Barrow Pledges Additional D50 Million Enterprise Fund for NPP Women

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has pledged an additional D50 million to expand access to financing for women affiliated with his ruling National People’s Party, saying the initial fund was insufficient to meet demand.

Mr. Barrow made the announcement during a meet-the-people tour meeting in Kaur Wharf Town after a woman raised concerns about women’s access to loans.

The president said the NPP had already made D50 million available to women through an interest-free loan scheme but acknowledged that the fund was not enough to reach all intended beneficiaries.

He said another D50 million would be added to the initiative to allow more women across the country to benefit.

“I am a servant of the women, and I will do whatever they want,” Mr. Barrow said.

Earlier in 2026, Mr. Barrow launched the initial D50 million interest-free loan scheme for NPP women at the party’s headquarters.

The initiative has drawn criticism from opposition figures and activists, who have questioned the source and administration of the funds. Critics have accused the president of using public resources for partisan purposes, discriminating against women who are not NPP members, and using the program to build political support ahead of the presidential election.

The government and the NPP have maintained that the initiative is intended to improve women’s access to financing and support their economic empowerment.