peace to continue to prevail in the region.Expressing his delight and reception in The Gambia, Professor Sow extended sincere felicitation from the Senegalese Leader to President Barrow, describing him as a 'Man of action without making noise."The Senegalese culture Minister emphasised the importance of having loyal officials to influence government policies and cited the partnership they enjoy with The Gambia Navy and the National Council for Arts and Culture in The Gambia.  He revealed the plans to host joint annual Cultural festivals in border communities between the two countries and celebrate the Senegambia heritage.    The Minister of Tourism and Culture, Honourable. Hamat Bah said the visit was historic and demonstrated President Barrow's desire to preserve, promote, and advance the Senegambia culture. He added culture could be a source of inspiration to promote national development.Honourable Sow is in The Gambia on the invitation of the Gambian Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Hamat Bah and the Senegalese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Bachirou Sene, accompanied him to the State House by

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The Gambia recieves food Aid from The People's Republic of China

President Adama Barrow has received over 40,000 bags of rice from The People’s Republic of China for onward distribution to vulnerable households, the differently able, recent disaster victims and Boarding Schools, including Madrassas. During the presentation held today at  Statehouse in Banjul, President Barrow commended China for the valuable partnership with his government since 2017, citing the landmark infrastructure projects as a testimony of the relationship. He assured of his government’s commitment to working and standing by China for the benefit of both countries. The Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E Liu Jin, expressed similar sentiments, stating that China attaches great importance to the relationship with The Gambia and is ready to work and accelerate it to new heights. In addition to the rice donation, the Ambassador disclosed that the Chinese government would send a new agriculture expert team to The Gambia to share knowledge and experience with Gambian farmers and students to boost the government’s food self-sufficiency drive.  

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A Police officer and two other men remanded in custody over foiled coup plot

Three men have been remanded in custody following their appearance before the Banjul Magistrates’ court accused of taking part in a coup plot. A government statement says investigators have linked the men, Mr. Mustapha Jabbi, a resident of Brikama, Mr. Saikuba Jabbi, resident of Brusubi, and a Police Officer, Sub Inspector Fakebba Jawara of The Gambia Police Force assigned to Abuko Police Station, to the foiled scheme. They were charged with concealment of treason and conspiracy to commit a felony.

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Latest Updates

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PRESIDENT BARROW PERFORMS UMRAH IN HOLY CITY OF MAKKAH

His Excellency President Adama Barrow and his delegation have arrived in the Holy City of Makkah from Medina to perform Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage.Dressed in Ihram, a symbol of purity and humility, the President and his delegation travelled to Makkah aboard a two-hour train journey to Islam’s holiest city.Consular Ebou Ndure said the trip to Makkah marks the climax of the President’s spiritual journey, which has so far included visits to the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, Masjid al-Quba, and the Mountains of Uhud.Inside the VIP coach, the atmosphere was calm and reflective, filled with religious chants as the President reaffirmed his intention to perform Umrah in accordance with Islamic teachings and traditions.On arrival in Makkah, President Barrow was received by officials from the Royal Palace and escorted to the Royal Guest House overlooking the Holy Kaaba.Shortly after, he was led to Masjid Al-Haram to begin the Umrah rites. The President first performed Maghrib prayers at the Holy Kaaba alongside members of his delegation.He then proceeded to perform Tawaf, circling the Holy Kaaba seven times, aboard specially designated vehicles reserved for heads of state and dignitaries.Following Tawaf, President Barrow performed Sa’i, walking between Safa and Marwa. The nearly 2km journey, completed seven times, relives the footsteps of Hajara, wife of Prophet Ibrahim, who made the same trek in search of water for her son, Prophet Ismail.After completing all prescribed rituals, the President returned to the Kaaba to perform Ishaa congregational prayers, marking the conclusion of the Umrah rites.President Barrow was later escorted back to the Royal Guest House. He is expected to travel to Jeddah for a series of engagements, including a meeting with members of the Gambian community in Saudi Arabia.

