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Senegal Inaugurates new Stadium

Senegal Inaugurates New 50,000 Capacity Stadium Senegal becomes the latest African country to construct and inaugurate a standard multipurpose stadium that has a capacity of 50, 000 seats. The Stadium constructed in the city of Diamniadio was inaugurated in a colourful ceremony attended by several heads of state including Turkish president Recip Tayyip Erdogan and CAF and FIFA. Several former African top players including Okocha, Drogba, E'too, Mboma among others attended the ceremony. Part of the events marking the historic inauguration was a musical display by different Senegalese singers.  An exhibition football game between former Senegalese footballers and a selection of former top African players was also staged at the stadium. Kalilou Fadiga opened for Senegal but Okocha who was the captain of the African selection helped his team to a 1 - 1 draw in front of a massive crowd. This new stadium named after the former Senegalese president Abdoulaye Wade is said to have cost over 200 million Euros.  

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President Barrow to Inaugurate Basse Market and Electricity Project in URR

Media Advisory President Barrow to Inaugurate Basse Market and Electricity Project in URRFollowing the completion of the construction of the Basse Market in the Upper River Region, which was engulfed by Fire in 2020, President Adama Barrow will inaugurate the new complex on Saturday, 26th February 2022. Meanwhile, on Friday, February 25, 2022, the President will preside over the inauguration of first-ever electrical project in Nyamanarr, bringing electricity to the community after decades of darkness.

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Cameroon dumps Gambia in AWCON qualifier

Cameroon Put 10 Goals Pass The Gambia To Qualify For AWCON Cameroon's female national football team have proved too strong for the Queen Scorpions of The Gambia as they scored 10 goals in a double legged tie against the Gambia to qualify for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. The Lioness of Cameroon did most of the damage in the first leg when they trashed the Queen Scorpions 8 - 0 in the first leg at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaounde before completing the mission with a 2 - 1 away win in Banjul on Wednesday afternoon. Even when the visitors decided to take their foot off the gas in the return leg, the host-Gambia, simply lacked the strength, quality and game awareness to do anything meaningful against a well-composed Cameroon side and the visitors headed into the tunnel with a deserved 2 - 0 win courtesy of Captain Gabrielle and Ossol. And all that the host could manage as a way of response was a brilliant free kick curled into Cameroon's net from 19yards out by Catherine Jatta, but that could not even make the score pleasing in the eye as the double legged tie aggregate ended Cameroon 10 - 1 the Gambia.  

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5th African sub regional International Sports Conference opens in Banjul

The National Sports Council has convened a sub regional conference for stakeholders and sports administrators. The three day 5th African International Conference of the African sports management association aim at improving ways to better the management of sport, especially at the grassroots.The theme of the conference centres on grassroots sports development which is an important aspect of sustainable sports development. Members of the Africa Sports Management Association say grassroots sports management is a key priority on their agenda. Saihou Sanyang who deputised for the Gambia's minister for sports said the Gambia government through the sports ministry are advancing efforts towards the development of sports. Marcel Mendy the Executive Director of the National Sports Council highlighted the role sports plays in the life of athletes.  At the end of the three-day convergence, participants are expected to make significant positive contributions towards the enactment of sport management practices in Africa and beyond. The African Sport Management Association was founded in 2010 during the 17th Biennial International Conference of the International Society for Comprehensive Physical Education and Sport held at Kenyatta University in Kenya.  

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Inauguration of Stade Abdoulaye Wade

The President H.E Adama Barrow was among several leaders who attended the official inauguration of Stade Abdoulaye Wade, a new multi-million Dollar sports stadium in the Senegalese capital Dakar. The ultra-modern sports complex named in honour of the former Senegalese President is seen as an important achievement in sports development for Senegal which won the African Cup of Nations. The opening ceremony was attended by heads of state, veteran sports personalities and fifty thousand people from across Senegal. The President was received at the Leopold Sedar Senghore military airport by the Senegalese Minister of youth and Sports. He was officially received at the Presidential Palace in Dakar by Senegalese President H.E Macky Sall. The President joined several other dignitaries invited for the landmark event which is expected to transform Senegalese sports. The stadium took two years to complete and costs over 200 million Euros. President Sall accompanied by his guests including President Barrow took the official kick off of a match pitting Senegalese veteran footballers against their African counterparts. Speaking during the ceremony President Sall acknowledged the benefits such infrastructure would bring to Senegal and its sports sector. FIFA President Gianino Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe both hailed the new stadium as an important achievement that would significantly improve sports development in Senegal and the continent. The 50 thousand capacity can host football and rugby matches as well as athletics. 

