Barrow Promises Uninterrupted Electricity, Lower Tariffs After Signing $160 Million Solar Deal

By Makutu Manneh

President Adama Barrow has pledged to ensure an uninterrupted electricity supply and reduce electricity tariffs following the signing of a $160 million solar energy contract, which he described as the largest of its kind in The Gambia’s history.

The president made the announcement at State House during a ceremony attended by hundreds of people who declared their support for him and the National People’s Party (NPP) Grand Alliance.

Speaking at the gathering, President Barrow said the agreement would provide 148 megawatts of solar power generation capacity, exceeding what he described as the country’s current electricity requirements.

He hailed the project as a major milestone in The Gambia’s energy sector, saying it would help address longstanding electricity shortages and ease the financial burden on households and businesses.

“The capacity of the project is more than the current electricity needs of the country and is expected to address the hardship Gambians have been facing over electricity supply,” President Barrow said.

According to the president, once the project becomes operational, Gambians will benefit from a reliable, uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the year, alongside a reduction in electricity tariffs.

He expressed confidence that the investment would significantly improve electricity availability and affordability, two persistent challenges facing the country.

President Barrow also disclosed that the agreement was signed with a company whose owner, he said, owns a bank valued at D9 billion.

However, the president did not provide details about the company’s identity, the project’s implementation timeline, or when consumers could expect the promised tariff reductions.

The announcement comes as electricity supply and rising energy costs remain major concerns for Gambian households and businesses.