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The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea establish diplomatic and trade ties

The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea, Sunday, 29th May 2022 signed four bilateral agreements to establish diplomatic and trade links between the two countries, in a ceremony at the Presidential Palace in Malabo. The agreements are the Joint Communique on the establishment of diplomatic relations between The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea, Cooperation Framework Agreement between The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea, MOU on Diplomatic Consultations between the Foreign Ministries, and Agreement on Reciprocal Exemption of visas for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The Cooperation Framework Agreement establishes the Joint Commission for Economic, Commerce, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation. During the ceremony, President Adama Barrow and his counterpart H. E. Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, President of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, affirmed the mutual benefits of establishing relations between the two countries would yield. President Barrow said the two countries could gain a lot when they work in partnership to exploit their natural resources for the benefit of their people. He said Equatorial Guinea has a lot of natural gas, and The Gambia could benefit from their expertise. He added that he would send a ministerial delegation soon after returning to Banjul to start implementing the agreements. President Nguema Mbasogo said Equatorial Guinea and The Gambia could leverage each other’s potential for mutual benefit. He said Equatorial Guinea consumes a lot of groundnuts, which it Office of the President State House, Banjul The Gambia does not produce and can purchase from The Gambia. He said the development of intra-African trade would save the continent a lot of foreign exchange. President Nguema Mbasogo thanked President Barrow for his participation in the African Union Summit, adding that The Gambia and Equatorial Guinea did not have relations for a long time, noting it is now time for the two to work together. President Barrow in turn thanked President Nguema Mbasogo for his contribution towards ensuring peace prevailed in The Gambia during the political impasse in December 2016. He said The Gambia now has peace and is ready to build a new partnership between the two countries.  

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Libya releases Twelve Gambian from Prison

Twelve (12) Gambian nationals who had already served 1-year jail term in Libya have been released to the Gambian Association in Libya for repatriation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Gambians Abroad announced in a press release that the migrants were released, without charge or condition, on the 28th May and will be repatriated on the next available charter flight. Their return will be facilitated through IOM’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme, and they will be provided with medical and psychological support.

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The Gambia government accepts all but two of TRRC recommendations

The government of the Gambia has accepted all but two of the TRRC recommendations. On Wednesday 25th May the government issued a white paper on the TRRC recommendations six months after they were submitted to the President. The one hundred and the seventy-three-page document was unveiled by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow. Mr. Jallow said all the recommendations are set for implementation in one shape or form. He said the recommendations to prosecute former President Yahya Jammeh and former vice president Dr.Isatou Njie Saidy have been accepted. The government however rejected the recommendation to grant amnesty to the former vice chairman of the AFPRC Sana Sabally. The Government will rename Arch 22 to NEVER AGAIN MEMORIAL ARCH in memory of victims of Jammeh and will renovate it and erect a wall with the names of Jammeh Victims. Honourable also announced that individuals who have been adversely mentioned by the Commission and to serve in various areas of the public and security services will be suspended from service. He said the government will work on a lawful means to effect their dismissal, termination, or compulsory retirement as each case may require.

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Transport, works and infrastructure minister starts familiarization tour

The Minister of Transport, Works, and Infrastructure, Ebrima Sillah is on a familiarization tour of projects under implementation by his ministry. The Minister visited the mausoleum of the first President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara at the National Assembly where he was taken on a tour of the edifice, which is expected to complete in September. Minister Sillah also visited the Ports where he was received by the Managing Director of The Gambia Ports Authority Ousman M. Jobarteh. The transport minister toured various sections of the ports and engaged officials manning diverse operations to understand existing challenges. The minister proceeded to the west coast region where he saw ongoing projects including the Banjul International airport, Brufut, and the Brikama Market. At the Brikama market he was received by the governor of the west coast region. He toured the building project still under construction and the women's fish market. 

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President Barrow To Attend the 16th AU Extraordinary Summit

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency President Adama Barrow will join fellow African leaders in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, for the 16th Extraordinary Summit of The African Union on terrorism and unconstitutional change of Government in Africa.President Barrow and his delegation will depart from the Banjul International Airport on Thursday, 26th May 2022 at 10:00 AM.The summit, which will be held from the 25th to the 28th of May, will seek to draw a continental agenda to prevent and counter the scourges of terrorism and the unconstitutional means of change of government on the continent.The summit is preceded by sessions by heads of various security and intelligence units from countries around the continent. President Barrow will proceed on a two-day working visit after the Summit. 

