GEP's Results-Driven Development Plan
Root Causes of Gambia’s Lack of Modern Infrastructure
- Chronic Underinvestment in Infrastructure
Successive governments have not allocated sufficient capital toward long-term infrastructure projects. Most funds are directed toward recurrent expenses rather than strategic capital investments.
- Over-reliance on Donor Funding & Loans
Infrastructure development is heavily dependent on international donors, development banks, and bilateral aid. This creates delays, fragmented projects, and dependency rather than self-reliance.
- Weak Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Framework
The absence of a strong legal and regulatory framework for PPPs discourages private sector investment in infrastructure. Investors face high risks and little clarity on returns.
- Poor Maintenance Culture
Existing infrastructure deteriorates quickly due to lack of preventive maintenance, poor accountability, and limited technical expertise to sustain projects after completion.
- Limited Technical & Engineering Capacity
Gambia relies heavily on foreign contractors and consultants due to the absence of a robust local engineering and construction industry, increasing costs and reducing knowledge transfer.
- Corruption and Mismanagement of Funds
Leakages, inflated contracts, and political favoritism divert resources away from impactful infrastructure projects, resulting in poor quality and unfinished works.
- Urban–Rural Disparities
Most infrastructure spending is concentrated in the Greater Banjul Area, leaving rural regions without proper roads, electricity, clean water, and ICT infrastructure.
- Lack of Long-Term National Infrastructure Plan
Infrastructure projects are often reactionary, short-term, and politically motivated rather than aligned with a coherent 20–30 year national development strategy.
- Limited Access to Capital Markets
The country lacks mechanisms like infrastructure bonds, sovereign wealth funds, or domestic capital mobilization to sustainably finance infrastructure development.
Feasible, Outcome-Based Approaches (GEP’s Vision)
1. Establish a National Infrastructure Master Plan (NIMP)
- Action: Create a 20-year roadmap that prioritizes roads, energy, ports, ICT, housing, and healthcare infrastructure. Align it with GDP growth targets and regional integration goals.
- Outcome: Long-term stability, continuity across administrations, and strategic investments that position The Gambia as a logistics and trade hub.
2. Mobilize Infrastructure Financing Beyond Aid
- Action: Launch Infrastructure Bonds, attract diaspora investment, and establish a Sovereign Infrastructure Fund to pool national savings for capital projects.
- Outcome: Sustainable financing that reduces dependence on donors and empowers Gambians to invest directly in national growth.
3. Strengthen Public–Private Partnerships (PPP)
- Action: Pass a modern PPP Act with clear regulations to attract private capital into roads, energy, ICT, and ports. Provide guarantees and risk-sharing mechanisms.
- Outcome: Increased private investment, efficient project delivery, and transfer of global expertise into the local economy.
4. Infrastructure Maintenance & Accountability Framework
- Action: Create a National Maintenance Authority to oversee all public infrastructure, ensuring periodic audits, transparent procurement, and preventive repairs.
- Outcome: Longer lifespan of assets, reduced costs of constant reconstruction, and improved service delivery.
5. Build Local Technical Capacity
- Action: Establish a National Engineering & Construction Institute to train Gambians in modern construction, energy systems, ICT, and project management. Require foreign contractors to partner with local firms.
- Outcome: Reduced reliance on foreign expertise, job creation, and transfer of technical skills into the Gambian workforce.
6. Rural Infrastructure Inclusion Program
- Action: Guarantee a percentage of annual infrastructure budget is dedicated to rural electrification, road expansion, water access, and ICT connectivity.
- Outcome: Balanced development, economic growth beyond Banjul, and reduced urban migration pressures.
7. Anti-Corruption & Transparent Procurement
- Action: Digitize and centralize all procurement processes with independent oversight to eliminate inflated contracts and favoritism.
- Outcome: Cost savings, better quality projects, and restored public trust in infrastructure delivery.
8. Modernize Key Sectors for Competitiveness
- Action:
- Expand and modernize the Port of Banjul into a regional shipping hub.
- Develop renewable energy grids (solar, wind) to power industry.
- Build industrial parks with reliable utilities to attract manufacturers.
- Expand ICT backbone with fiber optics and nationwide broadband.
- Outcome: A globally competitive economy that attracts investors, creates jobs, and integrates Gambia into regional and global trade.