AGP Executive Report

Digital Economy & Youth Tech: Prince Ebrahim Sanyang (EFF-Gambia) says broadband should be an economic right and pledges affordable high-speed internet, regional tech hubs, and digitised government services to cut corruption. Higher Education Funding: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications on September 15 for interest-free tuition support via an online SRLS platform, covering eligible students at UTG, CSU, UEG and USET. Science & Innovation Policy: MoHERST is validating a new National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2027–2035) and STI Bill 2026, aiming to fix past gaps with stronger laws, coordination, an STI Secretariat, an innovation fund, and priorities like AI, cybersecurity and STEM skills. Research & Governance (Border Demarcation): NCAC is supporting the Gambia–Senegal border demarcation with historical maps and archival records to clarify colonial-era boundary lines. Regional Tech & Connectivity: World Bank reports West Africa has expanded cross-border power links by 4,000km, improving electricity access for millions including in The Gambia. Public Health Tech Support: Guinea receives €1.5m in lab equipment to strengthen disease detection. Animal Health Risk Control: Philippines bans imports of FMD-susceptible animals and products from at least 23 countries including Gambia, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks.

Science & Innovation Policy: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology held a national validation workshop for The Gambia’s draft National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2027–2035 and the STI Bill 2026, aiming to fix past gaps like weak financing, coordination and STI data, with priorities including digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI, STEM skills, women’s participation and university-industry links. Higher Education Finance: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme (SRLS) opens online applications on September 15 for interest-free tuition support for eligible new and continuing students at UTG, CSU, UEG and USET. Border Governance (Gambia–Senegal): The Gambia-Senegal border demarcation exercise continues, with the NCAC supporting the work using historical maps and archival records to clarify colonial-era boundary lines. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated to boost coastal connectivity and economic prospects, including future links tied to the planned deep-sea port. Regional Tech/Trade: West Africa expands electricity links with 4,000km of transmission lines, improving cross-border power access for millions. Migration Tragedy: A boat that left Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands was found after weeks adrift, with dozens feared dead.

Science & Innovation Policy: The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology held a national validation workshop for a new National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2027–2035) and the STI Bill 2026, aiming to fix past gaps blamed on weak financing, coordination and STI data, with proposals including an STI Secretariat, a National Research and Innovation Fund, and priority areas like digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI, STEM skills and university-industry links. Higher Education Finance: The Students Revolving Loan Scheme opens applications on September 15 for interest-free tuition support for eligible students at The Gambia’s public universities, with online submission and document preparation urged ahead of the deadline. Digital Identity: The government begins the nationwide rollout of the new biometric national ID (GAM ID), with Greater Banjul enrollment already underway and further registration dates set for early/mid September. Transport & Connectivity: Sanyang Beachside Road (EPC Lot 9) is inaugurated to strengthen coastal connectivity and support future trade and tourism, including plans tied to a deep-sea port. Border Governance (Gambia–Senegal): NCAC is supporting the ongoing Gambia–Senegal border demarcation with historical maps and archival records to clarify colonial-era boundary lines. Public Health Tech (Regional): Guinea-Bissau receives €1.5m in lab equipment to boost disease detection and surveillance. Cybersecurity (Regional): Cybernovr secures ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system. Migration Tragedy (Gambia-linked): A migrant boat that left Gambia about 27 days ago was found adrift off Spain’s Canary Islands; reports say 45 survivors and five bodies were recovered, with dozens feared dead. Drug Enforcement: Gambia’s DLEAG reports arrest of a Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and a suspected drug-manufacturing machine, raising concerns about possible clandestine synthetic drug production.

