“2025 was a historic year as we jubilantly celebrated sixty years of political independence,” the President stated, adding that during his nine years in office, democracy and the rule of law have continued to thrive, with tangible progress recorded across all sectors.
President Barrow highlighted steady progress in the implementation of the 2023–2027 Yiriwa National Development Plan, urging Gambians to take pride in the achievements registered during the year. He pointed to the completion of numerous infrastructure projects, particularly the expansion of road networks across the country, which he said have improved safety, mobility, and economic activity.
The President also underscored government’s commitment to achieving universal access to electricity, noting that for the first time since pre-colonial times, most rural communities are being connected to the national grid.
Significant gains were also recorded in the education and health sectors. According to the president, access to university and tertiary education expanded substantially in 2025, ensuring that every qualified candidate now has a fair opportunity to pursue higher education. He described this achievement as remarkable for a small state like The Gambia. Healthcare delivery, he added, has also taken a positive turn, with improvements in services and infrastructure.
On the international front, President Barrow said The Gambia’s standing continues to improve, citing the hosting of major international meetings and the country’s active roles in global and regional bodies such as the United Nations, OIC, African Union, and ECOWAS. He noted that this renewed international acceptance marked a clear departure from decades of isolation.
Addressing national security and governance, the President said feedback from citizens, official reports, and security assessments indicate reassuring stability. He further pointed to the number of legislations enacted, governance institutions established, and policies implemented as evidence of the country’s accelerated pace of progress.
However, with 2026 being a presidential election year, President Barrow cautioned against political intolerance and violence. He called for ethical politics, respect for human rights, and an end to hate speech, urging media practitioners and social media content creators to help promote national values.
“Unity, development, peace, security, stability, and economic growth should preoccupy us,” he stressed, noting that these priorities will continue to guide his administration.
The President acknowledged existing challenges, including the pending adoption of a new Constitution, uneven rainfall during the 2025 farming season, rising cost of living, youth unemployment, irregular migration, crime, and global conflicts. He emphasised the need for collective action to boost productivity, reduce dependency on foreign commodities, and strengthen public service efficiency.
Looking ahead, President Barrow outlined key priorities for 2026, including continued road construction, relentless pursuit of universal energy access, strengthening healthcare with a vision of positioning The Gambia as a medical tourism destination, and supporting the growing tourism sector.
He described 2026 as a year of stocktaking, during which the government will assess its performance, consolidate gains, and address shortcomings to accelerate national development.
President Barrow expressed gratitude to development partners, the Gambian Diaspora, and all citizens for their support throughout the year, reaffirming his commitment to inclusivity, universality, and the protection of every Gambian’s rights.
“It takes all to build and develop a nation,” he stated, urging citizens to remain vigilant, patriotic, and focus on the collective good.
Concluding his message, the President called on Gambians to enter the New Year with renewed optimism, compassion, and prayers for those less fortunate, expressing confidence that while challenges remain, “the worst is over and the best is yet to come.”
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