BROADCAST DATE:
31ST DECEMBER 2024
Fellow Gambians,
Residents and Friends of The Gambia,
All praise is due to Allah, the Almighty for sparing us to live through another calendar year.
As we usher in 2025, we can all rejoice with gratitude for the successes registered in 2024. Since the advent of the Covid 19 Pandemic, our economic, social, and general welfare fared much better during these twelve (12) months than before. Remarkably, this is so, in spite of the ongoing global economic crises and the battle against price hikes and shortages of essential commodities.
Our policies and programmes are certainly paying dividends and, looking into the future, there are huge prospects ahead.
Regardless of the few horrible crimes recorded during the year, The Gambia remains peaceful, especially in comparison to many other countries. This stability has contributed to the state of the economy, which is growing steadily, as confirmed by International Monetary Fund assessment reports. Revenue collection is improving satisfactorily, thus facilitating the implementation of major development projects, some of which are fully funded by Government.
The Tourist season in the country is booming again and, from October to December 2024, 233,411 tourists have been recorded. It is projected that 263,764 tourists will visit the country during the 2024-2025 tourist season.
Progress made in infrastructure development is formidable. Our road network is developing at a rapid pace, and it is re-defining travel, business, and social life in communities across all regions of the country. Our institutional reforms are progressing very well, with various Commissions in full operation.
The Gambia’s international ratings continue to rise by the year. Our profile has changed remarkably, and our credibility has grown worldwide. As evidence of this, currently, The Gambia holds key positions at both the African Union and the United Nations (UN). In addition, according to the 2024 Global Expression Report of Article 19, The Gambia is ranked third as Africa’s leading defenders of freedom of expression.
