The Central Bank of The Gambia has signed a $75 million currency swap agreement with African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) to finance key road infrastructure projects across the country.

The landmark deal was formalised on 23 July 2025 during Afreximbank’s 32nd Annual Meetings held in Abuja, Nigeria.

Under the five-year arrangement, Afreximbank will provide U.S. dollars in exchange for Gambian dalasi, enabling The Gambia to fund critical road projects without drawing from its foreign currency reserves or increasing its external debt load.

Proceeds from the swap will be used to develop strategic road networks aimed at improving connectivity between rural communities and urban centres. The goal is to boost the movement of agricultural produce and industrial goods, thereby enhancing domestic trade and economic development.

The National Roads Authority (NRA) will lead the implementation of the projects and issue bonds to support the transaction. These bonds will serve as collateral for the facility provided by Afreximbank.

Oakwood Green Africa has been appointed to offer technical assistance to both the Central Bank and the NRA throughout the project.

The initiative is part of Afreximbank’s wider mission to accelerate infrastructure development and trade facilitation across the African continent.

This article was originally published in French by Chamberline Moko.