Gambia–Senegal Border Demarcation: The Gambia resumes its joint border demarcation with Senegal, covering the southern stretch from Touba Tranquil-Dar Salam to Saré Yoro Guèye-Jahanka, with NCAC support bringing historical maps and colonial-era records into the technical process. World Bank Trust Check: A 2026 Gambia Country Opinion Survey says stakeholders’ trust in the World Bank Group has risen, with education, agriculture, skills and health flagged as top priority areas. National Digital ID Rollout: The country begins a nationwide rollout of the new biometric GAM ID, starting around Greater Banjul with scheduled registration dates and a stated fee for first-time applicants. Public Health Lab Boost (Region): Guinea-Bissau receives €1.5m in lab equipment to strengthen disease detection and surveillance, including PCR and immunological testing tools. Cybersecurity Certification: Cybernovr Nigeria secures ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for its information security management system, aiming to improve cyber resilience and governance. Drug Crackdown: Gambia’s DLEAG arrests a Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected drug-manufacturing equipment, raising fears of clandestine synthetic drug production. China–Gambia Education Links: China’s Embassy hosts a Bantaba for scholarship recipients and returning scholars, announcing more students to travel and plans for a joint biology laboratory and a Luban Workshop.

Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has started enrolling citizens for the new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for Sept 7, 11 and 21 and a first-time processing fee of 450 dalasi. Cybersecurity Standards: Cybernovr Nigeria Limited says it has secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system, aiming to strengthen cyber resilience for governments and critical operators. Public Health Lab Boost: Guinea-Bissau received €1.51m in lab equipment (including PCR and immunological testing tools) to upgrade disease detection and surveillance at its national public health laboratory. Regional Power Links: West Africa expanded high-voltage grid connections by 4,000km across 15 countries, helping millions gain electricity access and raising cross-border power trade. Fisheries Transparency: 16 countries endorsed the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries transparency and curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing using low-cost policy reforms. Drug Enforcement: The Gambia’s DLEAG arrested a Nigerian man with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected drug-manufacturing equipment, raising concerns about clandestine synthetic drug production. Science & Education Links: China’s embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, including plans for a joint biology laboratory at the University of The Gambia and a Luban Workshop for engineering training.

Regional Power Upgrade: The World Bank says West Africa has added over 4,000km of high-voltage lines linking 15 countries, helping utilities trade electricity across borders and extending access to power for more than 3 million people in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia (2019–2025). Cybersecurity Credentials: Cybernovr Nigeria secured ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification for its information security management system, aiming to strengthen cyber resilience for governments and critical operators. Gambia Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has begun enrolling for the biometric GAM ID around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for Sept 7, 11 and 21 and a first-time processing fee of 450 dalasi. Public Health Lab Boost: Guinea-Bissau received €1.5m in lab equipment to strengthen disease detection and epidemiological surveillance at its national public health laboratory. Drug Enforcement: The Gambia arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine allegedly used to manufacture illicit drugs. ECOWAS Knowledge for Security: ECOWAS unveiled strategic publications on peacekeeping and peacemaking lessons, including books documenting ECOMOG and other interventions.

Gambia–US Travel & Visas: A fresh U.S. visa tightening is framed as a strategic warning for Africa, with Gambians facing reduced routine access even as some categories remain available. Digital Identity: The Gambia begins a nationwide rollout of the new biometric GAM ID, starting around Greater Banjul with scheduled registration dates and set document requirements. Public Health Lab Boost (Region): Guinea-Bissau receives €1.5m in lab equipment to strengthen disease detection and surveillance, including PCR and immunological testing tools. Drug Enforcement: The Gambia’s DLEAG reports a major arrest of a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a suspected drug-processing machine. Regional Tech & Governance: ECOWAS pushes stronger tourism business associations across West Africa, while ECOWAS also unveils books documenting ECOMOG and peacekeeping interventions. Science & Skills (Gambia-linked): China’s embassy hosts scholarship “Bantaba” events for Gambian students and announces plans for a joint biology laboratory and technical training initiatives. AI & Development (Africa): A new discussion argues Africa must build AI capacity instead of only consuming imported tech.

Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has begun enrollment for the new biometric national ID card (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with registration scheduled for Sept 7, Sept 11 and Sept 21 at designated centers, using passport, birth certificate or an existing ID. Public Health Lab Upgrade: Guinea-Bissau received €1.5m in lab equipment (including PCR and immunological testing tools) to boost disease detection and surveillance at its National Public Health Laboratory. Drug Enforcement Tech Angle: The Gambia’s DLEAG arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected skunk, plus a machine allegedly used to manufacture synthetic drugs—raising fears of clandestine labs. Regional Fisheries Transparency: ECOWAS-backed countries adopted the Mombasa Declaration to improve fisheries transparency and curb illegal fishing using low-cost policy reforms and better shared records. Capital Markets Systems: Nigeria’s SEC says the T+1 settlement cycle is running smoothly, with investors reporting satisfaction and fewer settlement frictions. Education & Research Links: China’s embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and announced plans for a joint biology laboratory and a technical Luban Workshop at a Gambian-focused engineering training setup.

