On February 20, 2025, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia inaugurated the Electricity Transmission and Distribution Modernisation Project in the Greater Banjul Area. This event was part of the country's Diamond Jubilee Independence Day Anniversary Celebration.
President Barrow highlighted the project's significance, describing it as a historic moment for The Gambia. "The project is the result of the excellent partnership and collaboration between my government and the European Union, the World Bank, and the European Investment Bank," he stated. He expressed gratitude for their contributions to the nation's development.
The initiative aims to modernize The Gambia's power supply system by transitioning from an analogue to a digital network. It includes upgrading the transmission network from thirty-three (33) Kilo Volts to two hundred and twenty-five (225) Kilo Volts. This upgrade marks a first in the country's history: a national high voltage transmission line connected to a national control center and SCADA system.
President Barrow emphasized that since 2017, his government has prioritized investments in energy infrastructure, leading to more stable power supply compared to previous years. "As spelt out in our Strategic Electricity Roadmap (2021-2040), this commitment to the energy sector will continue relentlessly until the whole country has access to uninterrupted, affordable, and sustainable power supply," he said.
A significant benefit of this project is its potential integration with regional networks like OMVG and West African Power Pool. This connection could enhance The Gambia's energy security by allowing power exchange within West Africa.
Acknowledging cyber threats associated with digitized infrastructure, President Barrow urged NAWEC management to implement protective measures for all energy facilities. He concluded by thanking stakeholders involved in realizing this project and reiterated appreciation for financial support from international partners.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it is now my singular honour and privilege to inaugurate and officially declare open this two hundred and twenty-five (225) Kilo-volt Transmission Network and National Control Centre," President Barrow announced at Salagi Forest venue.
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