AGP Executive Report

Global Health Watch: WHO says a hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship has reached 11 cases with 3 deaths as of 13 May, but there are currently no signs of a wider outbreak—while officials stress it’s not COVID. Digital Governance: Gambia Revenue Authority boss Yankuba Darboe urged Gambians to embrace digitalisation, saying technology transformed tax collection from under 3bn dalasis (2006) to over 3bn in a single month. Health & Testing: A new Gambia study flags fungal infections that can mimic TB in patients who test negative, pointing to a need for better diagnostics. Education Upgrade: University of Education, The Gambia, has launched its first degree programmes, expanding teacher-focused undergraduate and postgraduate options. Money & Markets: Bank of Gambia reports food inflation at 6.7% and highlights digital finance momentum, while GRA pushes transfer pricing capacity-building. Sports Development: GFF gets CAF approval to host the CAF A Coaching Diploma in The Gambia. Tech & Inclusion: Wave renews its pledge to keep digital financial services affordable.

Migration Crackdown: The US Coast Guard warned that people-smuggling networks often treat migrants “as cargo,” including cases where women and children were locked below deck and abandoned when danger hit. Higher Education Push: Gambia’s University of Education has launched its first degree programmes, rolling out new undergraduate and postgraduate options aimed at expanding specialised teacher training. Jobs & Growth Planning: Stakeholders validated an EU-backed report on five priority economic sectors—agribusiness, construction, ICT/creative tech, green/circular economy, and cultural/creative industries—focused on skills and MSME opportunities. Inflation Watch: Bank of Gambia Governor said food inflation rose to 6.7% and the current account deficit widened, while remittances and stable dalasi helped cushion shocks. Football Coaching Upgrade: Gambia Football Federation secured CAF approval to host the CAF A Coaching Diploma, a first for the country. Justice: A man was sentenced to life in prison for raping a 4-year-old. Finance Policy: NGX CEO urged Nigeria’s central bank to treat capital market development as macroeconomic necessity.

Gulf of Guinea Security Push: Nigeria’s President Tinubu is set to launch the African Union’s combined maritime task force in June, aiming to curb transnational organised crime across the Gulf of Guinea, with Gambia among the early participating countries. Gambia Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 wrapped up with a MoU between The Gambia’s wrestling federation and the Canary Islands’ wrestling body, focused on cultural exchange and youth development. Education Upgrade: The University of Education The Gambia unveiled its first-ever degree programmes, expanding teacher-focused training from BSc and BA education tracks to postgraduate options. Digital Finance Momentum: Wave renewed its pledge to keep digital financial services affordable and accessible, targeting wider inclusion. AI in Finance: Bloom Bank hosted a forum urging the sector to adopt AI to boost efficiency—while stressing it should support professionals, not replace them. Public Health Watch: A new study highlights Gambia’s open bread-selling food safety risks, even as awareness of contamination dangers is high. Roads at Home: President Barrow inaugurated major road expansion works in URR and CRR under the Connect Gambia initiative.

Sports Diplomacy: TOLAC 2026 wrapped up with a new MoU between The Gambia and Spain’s Canary Islands wrestling federations, aiming to boost athlete training, cultural exchange, and youth development. Higher Education: The University of Education The Gambia (UEG) launched its first-ever degree programmes, including new undergraduate and postgraduate options focused on teacher education and specialised learning. Digital Finance: Wave renewed its push for cheaper, more accessible digital financial services in The Gambia, arguing cost must not block inclusion. AI in Finance: Bloom Bank hosted a forum urging wider AI adoption across the finance sector, with speakers stressing AI should automate tasks, not replace professionals. Energy Skills: VRA is running regional training to grow local capacity for solar mini-grids and renewable energy systems. Governance & Policy: The Gambia Revenue Authority continues transfer pricing capacity-building with support from ATAF and the World Bank, targeting tax avoidance risks in cross-border business.

Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now warned at the ACHPR in Banjul that many African governments still fail to protect women and girls in law and in practice, citing gaps on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, healthcare access, and discriminatory marriage property rules. Capital Markets: Ojaja Pan Africa is aiming to raise up to N25bn through its series 1, 2 and 3 commercial paper issuance, closing May 22, to fund working capital and cocoa trading plus retail expansion. Food Safety Alert: A new Gambia bread-selling study finds people know the risks of open-air sales—dust, flies, dirty hands and poor wrapping—but unsafe practices remain widespread, raising concerns about diarrhoea, cholera and food poisoning. Education Upgrade: The University of Education The Gambia launched its first-ever degree programmes, rolling out new undergraduate and postgraduate options. Digital Finance Access: Wave MD renewed its pledge to make digital financial services simpler, more affordable and more accessible. Student Union Tension: UTG students’ union inauguration turned chaotic as part of the cabinet walked out over a deputy sports minister dispute.

