President Adama Barrow has launched the commissioning of rural electrification projects across The Gambia, as the government steps up efforts to achieve universal access to electricity by the end of 2026.

The commissioning exercise officially began on Saturday in Njongon Village, North Bank Region, where the President inaugurated a newly completed electricity project, bringing power supply to the community for the first time.

Speaking at the event, President Barrow described the project as part of a wider national effort to transform rural livelihoods and close the development gap between urban and rural areas.

He said for far too long, many Gambian villages have lived without electricity, a situation he noted has affected daily life, limited business opportunities, and placed a heavy burden on women.

“Many rural communities endured life without electricity for decades,” the President said, noting that the absence of power forced families to rely on manual labour and traditional methods for household work, while restricting the growth of local enterprises.

Rural electricity key to development
President Barrow stressed that rural electrification is not only about lighting homes, but also about supporting economic activity, improving public services and giving young people opportunities to thrive within their own communities.

He said access to electricity strengthens local businesses, improves productivity for farmers, and supports services such as education, healthcare, communication and security.

The President told residents that his government is committed to “rewriting the story of rural development,” and ensuring that no Gambian is left behind in national progress.

According to figures announced during the commissioning, 719 communities across The Gambia have now been electrified, including 209 communities in the North Bank Region alone.

Officials said the achievement represents a major step in the country’s drive to expand electricity coverage nationwide, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach areas.

President Barrow commended partners, contractors and stakeholders for what he described as successful service delivery, saying the progress made so far reflects the impact of sustained cooperation and investment.

He also reaffirmed that his government will continue to prioritise infrastructure development, especially projects that directly improve living conditions for ordinary Gambians.

The government says the rural electrification drive is central to its goal of achieving universal access to electricity by the end of 2026, as part of broader national development priorities.

The commissioning exercise is expected to continue in other regions in the coming days as more communities are formally connected and projects are handed over for use.

By Adama Makasuba