The International Development Association (IDA), the lending arm of the World Bank for the world’s poorest countries, has approved a $52.6 million grant to The Gambia to finance a major infrastructure upgrade, officials announced Friday. The grant, approved on May 29 through the IDA Board’s absence of objection procedure, will support the Gambia Infrastructure Project — an ambitious initiative aimed at enhancing access to resilient transport and energy networks across key regions of the country. The project is designed to strengthen service delivery capacity in vital sectors, targeting improvements that will benefit tens of thousands of Gambians. According to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, the program focuses on five main components: Resilient Infrastructure Access — upgrading roads and energy networks to improve reliability; Policy and Planning — developing strategies and governance frameworks to ensure effective sector management; Service Delivery Modernization — boosting efficiency in infrastructure services; Project Management and Capacity Building — providing technical support and training for stakeholders; and Contingent Emergency Response — enabling rapid response to unforeseen challenges. Under the plan, about 60 kilometers of rural and urban roads will be rehabilitated or upgraded, while 80 communities will be connected to the national electricity grid. The upgrades are expected to directly benefit 40,000 people in targeted areas. In addition, 100,000 residents in urban centers will gain improved access to electricity, including 65,000 who will benefit from enhanced road infrastructure. The initiative also seeks to build institutional capacity for key government agencies, including the Ministry of Transport, the National Road Authority, the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority. Funding will support project management efforts and training to ensure long-term sustainability and efficient implementation. “This grant marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen The Gambia’s infrastructure backbone,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs. “By improving connectivity and energy access, we are laying the foundation for economic growth and improved quality of life for our citizens.” The Gambia Infrastructure Project is part of a broader development strategy to foster resilience and inclusivity, aligning with the country’s goals for sustainable development and poverty reduction.