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President Barrow returns from Dakar, Senegal

 The President his Excellency Adama Barrow arrived in Banjul on Wednesday following a brief visit to Dakar Senegal, where he was invited for the inauguration of a multimillion euro modern stadium in Diamnyadio on the outskirt of Dakar.The President was invited alongside other heads of state and sport elites for the spectacular event unveiling the new stadium.  President Barrow returned with an ambition to replicate Senegal's 50 thousand capacity stadium in The Gambia to improve sports infrastructure in the country.President Barrow congratulated his Senegalese counterpart Macky Sall for building such a modern sporting edifice at the tune of over 200 million Euro. While in Dakar, the Gambian leader said he held discussions with the leaders of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA over the condition of Gambia's only stadium. President Barrow said, both organisations promised to support Gambia in this regard.

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Fisheries Officers Trained on Digital Data Collection

The Department of Fisheries embarked on data collection training for the fisheries information system. Director of Fisheries Anna Mbenga Cham, reaffirmed the Fisheries Department’s commitment to the development of the Fisheries sector. Dr. Patrice Brehmer, from the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD) said the training was a continuation of the first phase, which was the harmonization of data collection at sub-regional level, and deploying a digital data collection system in order to facilitate the work on the landing site. He said the second phase, would extend the use of the android tablets in other to collect some important data. He revealed that some sea water temperature sensor which can communicate with the tablet would be deployed and the information can be sent directly to the Fisheries department. An observatory for mammals on the beach and all the sea weed events would be set as well report other observations like marine pollution, accidents or unusual interference at sea. The objective is to show the ability of the Fisheries Department and its data collectors to act as the eyes and the ears of The Gambia along the coast.

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PRESIDENT BARROW URGES YOUTH TO PREPARE FOR THE FUTURE AT 2026 INNOVATION SUMMIT

President Adama Barrow on Saturday urged young people to prepare for the future, telling hundreds of youth at the 2026 Youth Innovation Summit that “the future belongs to those who prepare for it.”The President was speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, where several hundred young people from organisations across the country gathered for the annual summit.The Youth Innovation Summit brings young people together to discuss relevant issues, share ideas, and challenge the realities shaping youth affairs and the future of The Gambia.It serves as a platform for youth empowerment and fosters collaboration between young people and government.Key sponsor Comium said it believes youth are The Gambia’s greatest resource. “The country’s future depends on how we prepare young people to thrive in a digital-driven world,” said Isatou Ceesay, Comium’s Director of Marketing and Communications.A highlight of the summit was the story of Ebrima Jallow, a young man who once embarked on the perilous journey to Europe. Now a successful entrepreneur, Jallow was given the podium to inspire participants.He stands as living proof that Gambians can succeed at home.In his address, President Barrow recounted his own journey to Europe as a young man, with the belief that it was the only way to live a better life. He later realised that success could also be found at home.He used the lesson to encourage young people that with the right mindset, they can make it in The Gambia.The President assured youth that their development remains central to his government’s agenda, citing the construction of schools and TVET centres across the country to empower them.“It is government’s responsibility to ensure hope for our youth,” Barrow said. “That is why we are investing in agriculture and other sectors.”He urged young people to reject drugs, embrace innovation, and maintain peace, reiterating: “The future belongs to those who prepare for it.”Critical conversations at the summit centred on: Irregular migration and reintegration. Civic education, participation, and national cohesion. Youth empowerment, skills development, and entrepreneurship.Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the Organising Committee, Maimuna Platt described the day as “an unforgettable day of learning among youths” and said it marks the beginning of more innovation and collaboration for nation building.

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PRESIDENT BARROW PRESENTS VEHICLES TO NPP-LED GRAND COALITION PARTNERS AHEAD OF DECEMBER POLL

