Aimed at enhancing GALGA and Councils’ own-local resource mobilisation for local governance financing for development, the preparation of the two strategies was supported by the Commonwealth Local Government Forum (CLGF) and co-financed by the EU-UNDP GREAT Project.
The launch event took place in Mansakonko, Lower River Region, gathering development partners and local council chairpersons and mayors.
The strategies aim to provide clear, systematic, predictable and well-coordinated approach to GALGA and the Councils’ soliciting, acquiring, utilisation, management, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation of assistance from partners and for expanding own-revenue mobilisation. This represents a significant advancement in empowering local authorities and their national association to generate sustainable revenue and effectively provide services to their communities.
Mahamadou Ceesay, President of GALGA, said he is optimistic about the potential impact of these strategies. "This initiative marks a crucial milestone for local governance in The Gambia. By equipping our councils with effective resource mobilisation tools, we are laying the groundwork for more autonomous and resilient local governments that can better serve their communities," he remarked.
With an active lifespan of five years (2026-2030), the strategies are designed to support the continuation of GALGA and Councils’ service provision, support organisational sustainability that enables the improvement and scale-up of programmes and services, and facilitate change through an interdisciplinary approach to own-resource and revenue mobilisation.
Claire Frost, Head of Programmes for the Commonwealth Local Government Forum, underscored the strategic significance of the project. "We are delighted to partner with GALGA in the 2024-2025 period to support some work on resource mobilisation. We could not be more pleased to be here today for the launch of the two strategies. On resource mobilisation for both GALGA and local councils.”
She said the preparation of the strategies was supported under CLGF’s EU funded program: empowering local authorities in partner countries for enhanced governance and more effective development outcomes.
“Finance is an essential part of ensuring local governments can operate effectively. Predictable, timely and sufficient funds allow local governments to plan and to deliver both services and democratic opportunities,” she said.
Project Manager of the EU-UNDP GREAT project, James Monibah emphasised the collaborative nature of this initiative. "This project illustrates the strength of international cooperation in enhancing local governance. We take pride in supporting The Gambia’s efforts to establish sustainable revenue streams, which are crucial for attaining long-term development objectives.
In his technical insights during the launch, the consultant Ousman Sonko elaborated on the fundamental elements of the strategies. "The resource mobilisation strategies aim to diversify revenue streams, enhance financial management, and cultivate partnerships with the private sector. These initiatives will empower local councils to achieve greater self-sufficiency and better address the needs of their constituents," he stated.
The effective execution of these strategies is anticipated to bolster the financial autonomy of local councils, enhance service delivery, and promote community development throughout The Gambia. This collaborative initiative highlights a collective dedication to strengthening local governance as a catalyst for national advancement.
