8TH FEBRUARY 2026

Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly,

Honourable Cabinet Ministers,

Honourable National Assembly Members,

Secretary to Cabinet and other Senior Government Officials,

Chief of Staff - Office of the President,

Service Chiefs,

Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps,

Distinguished Development Partners,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am filled with delight to join you in the Central River Region (CRR) for the inauguration of the Electricity Access Project implemented here in Panchang.

I am happy to state that, today, we are not merely switching on electricity but also unlocking doors to opportunity, restoring the dignity of our people, and improving the daily lives of the people of the area.

For many years, rural communities in CRR, such as Panchang, have worked very hard and under difficult conditions. The absence of electricity has meant long hours of physical labour for many and limited openings for meaningful economic activities. Students have struggled to study after sunset, which continually affected their performance at school. Today marks a turning point in this bleak story.

This is a moment of delight to proudly announce that seven hundred and nineteen (719) communities across The Gambia now have access to affordable electricity supply. These include one hundred and fifty-seven (157) communities in the Central River Region. This historic achievement brings us closer to our national goal of universal access to electricity in 2026, well ahead of the global target of 2030.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As this series of inaugural events continues, so will our national electrification rate rise to 90 percent, placing The Gambia at the point of becoming the first country within ECOWAS to achieve universal electricity access.

This is, therefore, a proud moment for our nation, and it particularly belongs to the rural communities that have waited patiently for this day.

Electricity changes lives in very practical ways, and this is what my government is doing in The Gambia. It means our students can now study at night in safe, well-lit homes, improve their learning outcomes, and compete with their peers.

It also implies that our industrious women, who shoulder much of the daily workload in their families, can reduce the burden of hard physical labour.

They can now enjoy access to modern equipment, process food more efficiently, and expand the small businesses that support their families.

It further signifies that farmers, traders, and artisans can increase productivity, preserve their goods, and earn better incomes. Through these openings, this development will widen the doors to a better future for all Gambians.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I sincerely thank our development partners and donors, especially the African Development Bank (AfDB), for their invaluable support to the successful delivery of this Energy Access Project. Our partnership with the AfDB has enabled us bring light to communities that were once left behind. This continued cooperation remains essential and highly appreciated, as we continue our national mission of developing The Gambia.

In recognition of their dedication and commitment to getting all these access projects successfully completed, I equally thank the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, NAWEC, the Project Implementation Unit, and all other relevant stakeholders.

At this juncture, let me assure the remaining ten (10) percent of our communities without access to electricity that my government has made concrete arrangements to provide electricity to every community by the end of 2026.

To support this venture, the Government has allocated the necessary funds in the national budget. Additional financing is also being mobilised through our National Energy Compact, thus raising our investment target to five hundred and fifty-two Million US dollars (US$ 552 million).

Esteemed Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In closing, I would like to emphasise that you must not view this project as mere infrastructure. This is about empowering rural communities, strengthening education, easing the daily burden on people, especially our women, creating jobs, particularly for our youths, and building a more inclusive and resilient economy.

To the communities of Panchang and the Central River Region, I declare: This electricity project is your tool for progress. Use it to educate your children, grow your businesses, improve your livelihoods, and build a brighter future to last for all generations.

Together with you and our partners, we are lighting homes and easing daily life. Accordingly, we are moving The Gambia steadily towards a more prosperous and equitable future. This is what my government stands for.

Hoping that you will make the most of all the opportunities at your disposal, I have the singular honour and privilege to officially commission this Electricity Access Project.

May light continue to shine in every home.