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PRESIDENT BARROW MEETS AFDB PRESIDENT TAH TO DEEPEN INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENERGY PARTNERSHIP

President Adama Barrow on Friday received a high-level delegation from the African Development Bank Group, led by its President Dr Sidi Ould Tah, at State House. The two sides reviewed the existing partnership between The Gambia and the AfDB and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in infrastructure, electricity, and other priority development areas.Dr Ould Tah was accompanied to the State House by the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Sidi Keita. Speaking to reporters after the talks, the AfDB President expressed appreciation to President Barrow for The Gambia’s strong support to the Bank and for the “fruitful partnership over the years.”Dr Ould Tah reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to continue supporting The Gambia to deliver on key sectors and projects aimed at improving the quality of life and livelihoods of citizens. He commended The Gambia under President Barrow’s leadership for its “impressive performance” in economic management, domestic resource mobilisation, and reforms of key state institutions.“We also congratulated the Gambian leader on the country’s microfinance performance, growth, domestic resource mobilisation, and reforms related to state enterprises and procurement,” Dr Ould Tah said. “The Gambian Leader gave us clear direction on the priorities of his government and his development vision for the country. The African Development Bank Group is keen to provide funding and support across all sectors to match that orientation.”Minister of Finance Sidi Keita said The Gambia remains committed to working with development partners like the AfDB to strengthen growth and development. He described the visit as “a strong vote of confidence and trust in The Gambia.”Dr Ould Tah and his delegation will remain in The Gambia for several days. They are scheduled to hold engagements with officials from various government sectors to review existing cooperation and explore new areas of partnership with government and other stakeholders.

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VP JALLOW MEETS GUINEA-BISSAU COMMUNICATION MINISTER 

The Guinea-Bissau Minister of Social Communication and Government Spokesperson, Hon. Dr Abduramane Turé, has paid a courtesy call on The Gambia’s Vice President, His Excellency Mohammed B.S. Jallow, at State House. The visit is aimed at strengthening ties between Bissau and Banjul. Minister Turé was accompanied to the Vice President’s office by Guinea-Bissau’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Luís Camara de Barros, alongside The Gambia’s Minister of Information, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, Permanent Secretary Codu L. Jabang, and Director of Information Services, Aisha Davis.The delegation held a closed-door meeting with the Vice President. Afterwards, Minister Turé addressed the press on key issues discussed.“I did not come to discuss a specific agenda with His Excellency the Vice President. I'm here to brief him on the core objectives of my mission to The Gambia, and further update him on the current status of bilateral cooperation in the field of media and social communication,” he said.Minister Turé commended the cordial relations between Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, describing them as strong and mutually beneficial.The Guinea-Bissau official also praised the Vice President for the warm reception, saying VP Jallow reaffirmed his commitment to advancing the development agendas of both countries. He expressed optimism that the visit will further deepen bilateral ties.

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PRESIDENT BARROW ARRIVES IN SAUDI ARABIA FOR SIX-DAY VISIT

His Excellency President Adama Barrow has arrived in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a six-day official visit.The President is accompanied by a high-powered delegation comprising First Lady Sarjo Mballow Barrow, the Chief of Staff and Minister of the Presidency Aliu Loum, and the Commissioner General of The Gambia Revenue Authority Yankuba Darboe.President Barrow was received on arrival by His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Nahar Al Saud, Governor of Madina, His Excellency Mambury Njai, The Gambia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deputy Ambassador Omar Baldeh, and Consul General at The Gambia’s Consulate in Madina, Ebou Ndure.Following his arrival, President Barrow held a brief tete-a-tete with Prince Saud at the Airport VVIP lounge. The President thanked the Saudi government for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation.For his part, Prince Saud welcomed the President and his delegation to the Kingdom and reassured them of the Saudi government’s support to ensure a successful visit.President Barrow is expected to begin official activities in Madina on Friday with prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque and a visit to the Rawdah, where the Prophet PBUH and his two companions, Abubacarr and Omar, are buried.

