VENUE: SDKJICC DATE: 13TH JUNE 2025: Honourable Cabinet Ministers, World Bank Resident Representative, Senior Government Officials and Security Service Chiefs, Members of the Diplomatic Corp Distinguished Guests, Esteemed Members of the Press, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am always thrilled to attend functions that showcase development initiatives aimed at improving the lot of Gambians. This event is one of them, for nothing is more important than our public service, noting that a lot depends on its disposition and ability to deliver services promptly.

A public service reflects the characteristics and state of development of the nation it serves. As a result, I am proud to be here in person to officially launch The Gambia Public Administration Modernisation for Citizen Centric Service Delivery Project, or PAMP.  

This truly transformative initiative, developed in collaboration with the World Bank, is part of my government’s resolve to establish a stronger, more efficient, and better structured public service.

The project marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s journey towards a transparent and citizen-focused public service. In this context, the PAMP represents a crucial cornerstone for achieving our national objectives of consolidating democratic governance, accelerating green economic and social transformation, and building resilience against future shocks.

For too long, The Gambia’s public service has faced challenges that have occasionally hindered its ability to deliver services effectively and equitably. We now consider it imperative to modernise our service delivery systems, develop sufficient capacity, and entrench a culture of accountability and transparency across all levels of government.

This approach is not, therefore, a mere administrative ploy. It is based on a strong conviction to empower Gambian citizens, ensure that their voices are heard, and that the services they rightfully deserve are delivered with efficiency and integrity.

Ladies and gentlemen, we must realise with certainty that realising our vision of shared prosperity, adequately strengthened institutions, and social equity will never be fulfilled outside Gambian territory. It must be done from within.

Supported by the innovative Programme for Results instrument of the World Bank, the PAMP is strategically designed to use in-country mechanisms and systems to achieve our national goals and objectives.

This approach will allow us to closely link the design and implementation of our reform programmes, while building upon and strengthening our existing systems. It will also engender our ownership of the delivery process and the long-term sustainability of the ensuing project results and impact

The project focuses on three key inter-connected results areas that are vital for enhancing service delivery. The first pertains to attaining Enhanced Domestic Resource Mobilisation and Financial Reporting.

This pillar aims to strengthen our tax administration and policy through the implementation of an Integrated Tax Administration System and an enhanced management of tax expenditures.

Another pillar seeks to realise Enhanced Human Resource Management aligned with our Civil Service Reform agenda. The genesis is obvious: a modern and efficient public service requires a well-managed skilled workforce.

Recognising that education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of our nation’s future, the third pillar puts emphasis on Enhanced Citizen Engagement in Education. It seeks to foster greater transparency and accountability within the education sector. Improved access to information and well-established mechanisms for a two-way communication channel between service providers and citizens are key features of this pillar.

The re-design of the School Report Card instrument to incorporate public feedback and the dissemination of Facility Barometer Reports will empower communities to actively participate in overseeing and demanding better educational outcomes. The inclusion of a "green" school certification component in this process also underscores our commitment to environmental stewardship and awareness.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, The integration of an Investment Project Financing (IPF) element into this Programme for Results instrument is a strategic move that acknowledges the learning curve involved in such a significant undertaking. This IPF component will provide crucial technical assistance, capacity building inputs, and change management support, hence ensuring a solid foundation for achieving and sustaining the desired results.

Essentially, the project complements other ongoing initiatives supported by the World Bank and other development partners. It also resonates strongly with our commitments under the Paris Climate Agreement and our Nationally Determined Contributions, particularly through the introduction of climate audits and the promotion of environmental awareness in schools.

The Disbursement Linked Indicators of the project suffice as evidence of our will to achieve tangible results. These indicators will ensure that disbursements are directly linked to the successful implementation of key reform endeavours and develop, in the process, a culture of performance and accountability.

Ladies and Gentlemen, We are embarking on this journey with the full support of the World Bank and the expressed dedication of all the implementing entities. Despite this, we acknowledge that the challenges we face are many, but so are the opportunities.

By improving on the way we raise and manage our resources, ensuring efficiency in our expenditures and institutions as well as putting people at the centre of the governance cycle, we will steadily pursue a direct course towards a more resilient, just, and prosperous future.

I call upon all stakeholders in and out of government, development partners, and Gambian citizens to actively engage in and support the successful implementation of the PAMP.

Working together, we can build a public administration that is truly modern, citizen-centred, and a source of national pride.

With these remarks, I have the singular honour and privilege to officially declare the Public Administration Modernisation Project launched. May it usher in a new era of an effective and accountable public service in The Gambia.

Thank you for your attention.