{"id":2225,"date":"2026-02-17T11:01:40","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T11:01:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/?p=2225"},"modified":"2026-02-17T11:03:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T11:03:17","slug":"lighting-up-the-gambia-president-barrow-concludes-nationwide-electrification-inaugurations-across-719-communities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/?p=2225","title":{"rendered":"Lighting Up The Gambia: President Barrow Concludes Nationwide Electrification Inaugurations Across 719 Communities"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\na {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    color: #464feb;\n}\ntr th, tr td {\n    border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;\n}\ntr th {\n    background-color: #f5f5f5;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div>\n<h1><strong>Lighting Up The Gambia: President Barrow Concludes Nationwide Electrification Inaugurations Across 719 Communities<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2226 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-1024x524.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"760\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-1024x524.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-768x393.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-1536x785.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-2048x1047.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MOPEM) and regional development partners, has successfully concluded the <strong>nationwide rural electrification inauguration tour<\/strong>, marking a historic leap in The Gambia\u2019s journey toward <strong>Universal Access to Electricity by 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Over eight days, H.E. President Adama Barrow, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers, NAWEC leadership, regional authorities, and international partners, travelled across multiple regions to commission new electricity infrastructure under the <strong>ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project (ECOREAP)<\/strong> and complementary national grid\u2011expansion programmes.<\/p>\n<p>From the North Bank to the West Coast Region, communities witnessed long-awaited celebrations as energized lines and transformers illuminated homes, schools, health centres, and local businesses\u2014many experiencing electricity for the first time.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><strong>A Transformative National Achievement<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>With the support of ECOWAS, the World Bank, European Investment Bank (EIB), and European Union (EU), NAWEC has expanded electricity access from <strong>73% to 90%<\/strong>, connecting over <strong>52,000 additional households<\/strong> in <strong>719 communities<\/strong> nationwide.<\/p>\n<p>Development partners commended The Gambia for delivering one of the most ambitious rural electrification expansions in West Africa \u2014 ahead of the global <strong>SDG 7<\/strong> target.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><strong>DAY\u2011BY\u2011DAY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INAUGURATION TOUR<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2227 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2467\" height=\"1645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604.jpg 2467w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604-337x225.jpg 337w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604-520x347.jpg 520w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150146.604-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2467px) 100vw, 2467px\" \/>\u00a0 \u00a0<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2242 \" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-11T102332.186.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"983\" height=\"655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-11T102332.186.jpg 800w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-11T102332.186-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-11T102332.186-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-11T102332.186-337x225.jpg 337w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-11T102332.186-520x347.jpg 520w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-11T102332.186-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 983px) 100vw, 983px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-2226 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1309\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-1024x524.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-768x393.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-1536x785.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-2048x1047.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Day 1 \u2013 Njongon (North Bank Region)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The national tour began in Njongon, where President Barrow energized distribution networks serving surrounding communities. Residents celebrated access to power that will support local enterprise, education, and social development.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Day 2 \u2013 Panchang (Central River Region \u2013 North)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Thousands welcomed the President as Panchang lit up for the first time. The inauguration brought electricity to one of CRR\u2011North\u2019s busiest trading zones, strengthening livelihoods and supporting women-led businesses.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Day 3 \u2013 Jah Kunda (Upper River Region)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In Jah Kunda, electricity was commissioned for <strong>202 communities<\/strong> across URR. Youth and families expressed overwhelming joy as electricity reached their households\u2014opening new opportunities in digital learning, security, and commerce.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Day 4 \u2013 Kumbija (Upper River Region)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Kumbija and nearby communities including <strong>Sotuma Samba, Hella Kunda, and Sare Mansong<\/strong> were energized. Development partners reaffirmed their commitment to rural energy expansion.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Day 5 \u2013 Boiram (Central River Region)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Boiram witnessed the commissioning of long-awaited electricity infrastructure. The <strong>President of ECOWAS<\/strong> delivered a keynote speech recognizing The Gambia\u2019s progress under regional electricity access programmes.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Day 6 \u2013 Sutukung (Lower River Region)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2252 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-09T092230.556-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"385\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-09T092230.556-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-09T092230.556-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-09T092230.556.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 385px) 100vw, 385px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Families in Sutukung celebrated as new electricity lines were energized. Additional transformers were switched on in <strong>Barrow Kunda, Dongoroba, and Boiba<\/strong>, extending the reach of the distribution network.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Day 7 \u2013 Kampassa (West Coast Region)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In Kampassa, new lines and transformers were energized, serving <strong>Jonkel, Chabai, and Wassadu<\/strong>. Communities welcomed the new infrastructure with musical performances and traditional celebrations.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2><strong>Day 8 \u2013 Pirang (West Coast Region)<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-2253 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-14-at-9.04.08-AM-1-1-300x200.