President Adama Barrow on Saturday presented a fleet of vehicles to partner parties of the NPP-led Grand Coalition during a ceremony held at State House. The presentation was attended by leaders of the Alliance parties and senior members of the National People’s Party executive.Representatives of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), ANRD, NRP, NCP, Democratic Party, Citizens Alliance, GPDP, and GMC received keys to the new vehicles. The vehicles are expected to enhance grassroots mobilisation ahead of the December 5th Presidential election.The leaders of the 8 parties expressed appreciation to the President and leader of the Grand Coalition, saying the gesture will strengthen the Alliance. They predicted a landslide victory for President Barrow, describing him as development-oriented and committed to national progress.Isatou Jifanga Jarju of the APRC assured that the vehicles will be used for their intended purpose.Mai Ahmad Fatty of the Gambia Moral Congress (GMC) said the Grand Coalition is strong and well-positioned to win the election, citing what he called the President’s “life-changing development projects” across the country.Dr Ismaila Ceesay of the Citizens Alliance urged beneficiaries to intensify grassroots mobilisation to strengthen the Grand Coalition. He said President Barrow will win with an overwhelming majority based on his track record over the last 9 years.GPDP leader Henry Gomez described the presentation as unprecedented in Gambian politics. “President Barrow respects his coalition partners and always supports them when necessary,” Gomez said. “Therefore, let us work together and speak with one voice to strengthen the Alliance.” He also called on Gambians to support the President and vote for him massively in December to ensure continuity of development.Leaders of the NCP, ANRD, and DP echoed similar sentiments, calling on all partner parties to vigorously campaign and mobilise support for the NPP-led Alliance.NRP leader Hamat N.K. Bah cautioned all beneficiary parties against misusing the vehicles, stressing that they are strictly for campaign purposes. He urged Alliance members to reach out to voters across the country.Bah also praised President Barrow’s development record, which he said has touched the lives of citizens nationwide. He challenged young people to support the President and avoid politicians who mislead them for selfish political goals.“There will be no shortcut to the Presidency,” Bah warned. “Government will not allow any individual or group to undermine the electoral process. A level playing field has already been ensured for all.”First Deputy National President of the NPP, Demba Sabally, said the presentation signifies President Barrow’s recognition of the important role of Alliance parties in strengthening the Grand Coalition. He urged them to redouble efforts and maintain unity to ensure victory for the Alliance.In his remarks, President Barrow described the event as a historic milestone in the country’s political evolution, noting it is the first time members of a coalition are receiving such support from the leading party.He called on all recipients to use the vehicles solely for political purposes to mobilise voters at the grassroots for the Grand Coalition. 

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PRESIDENT BARROW RECEIVES ATAF DELEGATION, HAILED AS MODEL FOR TAX REFORMS

President Adama Barrow on Thursday received officials attending the annual African Tax Administration Forum Masterclass at State House.The delegation was led by the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, who briefed the President on the objectives and outcomes of the three-day meeting in Banjul. The Masterclass brought together tax administrators from across Africa to deliberate on tax administration, revenue collection, and the challenges and opportunities facing the continent.Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Commissioner General Darboe described the engagement as "very productive," noting that discussions centred on tax administration, revenue collection, and common challenges facing authorities in Africa.He commended President Barrow for the government’s support to GRA’s reforms, which he said have transformed revenue collection in The Gambia over the last 10 years.“As a result of these reforms, revenue collection has increased significantly. We have moved from collecting D3 billion in one year to now collecting D3 billion in one month,” Darboe said.The Executive Secretary of ATAF, Mary Baine, commended President Barrow for receiving the delegation. She said ATAF wants him to champion the call for stronger and more resilient tax administration systems across Africa, drawing on The Gambia’s model.The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of ATAF also praised The Gambia for its political will and commitment to financing development through domestic revenue. They described the approach as more sustainable, noting that Africa cannot continue to depend on external financing for its development needs.The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, congratulated the GRA for hosting a successful ATAF Masterclass. He said the event is a vote of confidence in The Gambia’s tax administration system, which continues to serve as a model for others on the continent.The meeting was attended by senior tax administration officials and experts who are using the forum to strategise the way forward for tax administration and revenue mobilisation in Africa. 

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TEAM GAMBIA’S SWIMMING CAMPAIGN BEGINS AT 2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Team Gambia’s swimming campaign got underway at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Saturday, with Ousman Jobe and Pap D. Jonga representing the nation in Heat 3 at Tollcross International Swimming Centre.While both swimmers fell short of advancing, the race marked another step forward for Gambian aquatics on the international stage.The duo competed in a fast men’s sprint heat. Tonga’s Alan Uhiafi touched first in 24.42 seconds, followed by Vanuatu’s John Lebot in 25.83.For The Gambia, Olympian Ousman Jobe placed 7th in Lane 6 with a time of 27.52 seconds. Pap D. Jonga finished 8th in Lane 2 in 28.30 seconds. Both were just off their seed times.Anticipation was high in the Gambian camp ahead of the race. Jobe came into Glasgow fresh off an intensive two-month training camp in Paris.“There’s been some major championships here before, in the 2014 Commonwealth Games as well. I’ve prepared so well,” Jobe said.“Plus, two months ago, I was in Paris preparing for this. So I think I’m fully ready.”While both missed out on personal bests, Jonga reflected on Glasgow’s world-class facilities and what it will take to develop talent in The Gambia.“If in The Gambia a supportive system can be created in terms of creating a swimming pool, swimming has a long way to go,” Jonga said.“Having at least a standard 25-meter pool will enable young kids who are trying to involve themselves in swimming to have big potential for tomorrow.”Though Heat 3 marks the end of this event, the Games are far from over for Team Gambia. Jonga said the race was a chance to review and improve.“The performance was great, but it could have been much better. I will use this moment to progress on the few events coming up... to do a review of what went wrong and enable me to have better timing in the races coming up,” he said.Jobe and Jonga return to the pool on Monday and Tuesday for the 100-meter freestyle and 50-meter butterfly, taking vital lessons from Glasgow’s 50-meter pool into their remaining races. 

