By Anna Marie Valentine
Gov’t, World Bank Reaffirm Cooperation for Gambia’s Energy Sector Transformation
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has expressed deep appreciation to the World Bank for its steadfast support in advancing The Gambia’s energy sector. Mr. Lamin Camara, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, made this commendation on behalf of the Minister during a recent joint press conference held in Kololi.
Mr. Camara emphasised that the World Bank’s support has been central to several key developments within the sector, particularly in infrastructure expansion, rural electrification, and promoting private sector investment.
“The World Bank has been instrumental in driving major progress within our energy sector,” he stated. He went on: “Their support has enabled us complete vital infrastructure such as the Soma sub-station and commission our first Independent Power Producer (IPP) project - the 20 MWp solar PV plant in Jambur.”
He further noted that the Jambur Solar Park, as The Gambia’s first competitively procured solar photovoltaic IPP project, stands as a milestone in public-private collaboration.
“It shows clearly that the private sector has confidence in The Gambia and is ready to invest in our power sector.”
PS. Camara also highlighted the ongoing rural electrification initiative, supported under the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP), which aims to bring power to more than 400 schools and health centres nationwide.
“These efforts are crucial in achieving our goal of universal access to energy by 2025. Reliable electricity in health and education facilities translates directly into improved services for our people,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Matarr Touray, the World Bank representative in The Gambia, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the government’s ambitions for a modern, reliable, and sustainable energy system.
“The World Bank Group has been and will continue to be a trusted development partner to the Government of The Gambia. So far, we have committed over $200 million to the energy sector,”Mr. Touray disclosed.
He further outlined the Bank’s strategy, which focuses on three core pillars: increasing access to electricity, improving reliability, and enhancing sustainability, particularly through investments in solar and regional energy sources.
“Our strategic focus is strongly aligned with the government’s priorities,” he said. “The Soma Solar Park is one of several transformative projects currently underway. Once completed, it is expected to contribute 150 MWh of clean energy to the national grid.”
Mr. Touray added that energy demand in The Gambia remains concentrated during peak hours, with 83% of consumption occurring in that window, making improvements to supply capacity essential.
“Reliable electricity is not just about convenience; it is a driver of economic growth and social development, we are proud to support The Gambia’s efforts in this area.” He said.
He concluded by assuring continued collaboration between the World Bank and the Ministry through technical assistance, investment, and capacity building, also involving other arms of the World Bank Group, such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
The Gambia is demonstrating what is possible when leadership, commitment, and international partnership come together in pursuit of sustainable energy development.
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy has expressed deep appreciation to the World Bank for its steadfast support in advancing The Gambia’s energy sector. Mr. Lamin Camara, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, made this commendation on behalf of the Ministry during a recent joint press conference held in Kololi.
Mr. Camara emphasised that the World Bank’s support has been central to several key developments within the sector, particularly in infrastructure expansion, rural electrification, and promoting private sector investment.
“The World Bank has been instrumental in driving major progress within our energy sector,” he stated. He went on: “Their support has enabled us complete vital infrastructure such as the Soma Substation and commission our first Independent Power Producer (IPP) project - the 20 MWp solar PV plant in Jambur.”
He further noted that the Jambur Solar Park, as The Gambia’s first competitively procured solar photovoltaic IPP project, stands as a milestone in public-private collaboration.
“It shows clearly that the private sector has confidence in The Gambia and is ready to invest in our power sector.”
PS. Camara also highlighted the ongoing rural electrification initiative, supported under the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP), which aims to bring power to more than 400 schools and health centres nationwide.
“These efforts are crucial in achieving our goal of universal access to energy by 2025. Reliable electricity in health and education facilities translates directly into improved services for our people,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Matarr Touray, the World Bank representative in The Gambia, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting the government’s ambitions for a modern, reliable, and sustainable energy system.
“The World Bank Group has been and will continue to be a trusted development partner to the Government of The Gambia. So far, we have committed over $200 million to the energy sector,”Mr. Touray disclosed.
He further outlined the Bank’s strategy, which focuses on three core pillars: increasing access to electricity, improving reliability, and enhancing sustainability, particularly through investments in solar and regional energy sources.
“Our strategic focus is strongly aligned with the government’s priorities,” he said. “The Soma Solar Park is one of several transformative projects currently underway. Once completed, it is expected to contribute 150 MWh of clean energy to the national grid.”
Mr. Touray added that energy demand in The Gambia remains concentrated during peak hours, with 83% of consumption occurring in that window, making improvements to supply capacity essential.
“Reliable electricity is not just about convenience; it is a driver of economic growth and social development, we are proud to support The Gambia’s efforts in this area.” He said.
He concluded by assuring continued collaboration between the World Bank and the Ministry through technical assistance, investment, and capacity building, also involving other arms of the World Bank Group, such as the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
The Gambia is demonstrating what is possible when leadership, commitment, and international partnership come together in pursuit of sustainable energy development.
