The 2027 Budget: A Government on Life Support, Not a Nation on the Move
The true test of any national budget is simple: does it solve the biggest problems facing ordinary people?
Does it create jobs for unemployed youths? Does it lower the cost of living? Does it provide reliable electricity? Does it invest in agriculture, education, healthcare and productive sectors that can grow the economy?
A careful reading of the Barrow Administration's 2027 Budget Estimates suggests the answer is largely no.
The Gambia Needs More Than Generators: Why Renewable Energy Must Power Our Future
Environmental and Financial Advocate Baboucarr Nyang argues that the country’s energy crisis “is not simply a climate issue. It is an economic development issue, an energy-security issue and a national resilience issue”. In this opinion piece, Nyang welcomes “the arrival of new NAWEC generators” but cautions that “it should encourage us to think strategically”.
More in this opinion piece.
Politics of Character Assassination Over Policy: Should the Media Become the Megaphone?
With almost two months to go before the 2026 presidential election, The Gambia’s political environment is becoming increasingly active, with political parties and politicians holding meetings and rallies to engage their supporters ahead of the November presidential campaign.
At many of these gatherings, the media is present to document what politicians say and share it with the public. But what happens when political discourse moves beyond policy discussions and into hate speech, tribalism, discrimination, and personal attacks?
More in this publication.
Economic Deep Dive: Revisiting the SeneGambia Bridge Asset Recycling Disaster
Two years ago, Adama Barrow's government signed the so-called Senegambia Asset Recycling deal with Africa50. It was presented as an opportunity when, in reality, it was a massive financial and strategic loss to the country.
More in this opinion peice.
Economic Deep Dive: High Domestic Debt & Credit to the Private Sector
In this publication, economist Dr. Ousman Gajigo highlights discrepancies observed in the Central Bank of the Gambia’s latest Monetary Policy Committee press briefing issued in August 2026. According to Dr. Gajigo, the government’s addiction to domestic debt continues to overcrowd the private sector while contradicting the Central Bank's claim that credit to the private sector increased by 41% within a year.
More in this latest Economic Deep Dive.
Economic Deep Dive: The Case for A Single Ministry of Education
While attending classes is essential for education, it is not sufficient. Students need to properly learn the subject matter, particularly in core subjects such as mathematics, science, and language. Without adequate levels of proficiency, mere school attendance does not mean much.
More in this opinion piece
The New Ismaila Ceesay on ECOMIG Presence in The Gambia
Security Analyst Alagie Saidy Barrow’s post highlights some of Dr Ismaila Ceesay’s previous statements arguing against the current ECOMIG Forces’ presence in The Gambia and contrasts this with his latest post highlighting their ‘limited presence’ in the country.
More in this publication.
“When Does ECOMIG Go Home?” Asks David Kujabi
In reaction to Information Minister Dr Ismail Ceesay’s post on the ECOMIG presence in The Gambia, Security Expert David Kujabi publishes a post questioning the lack of implementation of an exit strategy for the ECOMIG forces, who have been in the country since early 2017, totalling nine years.
More in this expert opinion piece.
Building a 1-Year Gambian Treasury Bill Ladder: Pearls and Pitfalls for the Individual Investor
Ever wondered what Treasury Bills are all about and how others are making money from them? Our latest expert opinion publication explores the importance of Treasury Bills and how you can invest in them to build up your portfolio of investments.
More in this expert opinion publication.
Economic Deep Dive: The Truth About The Gambia’s Public Debt
The Minister of Finance, Mr. Seedy Keita, recently appeared in the media, where he tried to spin a narrative at odds with reality regarding The Gambia's public debt. But it is hard to spin reality about the size and structure of a subject such as public debt when so much is well documented.
More in this opinion piece.
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