The Gambia government and the World Bank Group have called for urgent measures to speed up development projects and ensure that financial commitments deliver tangible benefits for the country.

The call was made during a Joint Country Portfolio and Performance Review (CPPR) held at the OIC Conference Centre in Bijilo, where officials assessed a development portfolio valued at approximately US$624 million.

The meeting brought together senior government officials, implementing agencies, project coordinators and World Bank teams to examine progress, identify bottlenecks and agree on measures to improve project delivery.

Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Seedy K.M. Keita said the World Bank remains an important development partner, providing financial resources, technical expertise and institutional support across key sectors.

These include human capital, agriculture, infrastructure, digital connectivity, tourism, energy and climate resilience.

Keita said The Gambia’s national World Bank portfolio currently comprises five ongoing operations with total commitments of approximately US$357.95 million, of which 47.2 percent has been disbursed.

He stressed that the size of the portfolio places a responsibility on government institutions and implementing agencies to ensure that committed resources translate into meaningful development results.

The Minister identified procurement and contract execution delays, weaknesses in contract management and supervision, gaps between contract signing and implementation, poor work planning and institutional capacity constraints as challenges affecting delivery.

He called for improved project preparation, early procurement and stronger capacity within implementing agencies.

World Bank Group Resident Representative Franklin Mutahakana said the review provides an opportunity to assess project performance, address implementation challenges and agree on a concrete action plan.

He also pointed to delays in procurement, project readiness, safeguards implementation and decision-making as factors slowing progress.

Mutahakana highlighted the activation of a Contingent Emergency Response Component to support The Gambia’s response to the economic impacts of the Middle East crisis.

He said the success of the portfolio should be measured not by signed commitments or disbursements alone, but by the development outcomes achieved.

The review is expected to produce a roadmap to strengthen accountability, address bottlenecks and improve the pace and effectiveness of World Bank-supported investments in The Gambia.

By Adama Makasuba