Minister Seedy Keita and other participants at the Chief Economists of Government Forum in Banjul
By Buba Gagigo
Gambian Finance Minister Seedy K.M. Keita on Wednesday called for stronger investment in energy infrastructure, linking the nation’s development goals to universal electricity access and sustainable economic growth. Speaking at the Chief Economists of Government Forum in Banjul, Mr. Keita outlined The Gambia’s post-transition economic recovery and emphasized the urgent need for innovative financing to close critical energy gaps.
The conference, held under the theme “Powering Africa’s Future: Energy Access and Financing Options,” convened senior economic advisors, policymakers, and energy experts from across the continent to discuss strategies for expanding access to affordable, reliable power.
In his keynote address, Mr. Keita described The Gambia’s democratic transition in 2017 as a turning point, enabling a period of steady growth, with an average projected rate of 5.0 percent between 2017 and 2024. He credited this recovery to structural reforms, infrastructure investment, and improvements in public services.
The Gambia’s economic performance, the minister noted, has consistently outpaced the averages for both Sub-Saharan Africa and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), except during the pandemic years of 2021 and 2022. He said the government’s fiscal discipline under President Adama Barrow has helped shield the country from global economic shocks.
Domestic revenue has also seen significant gains, rising from 7.1 billion dalasis in 2017 to a projected 20.8 billion dalasis in 2024. Still, Mr. Keita acknowledged that tax revenue, at 11.2 percent of GDP, remains well below the Sub-Saharan African average of 16 percent, signaling a need for further reforms.
Looking ahead, the minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and resilient economy, particularly through investments in high-growth sectors.
Central to this vision, Mr. Keita said, is the expansion of energy access. Currently, about 73 percent of Gambians have access to electricity. The government has set a target of universal access by 2026, with continued support from the World Bank and other development partners.
Mr. Keita warned, however, that persistent financing gaps threaten to slow progress. He urged policymakers and investors to pursue innovative funding models and forge strategic partnerships to build a sustainable, diversified energy system that can drive long-term growth.
“Energy is not just about electricity,” he said. “It’s about opportunity, dignity, and delivering a brighter future for all.”
The government’s energy agenda includes improving the efficiency of public spending, expanding renewable energy sources, and promoting greater private sector participation.
The Banjul forum underscored a broader continental push to close Africa’s energy access gap, which experts say is essential for unlocking the region’s economic potential.