With several high-capacity projects already completed and more underway, AIC’s presence is poised to transforming the country’s energy sector and accelerating its transition to clean energy.
In an exclusive interview with The Point, Dennis Elverir, Chief Executive Officer of AIC and former CEO of NOCART Engineering RE-Investments, revealed that the company is spearheading ambitious initiatives to reshape The Gambia’s power landscape.
“As a green energy company, our vision is to provide accessible, reliable renewable energy to every household in The Gambia,” Elverir said.
AIC is currently financing a 540-kilowatt (kW) solar project and has completed several others, including an 80 kW installation in Mandinary. Additionally, a new 5-megawatt solar plant is being developed in Tanji, which is expected to supply electricity to over 6,500 households daily.
“This makes us the first major investor in renewable energy in the country and the largest operator in this sector at present,” he added.
Elverir outlined a robust project pipeline that includes upcoming installations of 240 kW, 200 kW, and another 5 MW facility. These initiatives, he said, are designed not only to expand access to electricity but also to create jobs, boost local economies, and position The Gambia as a forward-thinking energy leader in the region.
“We’re collaborating closely with authorities to showcase the full potential of renewable energy, while also promoting The Gambia on the global energy map,” he said.
Peter Weissferdt, Head of the AG Engineering Department at AIC and a long-time Gambia resident, echoed these sentiments. He emphasised the importance of building a sustainable energy sector that taps into the country’s natural abundance of sunlight.
“Our goal is not to compete with local solar firms but to focus on large-scale projects that can attract significant foreign investment and meet the growing national demand,” he explained.
According to Weissferdt, one of AIC’s key strategies involves integrating solar energy directly into the national grid via NAWEC, thereby improving the country’s overall power supply. A 700 kW project is already underway as part of this plan.
Despite progress, both Elverir and Weissferdt acknowledged ongoing challenges in scaling up renewable energy efforts, including logistical and regulatory hurdles. However, they remain optimistic about the transformative impact of their work.
“We’re engaging local communities, offering training, using high-quality equipment, and supporting local businesses,” Elverir stated. “Our aim is not only to supply energy but also to empower people.”