Women’s Rights Push: Equality Now urged African governments at the ACHPR session in Banjul to close legal gaps on sexual violence, FGM, online safety, reproductive healthcare, and discriminatory marriage property rules—warning that commitments are not translating into protection or justice. Food Safety Warning: A new Gambia-focused study finds open bread sales are a growing health risk: loaves are often displayed in dusty, fly-prone roadside and market settings, with contamination sources like dust, dirty hands, smoke, and poor wrapping linked to illnesses such as diarrhea and cholera. Higher Education Milestone: The University of Education The Gambia launched its first-ever degree programmes on 19 May, unveiling new undergraduate and postgraduate offerings as it fully shifts into a specialized teacher-education university. Energy Skills Boost: VRA is training 20 energy professionals on solar mini-grid development, aiming to build local expertise across West Africa.

Civil Service Reform Push: The 2026 International Civil Service Conference opens in Abuja (May 20–21) under “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” with delegates from across Africa and beyond expected to focus on delivering real public outcomes, not just policy promises. Tax Integrity Training (Gambia): The Gambia Revenue Authority has started a transfer pricing technical assistance mission with ATAF and the World Bank, training staff on functional and comparability analysis to curb profit shifting by multinationals. Clean Energy Skills (Gambia-linked): VRA begins solar mini-grid “training of trainers” for 20 energy professionals from Ghana and The Gambia, aiming to multiply renewable energy know-how across West Africa. Regional Connectivity: President Barrow launched major road projects under the Connect Gambia Initiative, including 385km in URR and 395km in CRR, funded domestically to cut transport costs and open markets. Internet Regulation: PURA warns that unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspots are illegal and signals enforcement and registration steps for operators.

Tax Enforcement Push: The Gambia Revenue Authority has kicked off a transfer pricing technical assistance mission, training staff on compliance, risk work and audit simulations with support from ATAF and the World Bank—aimed at stopping profit shifting by multinationals in banking, telecoms and shipping. Health & Nutrition: A new global study links food-based prenatal energy-and-protein supplements to better birth weights and fewer high-risk newborns. AI Snapshot: A new 2026 map shows AI use is highest in smaller economies like the UAE and Singapore, while the U.S. lags in everyday adoption. Healthcare Capacity: Merck Foundation says it has funded 2,600+ medical scholarships across 52 countries, including support reaching The Gambia. Digital Land Debate: A call is growing for a digital land system built with local money and talent. Connectivity Rules: PURA warns against operating public Wi‑Fi hotspots without proper authorization.

Governance & Borders: A new EU Schengen update says irregular crossings fell 26% in 2025, with Frontex also reporting fewer detections early in 2026—yet smuggling risks remain, especially on busy routes. Security: US and Nigerian forces carried out coordinated airstrikes in Borno, killing 20+ ISWAP militants after a top commander was eliminated. Gambia Infrastructure: President Barrow launched Connect Gambia road works—781 km of paved all-weather routes across CRR and URR—pushing domestic financing and promising lower transport costs for farmers and traders. Digital Policy: PURA warned against unauthorized public Wi‑Fi hotspots and flagged an upcoming registration push. Women’s Rights: In Banjul, African groups renewed action against violence against women, including tech-facilitated abuse. Internet & Starlink: Starlink’s Gambia prospects are being debated as cost hopes clash with national security concerns. Jobs Debate: A political scientist questioned government’s 163,000 job claim, calling for clearer, verifiable breakdowns.

Counterterror Strike: The US and Nigeria carried out coordinated airstrikes in Borno’s Metele area, killing more than 20 ISWAP militants after the death of a top commander, with both sides saying no personnel were harmed. ICE Rights Debate: A fresh backlash is growing over claims that US citizens can be detained in ICE facilities “as the new normal,” even when deportation is framed as limited. Women’s Safety Push: Africa is uniting in Banjul to tackle violence against women, with attention on cyberstalking and tech-facilitated abuse. Roads for Connectivity: President Barrow launched 385km of new all-weather roads across URR and CRR under Connect Gambia, funded domestically, aiming to cut transport costs and boost market access. Starlink Tension: Starlink’s Gambia future is being debated—security concerns clash with fears of economic loss from expensive, slow internet. Local Politics: UMC held its maiden congress and elected a new executive ahead of 2026 polls. Media Dispute: A public letter demands an apology from The Republic’s editor over alleged false Jammeh-assets reporting.

France–Russia Power Shift: France’s Sahel and West Africa military footprint keeps shrinking, with recent withdrawals and expulsions leaving a vacuum Russia is rushing to fill—though the “win” story looks messier on the ground. Climate Diplomacy: African parliamentarians meeting in Nairobi pushed for one united stance on climate and methane talks, arguing financing and targets must match Africa’s development realities. Energy Push: The Africa Energy Forum is set for Cape Town (16–19 June), spotlighting capital for transmission, industrial power, and renewable projects. Gambia Connectivity Watch: PURA warned against unauthorized public Wi‑Fi hotspots and flagged an upcoming registration drive for operators. Fisheries Data Upgrade (Gambia): FAO donated tablets to help fisheries extension workers collect and report data faster and more accurately. Education & Skills (Gambia): TAKE‑M ran a spelling competition in Brikama, rewarding top performers with cash and trophies. Health Alert (West Africa): A major report says high-strength tapentadol from India is still reaching West Africa, fueling an opioid crisis.