Fisheries Transparency: Sixteen countries, including The Gambia, backed Kenya’s Mombasa Declaration to curb illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing by pushing low-cost transparency rules like better vessel ownership and licensing data. Public Health Tech: Guinea-Bissau received €1.5m in lab equipment (including PCR and immunology tools) to boost disease detection and surveillance at its national public health laboratory. Digital Identity: The Gambia has started a nationwide rollout of its new biometric national ID (GAM ID) around Greater Banjul, with enrollment scheduled across early September. Drug Enforcement & Tech Risk: The Gambia arrested a Nigerian man with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and a suspected drug-manufacturing machine, raising concerns about possible clandestine synthetic drug labs. Regional Capacity Building: ECOWAS unveiled books documenting its peacekeeping and peacemaking interventions, including lessons from missions in The Gambia and other hotspots. Education & Research Links: China’s embassy held a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and announced plans for further cooperation, including a joint biology laboratory at the University of The Gambia.

Digital Identity Rollout: The Gambia has begun nationwide enrollment for its new biometric national ID (GAM ID), starting around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for Sept. 7, 11 and 21 and a first-time processing fee of 450 dalasi. Public Health Tech: Guinea-Bissau received €1.5m in lab equipment from WAHO to boost PCR and immunological testing at its National Public Health Laboratory, strengthening disease detection and surveillance. Drug Enforcement & Lab Risk: The Gambia’s DLEAG arrested a Nigerian man with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected skunk, plus a machine allegedly used to manufacture synthetic drugs—raising fears of clandestine labs. Research Policy Debate: A Gambia NaRDIC bill discussion continues, with calls for clearer public access to the full text and better reporting on how innovation policy will work. Capacity Building: China-Gambia scholarship events highlighted new education cooperation, including plans for a joint biology laboratory and a Luban Workshop at an engineering-focused institution. Workplace Health Gap: A West Africa survey found 62% of workers get no malaria prevention support from employers, including in The Gambia.

Digital Identity Rollout: The Gambia has begun nationwide enrollment for its new biometric national ID (GAM ID), starting around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for early September and a first-time processing fee of 450 dalasi. Public Health Tech Boost: Guinea-Bissau received €1.5m in lab equipment from WAHO to strengthen PCR and immunological testing and improve disease detection at its National Public Health Laboratory. Drug Enforcement & Lab Concerns: Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine believed used to manufacture illicit drugs—raising fears of clandestine synthetic drug labs. Research & Innovation Policy Debate: A NaRDIC bill discussion highlights concerns that many media reports didn’t point readers to the full text, stressing the need for transparency as innovation policy moves forward. Education & Science Links: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, including plans for a joint biology laboratory at the University of The Gambia. AI for Development: A new piece argues Africa must build AI capacity, not just consume imported tools, given gaps in electricity, digital infrastructure, and advanced skills.

National Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia has begun enrollment for the new biometric GAM ID around Greater Banjul, with registration centers scheduled for Sept 7, Sept 11 and Sept 21, and first-time processing set at 450 dalasi under a PPP with Margins ID Systems. Drug Enforcement & Public Safety: DLEAG says it arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine allegedly used to manufacture illicit drugs—its first such equipment case—raising fears of clandestine synthetic drug labs. Research Policy Debate: A commentary questions how well Gambian media covered the NaRDIC bill, noting the full text was hard to find and urging transparency on whether NaRDIC will align with broader “Researchers Access Store” ideas. Education & Tech Capacity: China’s Embassy held a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, highlighting science and IT study links and plans for a joint biology laboratory and a Luban Workshop at an engineering-focused institution. Health & Workplaces: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in The Gambia, pointing to gaps between awareness and employer action. Science for Better Nutrition: A study links nutrient shortfalls to how fisheries are managed and traded, saying countries including The Gambia could gain if more catch is retained locally.

