The ECOWAS Commission has applauded President Adama Barrow for The Gambia’s “timely achievement” in expanding electricity access, describing the country as a front-runner in the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project (ECORIC).

Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, congratulated The Gambia for outpacing other participating countries in delivering reliable and sustainable electricity under the regional initiative.

Speaking on behalf of ECOWAS, Dr. Touray commended President Barrow’s leadership, noting that The Gambia has become the first country in the sub-region to reach the electrification target set under the project.

The development, according to ECOWAS, reflects the country’s strong commitment to improving energy access, particularly in rural and underserved communities, where electricity remains a key driver of economic growth, education, healthcare delivery and job creation.

The World Bank also hailed the country’s progress. World Bank Representative Franklin Muntahakana praised The Gambia’s performance, stressing that the country is edging closer to full national electrification.
“The country is closer to achieving universal access,” he said.

The ECORIC project is designed to accelerate access to electricity across ECOWAS member states through improved infrastructure, expansion of national grids, and increased deployment of sustainable energy solutions.

The Government of The Gambia said it remains committed to driving progress and development nationwide, as it continues efforts to extend electricity coverage and strengthen the reliability of power supply across the country.

By Adama Makasuba