AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS Youth Integration Push: ECOWAS has launched School Clubs in The Gambia, aiming to spread regional peace, unity and sustainable development through student and youth engagement, with officials urging critical thinking and warning against misinformation. IMF Support for The Gambia: The IMF approved about US$23m for The Gambia, disbursing SDR16.58m and extending reform programmes under the ECF and RSF, while noting resilience but warning of inflation pressures and risks. Migration Crackdown: Immigration officers in Tanji intercepted 91 would-be irregular migrants (including 22 Gambians, 63 Senegalese and minors) and arrested four suspected smugglers, stressing protection of young people from false promises. Top Court on Auditor General: The Supreme Court’s July 7 ruling on the former Auditor General removal is framed as a constitutional moment protecting independence of key offices, with state liabilities including salary arrears and damages. Human Rights & Health: The UN Human Rights Council adopted a landmark resolution on neglected tropical diseases, backed by African states including The Gambia, linking NTDs to inequality and access to water, housing and education. Trade Finance Deal: ITFC signed a US$250m, three-year framework with The Gambia to support trade finance, energy imports and food security.

Gambia Politics & Courts: The Supreme Court is set to rule on a challenge to the Auditor General’s removal, a case that could clarify how far the presidency can reach into independent constitutional offices. Human Rights & Justice: Campaigners are watching closely as the court weighs the FGM ban’s future, with fears the protections for girls could be weakened. Immigration & Rights: A High Court order has temporarily blocked the removal of a man declared persona non grata, after an ex parte restraining order limited to seven days pending a full hearing. Governance & Accountability: Commentaries and public calls continue over alleged mistreatment by immigration officers and broader concerns about security-sector neutrality ahead of the next election cycle. Sports: Lam Basse is named for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, while Baalor Sarr FC won the men’s GFF FA Cup. Regional Spotlight: Tanzania’s central bank says it bought about 28 tonnes of gold in 18 months to strengthen reserves, with the disclosure made during the African Caucus meeting hosted in Banjul.

IMF/World Bank Caucus in Banjul: President Adama Barrow urged stronger Africa–IMF/World Bank partnership, calling for investment, innovation and inclusion, with a focus on closing infrastructure and financing gaps. Social Security Cooperation: Nigeria’s NSITF began a week-long study tour with The Gambia’s SSHFC on improving employees’ compensation administration. Central Banking Spotlight: Liberia’s CBL Governor Henry Saamoi received an African Central Banking Award in London, praising trustworthy markets to attract capital. Digital Payments in the Region: BanffPay (Liberia) secured a PSP license and says it will launch a unified Pay-In/Pay-Out API for digital wallets and cross-border payments. Sports & Youth: The Gambia named Lam Basse for the 2026 Commonwealth Games; young women’s justice fellowship trained fellows to tackle child marriage and gender inequality. Football: Baalor Sarr FC won the men’s GFF FA Cup after a penalty shootout. Environment & Compliance: Government pledged tougher enforcement under a new environmental law and reforms to strengthen plastic bag ban compliance.

Migration Pressure: A new AFP report says the US is using visa bans and cash to force African countries to accept “third-country” deportees, leaving many in a “legal black hole” and sometimes dumped without papers. Regional Finance Crime Fight: GIABA inaugurated its 2025 annual report in Dakar, urging ECOWAS states to keep strengthening anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing as cybercrime and illicit flows grow. GAM ID Rollout: President Adama Barrow launched The Gambia’s unified National Identity Management System, GAM ID, with instant biometric cards and a new data centre at Abuko. Irregular Migration Warning: Gambia Immigration says smuggling networks are exploiting border and coastal vulnerabilities, with voluntary returns rising from Libya. Women’s Rights in Court: Survivors in Wellingara await the Supreme Court ruling on the FGM ban, fearing daughters could face renewed trauma. Agriculture: Rice farmers warn urea fertiliser shortages could cut this season’s harvest, urging urgent government action. Sports & Youth: Unique Foundation donates D100,000 to support grassroots football via the Gambia Football Academies Association. Public Services & Security Fees: MPs recommend reviewing and possibly ending the Securiport airport security-fee contract after complaints and audit concerns.