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PRESIDENT BARROW: ‘NO COUNTRY CAN REACH ITS POTENTIAL WITHOUT EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS’

Over 730 young women graduate from SWEDD+ entrepreneurship training and receive D50,000 – D75,000 business grantsPresident Adama Barrow has said no country can realise its full potential without investing in women and girls, as The Gambia certified 730 beneficiaries under the Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus Project, SWEDD+. Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, the President said families thrive and communities grow stronger when women are supported. The ceremony recognised women and girls aged 15-24 who completed a three-month entrepreneurship training program under SWEDD+, implemented by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare.The five-year project targets out-of-school women and girls to improve livelihoods, skills, and economic independence.A total of D117 million has been earmarked for more than 2,000 young women under the project. For this first cohort of over 700 graduands, each will receive between D50,000 and D75,000 in business grants.The Ministry has set aside D32 million to be disbursed directly to the new graduates to start or expand their businesses. Cheques and certificates were presented to regional representatives at the event.Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare described the event as a “milestone” toward economic independence for beneficiaries. He commended President Barrow for advancing gender equality, noting that the skills gained will “open doors” for the graduates.Alpha Humma, Project Manager for the Women Enterprise Fund, said the training will enable graduands to contribute meaningfully to society. He confirmed the D32 million grant facility to support business start-ups.World Bank Representative Franklin Mutahakana said entrepreneurship training helps break barriers that limit women and girls. “This program gives young women more economic uplift,” he said, and reaffirmed the Bank’s support for The Gambia’s women’s empowerment agenda.Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Kaddy Balajo thanked the President, the Ministry of Gender, and the World Bank. “Women and girls are not mere beneficiaries of development, but partners,” she said. “The skills, knowledge, and grants we have received will transform our lives.”In his keynote, President Barrow congratulated the graduands and said investing in human capital through SWEDD+ is critical for sustainable growth.He urged beneficiaries to use the grants wisely and serve as inspiration to others. The President reiterated government’s commitment to inclusive development and equal opportunities for all Gambians.

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FIVE STATE-OWNED ENTERPRISES HAND OVER D137 MILLION IN DIVIDENDS TO PRESIDENT BARROW

Five state-owned enterprises, SOEs, handed over cheques totalling D137 million in dividend payments to President H.E. Adama Barrow at a ceremony held at State House on Tuesday. The unprecedented development marks a milestone in government-SOE relations, following reforms aimed at making the enterprises more profitable, better managed, and financially viable.For the first time in The Gambia’s history, SOEs lined up at State House not to request bailouts, but to return dividends worth over D130 million to the President.Board chairpersons, managing directors, and officials of the State-Owned Enterprises Commission gathered in the Cabinet Room to witness the ceremony. The five SOEs and their contributions were:1. Gambia Ports Authority: D70 million.2. Gambia National Petroleum Corporation: D50 million.3. Gambia Civil Aviation Authority: D5 million.4. Gambia Publishing and Printing Corporation: D5 million.5. The Gambia Radio and Television Services: D2 million.Chief of Staff to the President, Alieu Loum, who chaired the event, described it as unique. “The SOEs have fulfilled their obligations to government and to Gambians,” he said.The Chairman of the SOE Commission, Ousainou Ngum, said since the commission’s establishment three years ago, there has been remarkable improvement in the operations, management, and performance of state enterprises. He expressed hope that this transformation will continue, starting with this first dividend payment. Ngum also commended President Barrow for his leadership, oversight, and support to the commission and SOEs.In his keynote address, President Barrow described the ceremony as historic, noting it marks a turnaround for SOEs that, until 2024, were running a combined net loss of D2.4 billion. He attributed the performance to his government’s deliberate, sustained, and evidence-driven reform agenda focused on governance, accountability, and performance management.The President praised the SOE Commission for transforming public perception of state institutions and promoting efficiency. However, he urged all stakeholders to build on these achievements to address challenges affecting growth, liquidity, and profitability.President Barrow also reassured Gambians that the government will continue robust measures to end recurrent power cuts. He noted that NAWEC has improved its financial performance, enabling investment in the energy sector.He concluded by urging all SOEs to maintain the momentum, as the government remains committed to building efficient, functional, and robust state enterprises that deliver for the Gambian people.

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