Why is energy important in the Gambia?

The availability of adequate, reliable, affordable and sustainable energy is a critical milestone in the socio-economic development of any country. While less than half of all households in The Gambia have access to elec-tricity, over 90% are still dependent on solid biomass for cooking and heating. This has intensified poverty.

What is the government electrification strategy in the Gambia?

The government electrification strategy has embraced both grid-based and off-grid options. The Gambia has abundant renewable energy resources that could help meet growing demand. The Gambia has abundant solar energy resources across the country, a good biomass resource in most areas, and a modest wind regime along the coast.

Is re a solution to energy problems in the Gambia?

Policy makers across africa have been among the last to embrace Re as a solu-tion to their energy problems. They are often locked into crisis management on a day-to-day basis. The country’s policy makers need to be persuaded that Re has a real future in the energy mix of The Gambia. They need to demonstrate this by their actions.

What will the Gambia's future energy strategy look like?

This should form part of The Gambia’s future energy strategy. high transmission and distribution losses (over 30% in The Gambia) worsen the energy security problem. They also deepen suppressed demand. Those with the ability to pay will turn to on-site generators. all these have economic, social and environ-mental costs.

Should Gambia invest in the energy sector?

Future investment only occurs if there is sufficient confidence that investors today are gaining good returns. The Gambia has an attractive investment environment in tourism and other develop-ment sectors. it needs to broaden this to the energy sector. That means building its own capacity to implement its policies to promote and support Re.

How is electricity financed in the Gambia?

A large proportion of this is already financed through on-going national and regional projects sponsored by development partners. The Gambia is poised to provide access to electricity for all its people. His Excellency, President Adama Barrow has stipulated that there is to be Universal Access by 2025.