National Assembly Approves $37.5 Million Financing for UTG Medical School Expansion

By Fatou Sillah

The National Assembly on Wednesday approved the ratification of a $37.5 million financing agreement between the Islamic Development Bank and the Government of The Gambia to expand the University of The Gambia’s School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences.

The agreement, presented by Finance and Economic Affairs Minister Seedy Keita, is intended to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by increasing its capacity to train medical professionals and improve access to quality medical education.

Mr. Keita told lawmakers that the financing package consists of a $14 million concessional loan, an $18 million installment sale facility, and $4.4 million in grant funding. The grants include $4 million from the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Foundation for Humanitarian Works and $400,000 from the Islamic Development Bank.

“The bank is providing support to the Republic of The Gambia through concessional financing for the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences for a total amount of $37.5 million,” the minister said.

According to Mr. Keita, the project will expand the university’s medical school, increasing student enrollment capacity from 3,600 to 6,000 while providing modern teaching facilities, research infrastructure and advanced laboratory equipment that meet international standards.

The expansion will also introduce new academic programs, including physiotherapy and biomedical sciences, while strengthening existing disciplines such as medicine, nursing and public health. The project further includes curriculum reforms, faculty development, international training opportunities, and enhanced community-based clinical training.

Mr. Keita described the initiative as a strategic investment in the country’s human capital, saying it aligns with the government’s broader development agenda by strengthening education and addressing the persistent shortage of healthcare professionals.

“The development of the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences is a strategic national initiative aimed at addressing the shortage of medical professionals,” he said.

Lawmakers subsequently approved the financing agreement, paving the way for the implementation of the project.