EU unveils mega-support package for Gambia

The MIP is a 6-year programme (2021-2027), and prioritises three mian areas, each one articulated in several sectors.

“The first priority aims at promoting good governance, through the sectors of “Government and Civil Society”, “Conflict, Peace and Security” and “Migration”. This priority includes inter alia, the continuation of the support to the three main transition democratic process that are on-going in the Gambia (Constitutional Reform, Transitional Justice, Security Sector Reform), as well as the consolidation of a comprehensive migration partnership,” a statement by EU reveals.

“The second priority is “Green Economy” for sustainable growth and job creation. It will include the sector of mobility and Urbanisation, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing and Tourism. The scope will be to foster a green and productive urban development, sustainably linked with the rural areas that would contribute to feed the urban areas whilst creating jobs further upstream. In tourism, the aim is to attract more visitors during an extended tourism season and to diversify the “Gambia experience” namely by promoting green and community tourism.

EU states “the third priority, “Human Development”, builds on education and girls’ empowerment, social protection as a tool for inclusion, and sanitation in urban areas to allow the ever-increasing urbanisation to keep up with access to sanitation services.”

According to the EU, an indicative amount of 11 million Euros may be used between 2021 and 2024 for priorities 2 and 3.

However, the entire financial overview indicates a whopping 119 million Euros investment in this mega-programme, of which 38%, 28%, 32%, and 2% will be dedicated geared towards promoting good governance, green economy for sustainable growth and jobs, human development, and other support measures respectively.