Digital Identity Rollout: The Gambia has started a nationwide rollout of its new biometric national ID (GAM ID), beginning around Greater Banjul, with registration centers scheduled for Sept 7, Sept 11 and Sept 21 and fees set for first-time applicants. Drug Enforcement & Public Safety: The Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets, suspected skunk, and a machine believed used to manufacture illicit drugs—raising fears of clandestine synthetic drug labs. Higher Education & Research Links: The Chinese Embassy hosted a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning students, highlighting science and IT training, announcing more students heading to China in September, and plans for a joint biology laboratory at the University of The Gambia. Public Investment Management: Gambian officials are benchmarking Uganda’s public investment management to address gaps in project conceptualisation, evaluation, implementation, and monitoring. Health & Workplace Action: A West Africa survey for World Mosquito Day found 62% of respondents receive no workplace malaria prevention support, including in The Gambia.

Public Finance Reform: Gambia’s Ministry of Finance officials have begun benchmarking in Uganda on public investment management, focusing on gaps in project conceptualisation, evaluation, implementation, and monitoring—work they say will support needed economic reforms. Digital Identity Rollout: The Gambia has started a nationwide rollout of its new biometric national ID (GAM ID), with Greater Banjul enrollment first and scheduled registration dates across regions starting Sept. 7, Sept. 11, and Sept. 21. Drug Enforcement & Tech Risk: DLEAG says it arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected skunk, plus a machine allegedly used to manufacture synthetic drugs—raising fears of clandestine local labs. Education & Research Links: China’s Embassy held a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, announcing more students for September and plans for a joint biology laboratory and a technical Luban Workshop at a Gambian-linked engineering institution. Health & Nutrition: A global study flags major colorectal cancer risk differences across 185 countries, while another finds nutrient gains could be large if more local fish catch is retained—naming The Gambia among countries with big potential improvements. Workplace Health: A West Africa survey reports 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, including in The Gambia.

Drug Enforcement: The Gambia’s Drug Law Enforcement Agency (DLEAG) says it has arrested a 53-year-old Nigerian, Celestine Ikenna Godwin, with 9,020 ecstasy tablets and suspected drug-making equipment, warning the find could signal attempts to set up local synthetic drug production. Education & Research Links: The Chinese Embassy held a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning scholars, noting nearly 400 students have studied in China since ties resumed and announcing plans for a joint biology laboratory with the University of The Gambia plus a Luban Workshop for engineering training. Tech & Skills Growth: Sena Institute of Technology (SIT) in Ghana is moving toward university status, with plans tied to research, innovation, and product development, including biotechnology-focused training and international exchange links that include The Gambia. Public Health at Work: A West Africa survey for World Mosquito Day found 62% of workers get no workplace malaria prevention support, urging employers to treat malaria protection as part of enterprise health planning. AI for Development: A new analysis argues Africa must build AI capacity rather than only consume tools made elsewhere, warning weak digital infrastructure and research funding could widen inequality.

Solar Energy Finance: ISA has unveiled its Solarising Africa strategy and the Africa50 DRE Fund, aiming to scale solar deployment across distributed renewable energy, solarised agriculture, e-mobility, and utility-scale solar. AI for Development: A new analysis argues Africa must build AI capacity instead of only consuming tools made elsewhere, warning that weak power, internet, and research funding could widen inequality. Education & Tech Links: The Chinese Embassy in The Gambia held a Bantaba for Gambian scholarship recipients and returning students, highlighting plans for a joint biology laboratory and a Luban Workshop for engineering training. Public Health & Nutrition: A global study flags major colorectal cancer risk differences across 185 countries, while another links nutrient shortfalls to fisheries deals that export local catch—naming The Gambia among places that could gain if more seafood stays for local diets. Workplace Malaria: A West Africa survey finds 62% of workers get no employer malaria prevention support, including in The Gambia. Digital Ports: Singapore’s maritime digital twin shows how ports can simulate decisions before spending—useful for future Gambia port planning. Gambia-Relevant Policy: A Gambia-focused piece warns that domestic borrowing and interest costs can make infrastructure “the debt itself,” urging a tougher look at debt sustainability.