Economic Deep Dive: New SSC Report Unearths the Anatomy of Governance Collapse

The Special Select Committee's report on the disposal of Jammeh's assets makes for sobering reading. It provides a gripping account of administrative incompetence, institutional dysfunction, and governance failures.

More in the article.

Read More

Shareholders vs. Stakeholders: The Conceptual Difference

Veteran businessman and former President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ambassador Abdoulie M. Touray, shares this policy advisory note on stakeholders vs shareholders.

His insightful publication delves into the importance of a fully functional stock exchange market.

More in this expert publication.

Read More

Economic Deep Dive: Minister Sabally’s Misplaced Priorities on Groundnut Licensing Proposal

Dr Ousman Gajigo highlights the Ministry of Agriculture’s “misplaced priorities” observed during the tabling of the National Food Security Corporation Bill. In this publication, Dr Gajigo argues against the licensing of the import and export of groundnuts, for which Minister Sabally advocated heavy fines reaching D5 million and 5 years’ imprisonment.

More in this detailed opinion piece.

Read More

Economic Deep Dive: The Limits of Monetary Policy in The Gambia

The press recently quoted the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG) announcing a cut to its monetary policy rate (MPR). The MPR is one of the key tools of monetary policy, and it is the interest rate set by the CBG to manage and guide market interest rates. Within the same press report, the CBG projected strong economic growth.

More in this article.

Read More

Economic Deep Dive: Long-Term Solutions For Groundnuts

The government's annual purchase of groundnuts from farmers is not a long-term viable strategy. It is fiscally draining, has been short-changing farmers, and is a commercial activity for which government entities are ill-suited. It is high time the country implements a strategy that meets the modern needs of the Gambian economy and of farmers in particular.

More in this article.

Read More

Economic Deep Dive: Onion Import Restriction: Political Theatre Over Real Support

Recently, the government announced a temporary restriction on the importation of potatoes and onions, ostensibly to protect local producers. On the surface, this seems like a good decision. However, on closer inspection, it is not the action of a government that is serious about supporting local industry or farmers, particularly smallholders.

More in this article.

Read More

Economic Deep Dive: Deception on Universal Electricity Access

In a recent press statement, Dr Ismaila Ceesay claimed that The Gambia is on course to achieve universal electricity access before the end of 2026. This is not a new claim by the government. Dr Ceesay previously claimed that The Gambia would achieve universal access by 2025, which was the official position of the government. Just as that claim turned out to be false, this new claim is equally false for several reasons.

More in this article

Read More

Economic Deep Dive: The Diminishing Tourism Sector

Dr Ousman Gajigo observes that Tourists staying in Gambian hotels are increasingly crossing into Senegal for nature and cultural experiences that should be found at home, exposing a costly leakage in the country’s tourism economy.

From the neglect of Abuko Nature Reserve and Sindola Safari Park to poor integration with agriculture and local communities, government inaction has left the sector shallow and enclave-driven, argues Dr Gajigo.

As arrivals become the sole metric of success, the deeper value of tourism—jobs, linkages, and shared prosperity—continues to diminish. More in this opinion piece.

Read More

To Stop the Military Coups, Stop the Constitutional Coups

Africa’s recurring military coups are often blamed on soldiers’ ambition, yet they are rooted in a long history of constitutional abuse by civilian leaders. From manipulated constitutions to the monopolisation of power, these “constitutional coups” have steadily closed off peaceful avenues for change. Baba Galleh Jallow argues that until this underlying problem is confronted, condemning military takeovers will remain an empty ritual. More in the opinion piece.

Read More

Economic Deep Dive: Groundnut Farmers Deserve Better

After the government issued a statement setting the price of groundnut at D38,000 per tonne and creating a monopoly on Gambian groundnuts, numerous critics highlighted that the price has remained stagnant for three years while the cost of living continues to increase.

One critic, Dr Gajigo, has followed this up with a publication calling for a wake-up call for a national discussion on the price of groundnuts for farmers. He argues, “There are many reasons why” this year’s “price is extremely low given the Gambian context.”

Find out his reasons in this opinion piece.

Read More

Donate to Askanwi

Why Support Askanwi?

Donate to Askanwi's GoFundMe: Support Askanwi - Reliable News for The Gambia

Askanwi is dedicated to bridging the gap for reliable, balanced, and citizen-centered news that directly impacts the lives of its readers.

By closely monitoring the progress of the country's transitional process, Askanwi continues to lead with powerful human interest stories, including the ongoing coverage of the Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) crisis, the drafting of the new Constitution, and the rollout of the Transitional Justice Program—just to name a few.

Your generous support will enable Askanwi to continue its important work: following the AKI saga, breaking stories of corruption, investigating public malfeasance, producing quarterly newsletters, and ensuring the continued operation of Askanwi Media.

Donate to Askanwi’s GoFundMe: Support Askanwi - Reliable News for The Gambia