“This will be driven by expected stability in the macroeconomic environment and sustained growth in productive sectors,” he said.
He highlighted that “the projected increase in Personnel Emolument Expenditures (PEE) from the approved figure of D7.4 billion for 2024 to D8.8 billion in 2025 is largely driven by the projected D1.4 billion impact from the proposed increase in salaries and the increase of transport and residential allowances.”
“The increase in the personnel emoluments is due to an average increase of 30% in the Salaries of the core civil service.”
“In addition, the transport and house rent allowances will be increased from D1,500 to D3,000 and from D1,700 to D3,500 respectively. “These increases in allowances will apply to grades 1- 8 under the integrated pay scale of the civil service.”
Consequently, he said the government has developed a new integrated pay scale to reflect these changes.
“This 2025 salary increment will make a total salary increase of 60% from 2022 to 2025. And it will bring the total salary increase to 110% under the leadership of HE President Adama Barrow,” Finance Minister affirmed.
“This is a manifestation that the budget allocation of the government is people centric with the aim of improving the lives and livelihoods of Gambians. Another significant allocation is D1 billion to the energy sector to ensure reliable supply of electricity.”
“Inflation is projected to continue decelerating towards the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) target of around 5 percent. The disinflation trend will be sustained by expected moderation in commodity prices, and convergence in the fiscal and monetary policy efforts.”
“The exchange rate is projected to remain stable in 2025 and the medium term. This will be driven by expected sustained increase in forex inflow.”
He stated that the agriculture sector, despite risks of climate change, is expected to register a growth of 4.2 percent. “This will be supported by ongoing Government, development partners and private sector initiatives.”
“The government’s thrust of closing the infrastructure deficit coupled with sustained remittance inflows and private sector savings will continue to anchor construction growth,” he said.
Regarding electricity, the Minister said “efforts to improve efficiency, reducing transmission and distribution losses and increasing domestic generation will help to upscale supply.”
He also said the tourism sector growth is expected to benefit from the recovery in global economy and local market promotional activities being spearheaded by GTB and private sector.
“The thrust of government in 2025 is to ensure sustainable public finances through consolidating revenue mobilization reforms, expenditure prioritization and prudent debt management.”
