President Adama Barrow has presided over the signing of two major agreements covering renewable energy and waste management, with a combined investment value of US$215m.

At State House, the government signed an agreement with Solaris Africa Ltd (Mark Cables FZE) for Phase Two of the Soma Solar Park, featuring 148.44MWp of solar photovoltaic capacity and 85MW of battery storage.

The US$169m project includes a 25-year Power Purchase Agreement signed by the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC). It is expected to help meet evening electricity demand, reduce reliance on costly fuel-based generation and improve power supply reliability.

Energy Minister Nani Juwara said the project could generate 250 gigawatt-hours of electricity annually when commissioned.

President Barrow also presided over the signing of a US$46m Integrated Waste Management Project with Ghanaian company Jospong Group.

The project will introduce modern waste collection, sorting, recycling and disposal systems in Banjul, Kanifing and Brikama, with the potential to create thousands of jobs.

The two agreements form part of the government’s efforts to expand clean energy, improve waste management and attract investment into The Gambia.