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REVISED 2020 AND PROVISIONAL 2021 GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT

The Gross Domestic Product for the year 2021 is estimated at a growth of 4.3 per cent compared to the 2020 revised growth of 0.6 per cent showing an increase of 3.7 per cent. In 2021, GDP at constant market prices is estimated at GMD 64.8 billion compared to the revised estimate of GMD 62.1 billion in 2020. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which resulted in an increase in the economic activities in industries within the Agriculture, Industry, and Services sectors.GDP at current market prices is estimated at GMD 104.9 billion in 2021 compared to the revised estimate of GMD 93.3 billion in 2020. GDP per capita is GMD 44,696 which is equivalent to US$ 867 in 2021 as opposed to GMD 40,936 which is equivalent to US$ 802 in 2020. The Services sector continues to be the major contributor to GDP with a share of 57.5 per cent followed by the Agriculture sector with a share of 24.1 per cent and the Industry sector with a share of 18.4 per cent.For the year under review 2021, the Agriculture sector is estimated at a growth of 4.7 per cent compared to the revised growth of 10.6 per cent in 2020 showing a decline of 5.9 per cent. This decline is mainly attributed to the decrease in the production activities of Crop registering a growth of -9.1 per cent and Livestock registering a growth of -9.6 per cent.The Industry sector registered a growth of 10.4 per cent in 2021, which is 2.2 per cent more than the revised growth rate in 2020. The increase in growth in this sector is as a result of an increase in the economic activities of Construction registering a growth of 20.5 per cent and Electricity supply registering a growth of 7.0 per cent.The Services sector is estimated at a growth of 1.9 per cent in 2021 as against the revised growth of -5.0 per cent in 2020 showing an increase of 6.9 per cent. This increase is mainly attributed to the recovery from the negative effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic which increased the economic activities in Arts, entertainment and recreation with a growth of 33.7 per cent; Accommodation and food service activities with a growth of 20.2 per cent; Finance and insurance activities with a growth of 6.5 per cent; and Other service activities with a growth of 6.4 per cent.GDP BY EXPENDITUREGDP by expenditure at current market prices shows that Final consumption expenditure which is an aggregate of consumption expenditures of households, general government, and non-profit institutions serving households is estimated at GMD 102.7 billion in 2021 with a growth of 2.3 per cent, accounting for 96.5 per cent of GDP; compared to the revised estimate of GMD 90.3 billion in 2020 registering a growth of 1.5 per cent,  accounting for 95.9 per cent of GDP.  Gross fixed capital formation which constitutes expenditures on construction, machinery and equipment, and cultivated assets is estimated at GMD 34.1 billion in 2021 with a growth of      -2.3 per cent compared to the revised estimate of GMD 30.2 billion in 2020 with a growth of 44.1 per cent. Gross fixed capital formation accounted for 32.1 per cent of GDP both in 2020 and 2021.Finally, the Trade Balance which is the difference between exports and imports of goods and services contributed -27.9 per cent and -28.6 per cent to GDP in 2020 and 2021 respectively. However, the Trade Balance registered a growth of -11.6 percent in 2021 compared to the revised growth of 81.8 per cent in 2020.  

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Police clamp down on foreign commercial drivers

The Gambia Police Force has announced it embarked on measures to clamp down on the use of commercial vehicles by foreign nationals and the use of private vehicles for commercial purposes on public roads. The Police said in its Poliso magazine that the move is meant to curb road traffic accidents. The exercise that began a week ago, also saw the Police impound tricycles used as commercial vehicles. The police say the situation of the commercial tricycles is being reassessed in line with the Motor Traffic Act and Regulations. Commercial tricycle users and operators have called on the authorities to allow the much-needed means of transport back on the roads.

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African Liberation Day Declared Public Holiday

The Office of the President informs the general public that His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has declared Wednesday 25th May 2022, a Public Holiday throughout the country, in commemoration of the African Liberation Day.

