Government has signed contracts with two Gambian-owned companies to electrify 10 communities in West Coast Region as it pushes for universal electricity access before 2028.
The contracts for Lots 1, 2 and 3 were signed Friday, October 2, 2026 at the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines between government, NAWEC, Kutehjumble Electrical & Consultancy Company Ltd and Powercon Mouguaw Enterprise.
Petroleum, Energy and Mines Minister Nani Juwara said prior to 2017, less than 40% of the population had electricity, now over 90%.
“Prior to 2017, less than 40 percent of the country had access to electricity. But thanks to the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Adama Barrow, we are now talking about over 90 percent access level countrywide,” Juwara said.
He said progress is due to government interventions and partner support, with target universal access before end of 2028.
Juwara said the 10 communities had repeatedly appealed for electricity and urged contractors to deliver on time to allow expansion elsewhere.
“We still have a few more communities in the West Coast Region that need access to electricity, and we want to work with all Gambian companies that have the capacity to deliver,” he said.
NAWEC Deputy MD Sompo Ceesay said the project shows commitment to expanding access amid rapid settlement and estate growth, while also boosting generation capacity.
Kutehjumble’s Morro Darboe, whose firm has operated 10 years, assured quality and timely delivery.
“We are Gambians, and when such projects are given to us, we ask the general public to give us their support,” he said.
Powercon Mouguaw’s Oumar Boudib said work will start despite rainy season challenges.
“We will try to finish the job on time,” he said.
The initiative aligns with Pillar Three of the National Development Plan and the National Energy Sector Master Plan prioritising universal access before 2028, with government increasingly relying on local companies for critical infrastructure.