National Identity Rollout: The Gambia has launched GAM ID, its first unified national identity management system under a public-private partnership with Margins ID Group, with President Adama Barrow receiving the inaugural ECOWAS-compliant card after live biometric enrolment—aimed at ending fragmented identity records and improving security and public service delivery. Parliament Oversight: The National Assembly’s Public Enterprises Committee has set a late-July deadline for Gambia Ferry Services Company to explain the disappearance of a ferry worth over D13 million, after audit findings raised serious governance and documentation gaps. Migration & Human Security: ECOWAS Parliament begins a two-phase campaign in Banjul and Dakar to warn youths about irregular migration, trafficking and modern slavery, urging people to “Ask First, Move Safely.” Environment: The Environment Ministry says it spent about D1.2 million in five days enforcing the plastic bag ban, while officials admit enforcement is costly and legal delays are weakening accountability. Youth, Jobs & Education: President Barrow told NPP students at a Bantaba townhall that education funding and youth empowerment will be stepped up, including scholarships, teacher recruitment and skills/apprenticeship programmes. Finance: Trust Bank reports deposits rising to over D12 billion and total assets reaching D14.69 billion in 2025, citing stronger customer confidence. Sports & Community: Serreh Sanneh wins U18 long jump gold in Dakar; Unique Foundation donates D100,000 to support grassroots football through the Gambia Football Academies Association.

National ID Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, with instant GAM ID issuance after biometric enrolment, and President Adama Barrow was the first to receive the card. The Interior Ministry says a pilot starts 6–10 July with Immigration Department personnel, followed by notaries public (13–17 July), then staged community registration, before nationwide continuous registration begins 4 August with mobile teams to reach remote areas. Voter Register Update: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election, urging voters to scrutinise details and correct errors (with D50 fees for claims/objections). Public Finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told the National Assembly that 2025 government revenue reached D33.1 billion as public accounts were laid before MPs. Security Briefing: Police IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations exist for operational vehicles. ECOWAS Deployment: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, rotating NIGCOY 10 and moving equipment via C-130H sorties in late May. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and announced D32m in business grants for the first cohort, with each beneficiary receiving D50,000–D75,000. Sports & Football: The Gambia Football Federation is validating plans for a future professional league, bringing stakeholders and GFF executives together to review the business plan. Regional Cooperation: The Gambia and Indonesia wrapped up the second Indonesia-Gambia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in Banjul, including relaunching the ARFTC agricultural training project and signing a joint communique and MoU framework.

National Identity Rollout: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System with instant GAM ID issuance, starting with a pilot for Immigration staff (6–10 July) before continuous nationwide registration begins 4 August, using fixed centres plus mobile teams for harder-to-reach communities. Elections Watch: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December presidential election, and it says it has deleted names of over 14,000 voters who registered multiple times in 2026. Public Finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told Parliament that 2025 government revenue reached D33.1 billion, as audited accounts were laid before lawmakers. Security Update: Police IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended the force’s response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations are available, while urging public cooperation. Regional Cooperation: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, and Russia says it will open new diplomatic missions in The Gambia among other African states. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and announced D32m in business grants for the first cohort. Sports & Culture: Gambia’s football league plans move forward with stakeholder validation for a professional league business plan.

National ID Rollout: The Gambia has launched a National Identity Management System, with instant issuance of the GAM ID and a pilot starting 6–10 July for Immigration Department personnel, followed by notaries and other registration phases before nationwide continuous registration begins 4 August. Voter Register Update: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election, with voters urged to scrutinise details and correct errors. Security Briefing: Police IGP Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended the force’s response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations are available for operational vehicles. ECOWAS Mission Troops: Nigeria airlifted 198 personnel to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, with rotation of Nigerian Company 10 and movement of equipment. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and announced D32m in grants for the first cohort. Sports Governance: Stakeholders are validating plans for a Gambia professional football league business model. Regional Diplomacy: Russia says it will open new diplomatic missions in The Gambia and other African states.