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Fire Destroys large part of Fajikunda Health centre

A fire outbreak on Friday evening destroyed a large part of the fajikunda health Centre leaving several key units unrecognised. The units include the reproductive, child health, public health office, the pharmacy, and the vaccine storage room, causing huge disruption to service delivery at one of the busiest health facilities in Kanifing Municipality. Ramatoulie Camara, the Officer in Charge of the Health Centre says the incident paralyses services at the health facility. She paid tribute to the residents of Fajikunda who helped to put out the fire. Alhagie Sankareh, the Regional Health Director for Western One Region, who visited the scene, said the incident affected what he described as the nucleus of the facility.  The cause has not been established yet.

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Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill in progress

A three-day National CSO/Victims Consultation on the Victims Reparations Bill organised by the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the American Bar Association’s Rule of Law Initiative is underway. The consultation is centred on formulating a representative and inclusive draft reparations bill to present to the government as it finalises the white paper for the implementation of the TRRC recommendations.Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi said the Gambia government and people have resolved to improve the country's human rights situation, the constitutional, legal, and institutional framework. Ismene Zarifis of the American Bar Association assured her association’s support to the Gambia’s justice sector in pursuing justice and accountability.  The Chairman of the Victims Centre Sheriff M. Kijera, said the TRRC reparations program does not adequately address remedial pathways to cater for long-term medical assistance and psycho-social rehabilitation for victims. He said the financial compensation on its own is not enough, and that long-term medical and livelihood supports are essential components of the government's reparations program. Mr. Kijera said victims felt that measures taken by TRRC were inadequate and recommend a post-TRRC reparations committee that would include victims.

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Accused Kerr Mot Ali arsonists remanded in custody

Fourteen men, Omar John, Ali Ceesay, Abdou Mbye, Ali Secka, Ali Ceesay, Musa Mbye, Haddim Ceesay, Mod Talla Secka, Modou Habib Secka, Abdoulie Sowe, Batch Samba, Modou Habib Secka, Sheikh Sey and Mustapha Ceesay are jointly charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit felony and Arson at Kerr Mot Ali the May this year.All fourteen are said to have conspired to commit a felony with Arson and willfully and unlawfully set fire and burned the houses of Musa Secka, Lamin Sowe, and Alagie Ousman Secka to ashes at Kerr Mot Ali. All accused persons pleaded not guilty on both counts as they appear before magistrate Sainey Joof at the Bansang Magistrate court. The prosecution applied for the case to be transferred to the high court and the accused remanded in custody, citing that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the case in accordance with the special criminal code. The case was transferred to the high court and all accused persons were remanded in custody.

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Minister for Basic and Secondary Education tours schools

In her first official outing since re-appointment as the Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Claudiana A Cole embarked on a familiarisation visit to several schools. The schools include New Jeshwang (Kandiba) Lower Basic School, Latrikunda Sabiji Upper Basic, Senior Secondary School, and Muslim High School in Brusubi. The visit accorded her the opportunity to see for herself current ongoing projects the sector is embarking on. At New Jeshwang LBS she saw the construction of twenty-four classroom and twelve office block funded by the MRC Holland Foundation. The construction when complete will accommodate more than 2000 pupils. The Minister then toured the Latrikunda Sabiji UBS and SSS where a magnificent 24 classroom facility was recently handed over to the school after laying the foundation stone one year ago. The 24 classroom block has 6 offices with rams that catered for the differently able persons. In addition to the classrooms, twenty-two toilets were built for the 2688 students and staff of the two schools combined. The Minister and her team also went to the New Muslim High School in Brusubi. The school was relocated from Banjul to Brusubi in the 2021/2022 academic year due to its close location to the Ports and the terrible conditions of the structures. The new Muslim High School in Brusubi is a State-of-the-art facility that has 24 classrooms and 16 toilets and accommodates 1611 students including the Arab section. The familiarization tour gave the Minister the opportunity to meet and discuss with school heads who shared with her some of the challenges the schools face and appealed to her office to help in addressing them. Honourable Cole assured them of her Ministry's commitment to ensuring that the needs of the schools are met.

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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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