The Gambian government has signed an amendment to a $16m loan agreement with the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) to support the second phase of the University of The Gambia (UTG) project.

The agreement, signed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) and BADEA, will finance the supply of furniture and essential equipment for the new UTG Phase II facilities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy K M Keita, described BADEA as a long-standing and reliable development partner, highlighting its role in supporting The Gambia’s education and infrastructure sectors.

The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology also expressed appreciation to BADEA, noting that the support would strengthen higher education delivery and improve learning conditions for students and staff at the country’s main public university.

BADEA’s President, Abdullah K H Al-Musaibeeh, thanked President Adama Barrow for the continued cooperation between The Gambia and the bank, reaffirming the country’s position as a strategic partner.

He said BADEA remained committed to supporting future priority projects aligned with The Gambia’s development goals.

The signing is expected to significantly expand the university’s capacity and enhance teaching, research and human capital development in The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba