As inflation remains above target and dependence on imports deepens, The Gambia continues to struggle with the high cost of goods, particularly for staple commodities like rice, sugar, and flour. To curb this, the Governor of the Central Bank of The Gambia (CBG), Buha Saidy, has recommended more investment in domestic food production as a key route to price stability. Nevertheless, persistent budget execution gaps, issues of transparency, and longstanding weaknesses in the agricultural sector raise doubts about whether this strategy can achieve the desired results. More in this feature publication.

In a major boost to national transport, the Kanilai Ferry has resumed service after more than a year out of operation—now completing the Banjul–Barra crossing in just 25 minutes, a dramatic improvement from the hour-long trips commuters previously endured. More in the publication.

As The Gambia pushes forward with its Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023-2027, economic hurdles threaten progress. Rising debt, high inflation, and sluggish growth overshadow efforts to achieve stability and poverty reduction. With two years left in the plan, can the government turn the tide, or will the RF-NDP remain an unfulfilled ambition?

Has President Adama Barrow met his National Development Plan’s target to reduce the unemployment rate?

Has President Barrow’s government met the National Development Plan’s target of investing in Youth Entrepreneurship?