National Identity & Elections: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System (NIMS) with instant issuance of the GAM ID, and the Interior Ministry says new National ID card registration will roll out via a pilot starting 6–10 July (Immigration staff), then notaries (13–17 July), with continuous nationwide registration beginning 4 August. The IEC also confirmed it will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election, including a D50 fee for claims or objections. Public Finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told lawmakers government revenue hit D33.1 billion in 2025 as public accounts were laid before the National Assembly. Security: Police chief Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations exist, while the force held an emergency briefing in Banjul. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and announced D32 million in business grants for the first cohort. Regional Cooperation & Sports: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for an ECOWAS peace mission, while Gambia football stakeholders are validating plans for a future professional league. Tech & Youth: Google Play launched a $1m Indie Games Fund for African developers across 32 countries.

National ID Rollout: The Interior Ministry says The Gambia’s new National Identity Card will move from a July pilot to nationwide continuous registration starting 4 August, with mobile teams covering communities beyond fixed centres. Elections Watch: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December presidential election, including steps to correct multiple registrations. Public Finance: Finance Minister Seedy Keita told lawmakers government revenue hit D33.1 billion in 2025 as audited accounts were laid before the National Assembly. Security Update: Police chief Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent killings, saying suspects are in custody and fuel allocations are available, while an emergency briefing outlined ongoing investigations. Governance Probe: MPs set an end-of-July deadline for the Gambia Ferry Services Company to explain the disappearance of a Farafenni ferry worth over D13 million. Women’s Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and announced business grants of D50,000 to D75,000 for the first cohort. Regional Peacekeeping: Nigeria airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia for the ECOWAS mission, supporting rotation and operational readiness. Sports & Youth: GFF stakeholders validate plans for a professional league, while rural students face long walks to school and calls grow for bicycles to ease access.

ICC Withdrawal Watch: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have started the one-year process to leave the ICC, with the court warning the move could weaken efforts against impunity. ECOWAS Mission Logistics: Nigeria’s Air Force airlifted 198 troops to The Gambia in May for the ECOWAS mission, rotating personnel and equipment. Women’s Economic Empowerment: President Barrow certified 730 young women under SWEDD+ and said each will receive D50,000–D75,000 business grants, with D32 million earmarked for the first cohort. Football Governance: Stakeholders are validating the business plan for a proposed Gambia professional league. Workplace Safety & IP: A validation workshop is training stakeholders to use innovation and intellectual property tools to reduce occupational accidents and diseases. Elections Integrity: The IEC says it has deleted names of over 14,000 voters who registered multiple times in 2026, while keeping them in the 2021 register. Public Finance Scrutiny: MPs set July deadlines for GIA and GFSC to explain audit failures, including a missing Farafenni ferry worth over D13m. International Ties: Gambia reaffirmed commitment to stronger ties with Indonesia, and sports cooperation with Azerbaijan was highlighted in Baku.

Gambia Politics: The IEC has registered the UNITE Movement and the All Inclusive Party (AIP) as political parties, confirming both met legal requirements and are now expected to set up functional regional offices ahead of the 2026 polls. Agriculture & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Dr. Demba Sabally says major rice and farming projects are on track, citing land preparation, irrigation works, seed and fertiliser support under programmes including ROOTS and P2-P2RS. Digital Tax Reform: The GRA has begun a pilot phase of electronic invoicing to modernize tax administration, aiming to cut paperwork, improve compliance and strengthen revenue collection. National Identity & Telecom Upgrade: Barrow has launched a national identity management system with instant biometric cards, while PURA moves to a nine-digit numbering system as The Gambia prepares for a major telecom change. Women’s Empowerment: Barrow approved over D32 million for the SWEDD+ project, supporting entrepreneurship training for out-of-school girls and young women. Football: Colley Stars won the GFF Second Division title after a dramatic final day, while SWESO released fixtures for the 2026 Nawettan qualifying round.

