The project aims to increase electricity access in The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali through the OMVG (Organisation for the Development of the Gambia River Basin) transmission network.
The project became effective in 2019 and is now nearing completion.
Berefet’s commissioning marks the beginning of the first transformer under the Brikama Feeder 3 line, connecting Foni Brefet District to the national grid for the first time in history.
The historic event was attended by senior government officials, representatives of development partners, NAWEC officials, and residents of the community who gathered in celebration of what they described as “a day to remember.”
Speaking on behalf of the Alkalo of Berefet, Lamin Sanyang expressed his gratitude to the government and partners for bringing electricity to the village for the first time in history.
“Brefet has existed for over a thousand years, but this is the first time our people are benefiting from a government-led electricity project,” Sanyang said.
“When you give electricity to a man, you give him everlasting life. This is a dream come true for our village.”
He called on the community to pray for the village Alkalo, who could not attend due to ill health, and urged residents to protect the new infrastructure and use it wisely.
National Assembly Member for Foni Brefet, Hon. Amie Colley, described the project as a symbol of transformation that would improve the lives of the people.
“For many years, our people have been waiting for this moment; a day when light would finally reach our homes, schools, and health centres,” she said.
“Electricity means our children can study at night, health workers can deliver better services, and small businesses can grow.”
Hon. Colley extended appreciation to President Adama Barrow, the World Bank, ECOWAS, and NAWEC for their collaboration and commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind in the drive for rural electrification.
“Let us cherish this development, take ownership of it, and use electricity wisely,” she urged.
Minister for Petroleum, Energy and Mines, Hon. Nani Juwara, said the project represents the single largest electricity access initiative ever undertaken in The Gambia.
“This project, funded through a $66 million World Bank grant, will connect more than 395 communities nationwide,” the Minister said.
“We are not just switching on power, we are switching on opportunity, progress, and a brighter future for our people.”
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving universal access to electricity by 2026, four years ahead of the United Nations’ global target.
“Electricity is not a luxury; it is a fundamental driver of development. It powers our clinics, enables our children to study after dark, and opens doors for businesses to thrive,” he stated.
Ousman Bojang, the governor of the West Coast Region, commended the collaborative effort between government, NAWEC, and the project’s development partners.
“Just a few years ago, many rural communities could not imagine having electricity,” he said. “Today, not only is it available, but it is also affordable.”
He praised the dedication of the National Assembly Member for Foni Brefet, Hon. Amie Colley, for her continuous advocacy for her people.
“She has been a tireless partner in bringing development to this community,” he added.
Mr. Gallo Saidy, Managing Director of NAWEC,, described the day as a proud moment for the company and the people of Berefet.
“It is with immense joy that I welcome Berefet into the NAWEC electricity family,” he said.
“This project is part of a broader mission to electrify 93 communities within the West Coast Region, including 11 in the Foni Brefet area.”
He emphasised that Berefet is the first among the communities to be energised and thanked the World Bank for its partnership and support.
“Electricity does not just power homes; it powers hope, dignity, and opportunity. In many parts of The Gambia, children now study under electric light and parents run small businesses after dark. This is the true meaning of development,” he noted.
Mr. Saidy also reminded residents to use the electricity safely and contact NAWEC’s toll-free number 1669 for any faults or assistance.\
Representing the ECOWAS Commission, Head of Division for Conventional Energy, Arkidius Koumoin, congratulated The Gambia for its success in implementing the regional electricity access programme.
“Through the ECOREAP project, we are turning darkness into light for 93 communities, including Berefet,” he said.
“Electricity is not just about lighting homes. It is about lighting the path to knowledge, health, economic growth, and social cohesion.”
He revealed that the project is part of a broader US$225 million initiative covering The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali, with $50 million allocated to The Gambia alone.
“This achievement is a result of shared vision and cooperation. Together, we are shaping a brighter and more prosperous future for our people,” Mr. Koumoin added.
World Bank Team Leader, Elise Massan Akitani, said the success of the project reflects The Gambia’s strong commitment to improving rural electrification.
“In 2017, we realised that while ECOWAS had built regional interconnectors, many nearby communities were still in darkness,” she explained.
“This project was born out of the need to connect those communities directly to the high-voltage substations at Brikama and Soma.”
She said the $66 million grant to The Gambia would ensure reliable and high-quality electricity for all targeted communities by 2026.
“The government’s dedication to completing this project on time is commendable. The light you see today is proof of that commitment,” she said.
