In a major boost for households and businesses across the Greater Banjul Area, The Gambia has signed US$11.9 million contract with Chinese firm TBEA Co Ltd to overhaul the region’s ageing electricity network — a move set to transform power supply for more than 80,000 residents.
The agreement, signed under the China-Aid Greater Banjul Area Electricity Improvement Project, will see the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) rehabilitate medium- and low-voltage networks, install modern equipment, and expand connections across the region over the next 18 months.
For thousands of families, schools, health facilities, and small businesses, the project promises something they have long waited for: reliable, affordable electricity.
Powering Communities, Transforming Lives
The initiative will extend the grid to more than 40 previously underserved communities and is expected to deliver tangible improvements — fewer outages, lower transmission losses, and greater access for homes and enterprises alike.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Hon. Nani Juwara, thanked the Government and people of the People’s Republic of China for their continued support of The Gambia’s socio-economic development.
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to achieving universal electricity access, describing reliable and affordable power as central to the country’s development agenda.
NAWEC Managing Director Mr. Gallo Sidy said the true measure of the investment would not be in contracts or ceremonies, but in results.
“The real measure of the investment will be more reliable electricity, fewer outages, improved service delivery and greater access for households and businesses,” he said, noting that the improvements would support economic activity, education, healthcare, and community wellbeing.
A Milestone in China-Gambia Partnership
Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Liu Jin, described electricity as one of the five priority areas of China-Gambia cooperation.
He said the project would increase the load-bearing capacity of power lines, reduce transmission losses, and address unstable power supply and insufficient coverage across the region.
The Ambassador expressed confidence in TBEA to deliver the project to high standards, while encouraging technical exchanges and vocational training to help build a skilled local workforce.
The project stands as another milestone in the enduring partnership between The Gambia and China — and, for the tens of thousands set to benefit, a brighter and more dependable future is now within reach.
The deal, however, has revived public attention on TBEA’s past dealings in The Gambia. In December 2017, the company transferred more than GMD 33 million to the Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow Foundation, established by First Lady Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, while pursuing an electricity contract with NAWEC.
The transaction drew scrutiny from opposition figures and civil society, who questioned whether the payment was linked to TBEA’s business interests. Although no wrongdoing was proven, calls were made for authorities to investigate. At the time, the foundation explained that the funds were used to finance President Adama Barrow’s official trip to China, noting that routing the money through the Central Bank would have caused delays.
As The Gambia embarks on this new electricity improvement project, the government faces renewed pressure to ensure transparency and accountability in foreign-backed infrastructure deals.
