Project to benefit over 100,000 people with improved roads and electricity connections
WASHINGTON, May 29, 2025 - The World Bank has approved $52.6 million in financing for The Gambia to improve transport and energy infrastructure access in select areas and strengthen institutional capacity for service delivery. The project will directly benefit over 100,000 people through enhanced road connectivity and expanded electricity access.
The Gambia Infrastructure Project will focus on building climate-resilient infrastructure while supporting the country's ambitious goals of universal energy access and improved rural connectivity. Key investments include constructing 60 kilometers of rural and urban roads, connecting 80 rural communities to the electricity grid, and upgrading critical energy infrastructure in the Greater Banjul Area.
"The Gambia has made progress toward universal electricity access and is positioned to achieve this goal by 2030, building on the M300 initiative. This project leverages that success while also addressing critical infrastructure gaps that leave over 400,000 Gambians without reliable road access," said Franklin Mutahakana, World Bank Group Resident Representative in The Gambia. "By strengthening both energy sector efficiency and transport connectivity, The Gambia is creating integrated infrastructure solutions that reduce costs for consumers while improving access to markets and essential services for rural communities."
The project includes innovative approaches such as the development of an active mobility corridor with dedicated bicycle lanes, solar-equipped street lighting, and a credit enhancement mechanism to unlock $60 million in private investment for renewable energy development aimed at reducing the cost of energy production. These initiatives align with The Gambia's Long-Term Climate-Neutral Development Strategy 2050.
This landmark operation represents a significant milestone in the World Bank's partnership with The Gambia, marking the institution's renewed strategic engagement in the transport sector. This achievement builds on two years of comprehensive analytical work, including the Infrastructure Sector Assessment Program (InfraSAP), and extensive dialogue with Gambian authorities to develop a robust foundation for sustainable infrastructure development.
"Technical assistance will support the modernization of vehicle inspection and emission testing systems, helping improve the overall quality and safety of The Gambia's transport fleet, " said Hatem Chahbani, Senior Transport Specialist and Co-Task Team Leader of the project at the World Bank. "The project also includes developing comprehensive implementation roadmaps for fleet renewal schemes that will help transport operators access financing to upgrade their vehicles, ultimately improving service quality and reducing operational costs."
Building on The Gambia's electricity sector transformation supported by sustained World Bank investments since 2016, the project addresses critical grid stability challenges that continue to disrupt daily life and economic activities in urban areas.
"Strategic grid investments will accommodate increasing renewable energy sources while improving overall system reliability. The approach aims at upgrading two primary substations and replacing overloaded secondary substations to enhance urban grid stability," said Matar Touray, Energy Specialist and Co-Task Team Leader of the project at the World Bank. "The rural electrification component is designed to extend the grid to connect communities within 2 kilometers of existing infrastructure, supporting the country's goal of universal access by 2030."
The project will construct approximately 142 kilometers of medium voltage lines, 350 kilometers of low voltage lines, and 92 substations to expand rural electricity access. Urban improvements include upgrading two primary electrical substations and replacing 10 overloaded secondary substations to enhance grid reliability. Road investments will focus on climate-resilient standards using both engineering and nature-based solutions.
