This, many believe, would help the continent achieve the Sustainable Development Goals with no distant future.
With vast mineral resources and abundant sunlight, the people stand a better chance to control, exploit and transform its enormous resources into greater opportunities.
In our yesterday’s edition, we ran a story regarding the installation of a D10 million solar panel project, which has started in earnest in Gambiasara in the Upper River Region.
Funded by a Gambian philanthropist- Abubakary Jawara Foundation, this ambitious initiative aims to enhance energy access in the community, supporting local development and sustainability efforts.
The move would undoubtedly improve the living conditions of the rural dwellers, especially the people of Gambiasara.
Renewable energy, especially in the form of sunlight, has potential to provide electricity to the thousands of villagers in the region, while creating jobs and stimulating industrialization.
In fact the community leaders, who were joyful, expressed gratitude to the foundation for its commitment to social responsibility as the project would significantly transform the area's energy landscape and foster economic growth.
In fact, amenities such as electricity greatly enhance growth, attract businesses and above all improve the living standards in rural areas.
At this point, we cannot but commend the Gambian philanthropist for the foresight and the great initiatives. This is what is expected of Gambians both home and abroad.
Everyone has a stake in national development. Just imagine this ambitious project and the changes it will bring to the people in rural Gambia especially Gambisara.
The project, according to officials, is expected to install 600 solar streetlights in the village. That alone is a landmark achievement not to talk about the other transformative initiative it will bring along.
It is widely believed that renewables are now cheaper in most countries, and generate three times more jobs than fossil fuels.
Thus, initiatives of this nature should be encouraged as it has the potential to lower energy consumption on the national grid.
Solar energy is said to be environmentally friendly, a great energy supply and one of the most significant renewable and green energy sources.
In addition, it plays a substantial role in achieving sustainable development energy solutions. Thus, the massive amount of solar energy attainable daily, especially in Africa makes it a very attractive resource for generating electricity.