Gov’t Sets 2026 Push to Finish 355km of Roads, Upgrade Seaport and Airport

By Fatou Krubally

The Gambia Government plans to complete 355 kilometers of priority roads and upgrade major transport hubs—including the seaport and airport—under the D55.29 billion 2026 national budget presented Friday by Finance Minister Seedy Keita at the National Assembly.

Themed “Improving the Well-Being and Quality of Life of Gambians,” the 2026 budget places infrastructure at the center of the country’s development agenda. Minister Keita reported that several key road projects are nearing completion: the Banni–Salikene–Njaba Kunda road is 85 percent complete, while the Brufut–Madiana–Banyakang–Kunkujang MarIMA stretch has reached 87 percent. Urban road works in Banjul are also at their final stages. Nationwide, road projects have achieved a 70 percent completion rate.

“Investment in transport infrastructure is central to our strategy for economic transformation and service delivery,” Keita said, noting that improved roads will enhance safety, cut travel times, and expand access to markets and essential services.

Beyond roads, the government plans to advance work on the Sanyang Deep Seaport early next year. The project is expected to accommodate larger vessels, reduce freight costs, and boost trade. Upgrades at Banjul International Airport—including an ultramodern passenger terminal—will proceed through a public-private partnership, a move authorities say will attract investment, support tourism growth, and strengthen trade corridors.

The budget also allocates D1 billion annually for electricity subsidies. Agriculture will receive D900 million for crop financing and fertilizer subsidies, while D300 million is earmarked for the National Food Security, Processing and Marketing Corporation to reinforce food security programs.

Despite limited fiscal space and a public debt now at D129.5 billion, the government maintains that targeted investments in transport, agriculture, and energy will drive economic resilience, spur job creation, and improve living standards. Keita stressed that the 2026 budget aims to balance development priorities with prudent management of public finances.

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 By Fatou Krubally The Gambia Government plans to complete 355 kilometers of priority roads and upgrade major transport hubs—including the…
The post Gov’t Sets 2026 Push to Finish 355km of Roads, Upgrade Seaport and Airport appeared first on .