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2026 COMMONWEALTH GAMES OPEN IN GLASGOW AS TEAM GAMBIA JOINS PARADE OF NATIONS 

The 2026 Commonwealth Games officially got underway in Glasgow, with Team Gambia joining athletes from 74 nations and territories at a spectacular opening ceremony at the Hydro.His Majesty King Charles III formally declared the Games open, alongside Queen Camilla, in front of thousands of spectators.In a surprise entrance, King Charles III and Queen Camilla arrived from the iconic TARDIS to cheers from the crowd inside the Hydro.The ceremony celebrated Scotland’s culture with music, dance, and stunning visual displays. Glasgow’s heritage was honoured through performances by Scottish artists, while the Scottish Baton made its final journey before being presented to the King.Athletes from all 74 Commonwealth nations and territories took part in the Parade of Nations.Among them was Team Gambia, proudly marching alongside more than 3,000 athletes set to compete in 10 sports and six Para sports over the next 10 days.For The Gambia, the ceremony marks the start of another opportunity for its athletes to compete on the international stage and inspire supporters back home.Officially declaring the Games open, King Charles welcomed the Commonwealth family to Glasgow and praised the city for hosting the event for the fourth time.Competition now begins as athletes chase medals and national pride in what promises to be 10 days of sport across Glasgow. 

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VP JALLOW OPENS ATAF MASTER CLASS IN BANJUL, URGES STRONGER DOMESTIC RESOURCE MOBILISATION 

The Vice President, Mohammed B.S. Jallow, on Wednesday officially opened the African Tax Administration Forum in Banjul on behalf of President Adama Barrow.Tax administrators from across the continent gathered for the 7th Heads of Tax Administrations Master Class to discuss ways to strengthen revenue collection in Africa.Delegates came from different countries with diverse legal systems and institutional backgrounds, but share a common goal: to strengthen Africa’s capacity to mobilise domestic resources to improve lives.Delivering the President’s statement, Vice President Jallow said domestic resource mobilisation has been a central pillar of The Gambia’s national development agenda.“Since the inception of my administration in 2017, domestic resource mobilisation has featured prominently on The Gambia’s national development agenda,” he said. “This strategic focus is informed by the growing realisation that African governments cannot achieve sustainable prosperity, economic resilience, and true sovereignty by relying indefinitely on external loans, grants, and development assistance.”The Vice President noted that African economies have faced devastating calamities, global supply chain disruptions, and uncertainties arising from conflicts around the world. He said that these challenges have forced many countries to undertake major reforms to modernise their revenue administration, and that The Gambia has been a beneficiary of those reforms.“Today, The Gambia is reaping the benefits of these reforms through improved efficiency, enhanced transparency, stronger revenue performance, and increased domestic resources to support our national development aspirations,” he said.Vice President Jallow also commended the leadership of the Gambia Revenue Authority, saying it reflects the theme of the Master Class.“The Commissioner General’s leadership stature stands as a practical example of the theme of this Master Class, that great institutions are built by leaders who have the courage to embrace change and the determination to see it through,” he said.For his part, the Commissioner General of the Gambia Revenue Authority, Yankuba Darboe, said the Master Class has been a source of inspiration for his leadership.“When I say this Master Class has had a profound impact on my own leadership journey. Since the launch of this initiative, I have had the privilege of participating in several editions, often accompanied by my Deputy Commissioner General,” Darboe said. “Every year, we return home with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical lessons from fellow Commissioners General who have faced challenges similar to those confronting us in The Gambia.”After the deliberations in Banjul, the tax administrators are expected to leave with renewed strategies to combat base erosion, profit shifting, and illicit financial flows that deprive Africa of much-needed development resources.Participants of the 2026 ATAF Master Class are also expected to adopt a communique outlining key recommendations for tax administration across the continent.

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