The Gambia’s energy sector is facing significant challenges due to its reliance on foreign suppliers for electricity generation and the depreciation of the Gambian Dalasi against key foreign currencies. This analysis explores the causes of The Gambia’s energy challenges, the direct impact of currency depreciation on energy costs.

The GACH Sand Mining Company on Friday donated 300 solar street lights worth one million two hundred thousand dalasis (D1,200,00) to the community of Sanyang in the Kombo South District of the West Coast Region (WCR). The donation was part of the Mining Company’s corporate social responsibility to the community of Sanyang.

The project is being implemented in five components with the objective of demonstrating the use of energy efficient lighting and appliances as well as promoting the use of efficient cooking stoves in the country.

The solar tunnel dryer is part of the GIZ Micro-Enterprise Startup Support Initiative (MESSI) mini-grant scheme being implemented in partnership with the National Association of Cooperative Credit Unions in The Gambia (NACCUG). In addition, the women also received small equipment and appliances to enhance fish preparation, handling and hygiene.

Gambia’s Sustainable Energy Services Company is launching a tender to install 1,100 PV systems, ranging from 2 kW to 240 kW in size, on 1,000 schools and 99 health facilities.

Gambia’s energy market has been undergoing significant changes in recent years. To support the implementation of the National Energy Policy, the government has established a number of institutions and regulatory bodies responsible for overseeing the energy sector.

By improving the reliability and affordability of electricity supply, smart grids can help to drive economic growth and poverty reduction in the country. Moreover, by supporting the integration of renewable energy sources and decentralized energy systems, smart grids can help The Gambia to achieve its ambitious renewable energy targets.

The European Union (EU) is providing a €24 million grant to The Gambia. Accompanied by an €8 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), the funding will enable the electrification of schools and health centres in rural areas using solar energy.

Overall, 69 additional electrical poles have been installed in North Bank Region since the start of the PACD project in 2021. As of September 2022, 478 Households and 3,824 people had access to electricity in the North Bank Region.