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"395\" height=\"263\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-14-at-9.04.08-AM-1-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-14-at-9.04.08-AM-1-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-14-at-9.04.08-AM-1-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-14-at-9.04.08-AM-1-1-337x225.jpeg 337w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-14-at-9.04.08-AM-1-1-520x347.jpeg 520w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-14-at-9.04.08-AM-1-1-272x182.jpeg 272w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-14-at-9.04.08-AM-1-1.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 395px) 100vw, 395px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The nationwide tour concluded in Pirang, where President Barrow energized the final set of transformers powering <strong>Kuloro, Missirangding, and Serrekundading<\/strong>. The event celebrated the completion of an unprecedented national electrification rollout.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><strong>Electricity as a Driver of National Growth<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>Electricity access is transforming daily life across The Gambia:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Education<\/strong>: students now benefit from evening study hours and access to digital learning<\/li>\n<li><strong>Healthcare<\/strong>: clinics can refrigerate vaccines, power diagnostics, and run equipment reliably<\/li>\n<li><strong>Business<\/strong>: small enterprises can expand into refrigeration, welding, milling, and ICT services<\/li>\n<li><strong>Security<\/strong>: improved lighting enhances safety in public spaces<\/li>\n<li><strong>Women\u2019s Empowerment<\/strong>: increased opportunities for small-scale processing and market trade<\/li>\n<li><strong>Community Development<\/strong>: electrification supports mosques, schools, and community centres<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Electricity is unlocking social and economic potential across rural and peri\u2011urban areas.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><strong>Partner Recognition<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2232 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-15-at-1.51.12-PM-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"760\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-15-at-1.51.12-PM-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-15-at-1.51.12-PM-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-15-at-1.51.12-PM-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-15-at-1.51.12-PM-337x225.jpeg 337w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-15-at-1.51.12-PM-520x347.jpeg 520w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-15-at-1.51.12-PM-272x182.jpeg 272w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-15-at-1.51.12-PM.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-2254 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-10-at-10.12.54-AM-1-1024x683.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"760\" height=\"507\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-10-at-10.12.54-AM-1-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-10-at-10.12.54-AM-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-10-at-10.12.54-AM-1-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-10-at-10.12.54-AM-1-337x225.jpeg 337w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-10-at-10.12.54-AM-1-520x347.jpeg 520w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-10-at-10.12.54-AM-1-272x182.jpeg 272w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-02-10-at-10.12.54-AM-1.jpeg 1080w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/> <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-2226 size-large alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-1024x524.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"760\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-1024x524.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-768x393.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-1536x785.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-2026-02-16T150058.744-2048x1047.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The ECOWAS delegation, EU representatives, EIB team, and World Bank partners commended NAWEC for its commitment to expanding energy access, enhancing reliability, and supporting inclusive economic growth.<\/p>\n<p>They emphasized ECOREAP\u2019s role in strengthening rural economies, improving service delivery, and enabling sustainable development.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><strong>A National Commitment to Universal Access<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p>President Barrow reaffirmed his administration\u2019s goal of ensuring that every Gambian\u2014regardless of region or village size\u2014benefits from modern, reliable electricity.<\/p>\n<p>NAWEC leadership highlighted the need to continue reinforcing transmission capacity, expanding last\u2011mile connections, and improving customer service as newly connected communities integrate into the national grid.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h1><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/h1>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-2250 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-83.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-83.jpg 800w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-83-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-83-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-83-337x225.jpg 337w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-83-520x347.jpg 520w, https:\/\/nawec.gm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Image-83-272x182.jpg 272w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>With the completion of this nationwide inauguration series, The Gambia stands on the threshold of a brighter, more connected future. NAWEC remains committed to powering communities, enabling opportunities, and transforming lives across the nation.<\/p>\n<style>\na {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    color: #464feb;\n}\ntr th, tr td {\n    border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;\n}\ntr th {\n    background-color: #f5f5f5;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Lighting Up The Gambia: President Barrow Concludes Nationwide Electrification Inaugurations Across 719 Communities The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), in partnership with the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MOPEM) and regional development partners, has successfully concluded the nationwide rural electrification inauguration tour, marking a historic leap in The Gambia\u2019s journey toward Universal Access to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2251,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,3,19],"tags":[321,320,319,318,314,322,315,324,323,316,317,126,104,191,192,301,267,10],"class_list":["post-2225","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-investor-relations","category-latest_news","category-electricity-press-releases-in-the-gambia","tag-communitydevelopment","tag-energyforall","tag-europeaninvestmentbank","tag-europeanunion","tag-lightupthegambia","tag-poweringcommunities","tag-ruralelectrification","tag-thegambia","tag-transforminglives","tag-universalaccess2026","tag-worldbank","tag-ecoreap","tag-ecowas","tag-eib","tag-eu","tag-infrastructuredevelopment","tag-mopem","tag-nawec"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-23 01:14:23","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2225","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2225"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2225\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2256,"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2225\/revisions\/2256"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2251"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2225"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2225"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nawec.gm\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2225"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}