By Abdou Mbye, Communication Officer – Office of the Vice President (OVP)
His Excellency Mohammed BS Jallow, Vice President of The Gambia, delivered a keynote address at the African Heads of State Energy Summit on Tuesday, 28 January on behalf of HE President Adama Barrow and the Gambia government. The high-profile event, held at the Julius Nyerere Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was organized by the African Union, the World Bank, and the African Development Bank. It brought together African leaders, ministers, and key stakeholders to strategize on achieving universal electricity access for over 300 million people across the continent.
In his address, VP Jallow underscored the transformative role of energy in driving national development, economic empowerment, and modernization. He described the summit as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration among African nations and international partners in the collective pursuit of universal electricity access by 2030.
“We are gathered here today, united by a shared mission to address one of Africa’s most pressing challenges—energy access,” VP Jallow stated.
“We must do everything in our power to provide adequate, reliable, and affordable electricity across the continent. Resolving Africa’s energy challenge will attract investment, spur industrialization, and enable the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises, which are the backbone of economic prosperity.”
He reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to expanding electricity access, highlighting that the country is on track to provide power to 90% of its population by June 2025. He also expressed gratitude to development partners for their continuous support, emphasizing the summit is a valuable opportunity for meaningful dialogue and strengthened partnerships.
“In The Gambia, our leadership remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming the energy sector,” he declared. “Our target is ambitious yet achievable: universal electricity access by the end of 2025, coupled with an uninterrupted 24/7 power supply and a diversified energy mix. By 2030, at least 60% of our electricity will be generated from clean and renewable sources.”
The summit, attended by high-level dignitaries focused on innovative solutions to bridge Africa’s energy gap, seeks to accelerate sustainable development and create economic opportunities for millions. VP Jallow’s remarks reinforced The Gambia’s proactive approach to aligning with continental and global energy goals.
