His Excellency President Adama Barrow delivered the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) before the National Assembly on Thursday 19th June 2025, offering a comprehensive assessment of national achievements and outlining the government’s development agenda. The address highlighted significant progress in infrastructure, the economy, healthcare, and governance, with a strong emphasis on inclusive growth.
The President reported an economic growth rate of 5.8% for 2024, accompanied by a notable reduction in inflation from 17.3% to 10.2%. He further stated that remittances, an important source of foreign exchange, rose to $775.6 million, while international reserves reached $515 million, sufficient to cover 4.6 months of imports. Despite global challenges, the government remains committed to stabilising commodity prices and implementing climate-sensitive policies to sustain progress.
He hailed the completion of Phases One and Two of the 22km OIC Highway, with the commencement of Phase Three underway, as transformative developments. Additional road construction efforts across 365km nationwide are ongoing, including key projects in Kiang West and Niumi-Hakalang.
President Barrow the concession of the Banjul Port to Alport Banjul and the procurement of new ferries to enhance maritime connectivity. He also highlighted that Gambia International Airlines has recorded its first profit in several years, signifying a recovery in the aviation sector.
In the energy sector, the 23MW Jambur solar park was completed, and plans are advancing for a 50MW solar plant in Jarra Soma. The President projected that, by the end of 2025, 90% of Gambians will have access to electricity.
On the digital front, mobile broadband access has exceeded 60%, and a new subsea cable is under development to improve internet reliability. The government has also adopted cybersecurity measures, including the introduction of a Child Online Protection Policy.
To tackle youth unemployment, the government launched the GMD396 million Skills, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Fund and rolled out initiatives such as the National Youth Service Graduate Programme. Social protection schemes, including cash transfers and support for persons with disabilities, have also been expanded to assist vulnerable households.
In his concluding remarks, President Barrow called for unity and collective effort in national development. “Our capacity to fast-track development is enormous if we act together,” he affirmed, urging all Gambians and development partners to join in building a prosperous and inclusive future for the country.
