President Adama Barrow inaugurated the country’s first high-voltage energy infrastructure project in Salaji in a landmark move to modernize The Gambia's energy sector. 

The project, executed under the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP), is set to transform power transmission and distribution across the nation.

The ambitious initiative, funded by the World Bank Group, the European Union, and the European Investment Bank, comes as part of The Gambia’s broader strategy to ensure a stable, affordable, and sustainable power supply. Speaking at the inauguration, President Barrow emphasized that energy remains a critical pillar in the country’s economic development.

The project introduces key energy infrastructure, including an 18km-225kV transmission line from Brikama to Jabang, a state-of-the-art National Control Centre, and several high-voltage substations to reinforce the power grid. 

These upgrades are expected to significantly reduce frequent power outages and stabilize the electricity supply, particularly in the Greater Banjul Area.

President Barrow highlighted the project as a testament to his administration’s commitment to addressing The Gambia’s long-standing electricity challenges. “Since 2017, we have prioritized and heavily invested in the energy sector, and today we are seeing the results.

"Today in the heart of West Coast Region, here we are at a profound historical moment of our country, commissioning the first national high voltage infrastructure, which for the first time, enables transmitting of high voltage through a long distance," he said.

International partners hailed the development as a crucial step in The Gambia’s energy transformation. Keiko Miwa, World Bank Country Director for The Gambia, stressed that the new infrastructure will enhance NAWEC’s efficiency, ensuring a more resilient energy supply. 

The EU’s Ambassador, Immaculada Roca I Cortés, underscored the importance of reliable electricity in driving economic growth and improving livelihoods.

With over 800,000 Gambians set to benefit from the project, officials reaffirmed their commitment to expanding energy access nationwide. 

Governor Ousman Bojang of the West Coast Region described the commissioning as a historic moment, noting that the region, home to nearly half the country’s population, will now enjoy improved electricity services.

The government has pledged to continue expanding the country’s energy infrastructure, aligning with the Strategic Energy Roadmap 2021-2024. As The Gambia marks its Diamond Jubilee, this latest milestone signals a future of greater energy security and economic progress.