ICC Withdrawal: Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali have notified the UN they will withdraw from the Rome Statute of the ICC, with critics warning victims of abuses lose a key route to justice. Youth & Jobs: GYCC marked 10 years with its Skill Rise 3.0 forum, pushing youth-led innovation from skills to enterprise. Community Dialogue: ActionAid’s bantaba forum in CRR strengthened dialogue with local leaders on projects, food security and fertiliser practices. Bilateral Ties: Indonesia and The Gambia reopened the ARFTC training centre in Jenoi under the Indonesia–Gambia Joint Commission, aiming to boost regional food resilience. Politics & Security: UDP condemned alleged excessive force against NDP leader Kebba Madi Bojang’s associate, while NDP leader also alleged plans to deport German businessman Rainey. Tax Modernisation: GRA launched a pilot electronic invoicing system to modernize tax administration and improve compliance. Elections & Parties: IEC confirmed registration of UMC and AIP, bringing registered political parties to 24. National Development: Barrow approved over D32M for SWEDD+ to train 738 out-of-school young women and girls in entrepreneurship. Transport & Trade: Banjul port cargo handling delays persist despite GPA reforms, lawmakers say. Sports: Colley Stars won the GFF Second Division title; SWESO released fixtures for the 2026 Nawettan qualifying round. Telecom Upgrade: PURA announced a shift to nine-digit phone numbers from 4 September 2026. Fuel Prices: Fuel prices dropped, with petrol and diesel reductions announced by government.

National Identity Push: President Adama Barrow has launched The Gambia’s National Identity Management System (NIMS) and inaugurated a National Data Centre in Abuko, saying the biometric, instant-enrolment system will speed up access to services, cut duplication and fraud, and strengthen security. Telecom Reform: PURA announced a major shift to a nine-digit national phone numbering plan starting 4 September 2026, with existing numbers kept and new two-digit prefixes added for Africell (87), QCell (83) and Comium (86). Parliament Oversight: The National Assembly’s Public Enterprises Committee questioned a Gambia Ferry Services Company liability of over D1.2 billion, citing no written agreement supporting the arrangement, and urged a formal agreement by end of July. Health Sector Funding: Lawmakers ratified a $37.5 million deal to expand the University of The Gambia School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. Political Updates: The IEC registered the Unite Movement for Change as a political party ahead of the 2026 polls, while former Vice President Dr Isatou Touray launched her independent presidential bid. Football Development: Stakeholders are set to validate a business plan for a professional football league, aiming to create jobs and offer youth a safer alternative to “backway” migration.

National Identity & Data: President Adama Barrow launched The Gambia’s National Identity Management System (NIMS) and inaugurated a national data centre in Abuko, saying the biometric, instant-enrolment system will speed up services, cut duplication and fraud, and strengthen security. Telecom Reform: PURA confirmed a major shift to nine-digit phone numbers starting 4 September 2026, with existing numbers staying the same but gaining a two-digit prefix (Africell 87, QCell 83, Comium 86) during a transition period. Parliament Oversight: The National Assembly’s Public Enterprises Committee questioned a D1.2 billion ferry liability tied to the Gambia Ports Authority, citing lack of a written agreement, and urged a formal deal by end of July. Health Education Funding: Lawmakers ratified a $37.5 million financing agreement to expand UTG’s School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences. Politics: The IEC registered the Unite Movement for Change as a political party ahead of the 2026 polls, while former Vice President Dr Isatou Touray launched her independent presidential bid, promising a “Third Republic.” Sports Development: Football stakeholders will validate a business plan for a professional national league, aiming to create jobs and offer youth a local alternative to “backway” migration. Agriculture & Food Security: The Agriculture Minister outlined a roadmap to reach rice self-sufficiency by 2030, including developing 20,000 hectares, improved seeds, and mechanisation.

Gambia Security & Governance: President Adama Barrow has promoted and reassigned senior military leaders, confirming Major General Ousman Gomez as Chief of Defence Staff and reshuffling top commands across the army and guards. Crime & Justice: A Banjul High Court sentenced Ismaila Janneh to death for the 2023 Brufut Ghana Town stabbing murder, with the judge warning that knife violence driven by anger and revenge must stop. Public Safety & Youth: Another report highlights rising tobacco harm in Brikama, where a 10-year-old says he smokes daily after being used to buy cigarettes for an adult. Agriculture & Food Prices: Government has started distributing free organic fertiliser nationwide, alongside subsidised chemical fertiliser, with warnings against smuggling and capped purchases. Politics & Elections: A legal explainer says political party registration requires 10,000 registered voter declarations and a D2 million deposit, with 22 parties already registered. Sports: Berewuleng FC retained the GFF Women’s First Division title after a 5-0 win over Yakar FC, while Team-Gambia confirmed key men’s athletics sprinters for the Commonwealth Games.