Sahel Power Shift: France’s long-running military footprint in West Africa keeps shrinking fast, with recent withdrawals and Russia moving into the vacuum—though the “win” story looks messier on the ground. Youth Football Shock: Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets miss the 2026 AFCON and the World Cup pathway after failing to qualify through the WAFU Zone B slot rules. Climate & Methane Diplomacy: African parliamentarians meeting in Nairobi push for a united continental voice and legally stronger methane financing, arguing voluntary pledges aren’t moving fast enough. Gambia Connectivity Watch: PURA warns against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi access points and signals an upcoming registration push. Fisheries Data Boost (Gambia): FAO donates tablets to help fisheries extension workers collect and report data digitally. Education & Skills: TAKE‑M runs a spelling competition in Brikama, while WAEC calls for better teachers and facilities to lift results. Opioid Alarm (West Africa): Reports say high-strength tapentadol from India is still reaching the region, fueling a growing “zombie drug” crisis.

Climate Diplomacy: African parliamentarians ended a Nairobi seminar pledging a united front on climate and methane talks, pushing for financing and targets that match Africa’s development, food security, and national realities. Energy Push: The Africa Energy Forum heads to Cape Town (16–19 June), with organisers stressing “execution” as investors back transmission, industrial power, and renewables. Gambia Tech & Data: FAO donated tablets to The Gambia’s fisheries extension workers to speed up digital data collection and cut errors in reporting. Connectivity Rules: PURA warned against unlicensed public Wi‑Fi hotspots after finding operators working without proper authorisation. Education Boost: TAKE-M ran a spelling competition in Brikama, with winners taking cash prizes and support from mobile money and corporate partners. Health & Safety Watch: A wider West Africa alert continues over reports of high-strength opioid tapentadol shipments from India, raising renewed calls for tighter controls.

Climate & Methane Diplomacy: African parliamentarians wrapped up a Nairobi seminar pledging a united continental position on climate and methane talks, pushing for financing and rules that match Africa’s development priorities, food security needs, and national realities. Gambia Connectivity Regulation: PURA warned that operating public Wi‑Fi access points without proper authorization is illegal, citing unlicensed operators found around the country and signaling further enforcement. Fisheries Data Upgrade (Gambia): FAO donated tablets to Gambia’s fisheries extension workers to speed up digital field data collection and cut delays and errors in reporting. Education & Skills (Gambia): TAKE‑M ran a spelling competition in Brikama, rewarding top performers and partnering with mobile money and corporate sponsors. Regional Tech/Policy Context: Across Africa, lawmakers and institutions are also debating how to strengthen governance, accountability, and cross-border cooperation—from climate negotiations to university standards and security planning.

India-Africa Forum Summit: New Delhi is set to host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit on May 31, with senior and foreign ministers’ meetings lined up for May 28 and 29, under the theme IA-SPIRIT focused on innovation, resilience, and inclusive transformation. Gambia Health Spotlight: Dr Fatoumatta Jarjusey shares her path into obstetrics and gynaecology and her push for stronger women’s healthcare. Africa–China Knowledge Links: A seminar at the University of The Gambia urges deeper research and people-to-people ties beyond trade. Fisheries Data Boost: FAO donates tablets to help Gambia’s fisheries extension workers collect and manage data faster and with fewer errors. Connectivity Crackdown: PURA warns that unlicensed public Wi‑Fi access points are illegal and signals an upcoming registration drive. Education & Youth: TAKE‑M runs a spelling competition in Brikama, while WAEC calls for better teachers and facilities to lift results. Weather Watch: Gambia’s 2026 rainy season is forecast for mid‑June to late October, mostly below-normal to normal rainfall.

India–Africa Summit: New Delhi will host the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit on May 31, focused on innovation, resilience and inclusive transformation, with senior and foreign ministers’ meetings set for May 28 and 29. Women’s Health: Dr Jarjusey renews the push for better maternal and reproductive care in The Gambia, spotlighting local specialist training and the barriers women still face. Africa–China Knowledge Links: A seminar at the University of The Gambia brings academics and journalists together to deepen Africa–China cooperation beyond trade, into research and governance. Fisheries Data Boost: FAO donates tablets to help Gambian fisheries extension workers collect and manage data faster and more accurately. Rainfall Outlook: 2026 rainy season forecasts point to Below Normal to Normal rainfall, with most areas unlikely to exceed 700mm and the season expected to end after Oct 20. Connectivity Rules: PURA warns against operating unauthorized public Wi‑Fi access points and signals upcoming registration for operators. Students’ IQ: TAKE-M runs a spelling competition in Brikama, rewarding top performers with cash and trophies. Regional Tech & Policy: ECOWAS moves toward a counterterror force, while Nigeria’s education and procurement capacity gets a World Bank-backed SPESSE funding boost.