Barrow touts economic resilience in final SoNA

By Hadram Hydara

President Adama Barrow has told Gambians their economy is showing “remarkable resilience” despite global shocks, as he delivered his final State of the Nation Address (SoNA) of this term on Thursday at the National Assembly in Banjul.

Barrow said GDP grew by 5.9% in 2025, while inflation fell to 6.6% from 10.2%. He praised reforms that turned state-owned enterprises from a D2.6bn loss in 2024 to a D2.5bn profit last year, with five now expected to pay dividends. He noted that the increase in GDP was driven by construction, agriculture, tourism, and various services.

“These outcomes are the result of prudent economic management and difficult, but necessary, policy choices,” he said.

The president highlighted progress in infrastructure, noting 1,200km of roads built since 2017 and plans for a deep seaport at Sanyang. He announced that 90% of Gambians now have access to electricity, with universal coverage targeted by the end of 2026.

On human capital, Barrow said more than 74,000 marginalised children had returned to school since 2023, while the University of The Gambia had expanded to its new Faraba Banta campus. He also pointed to investments in hospitals, ambulances, and training for dentists and pharmacists.

The address, delivered on Thursday, March 26, also covered agriculture, water, fisheries, and social protection. Barrow said his government had drilled 110 solar-powered water systems and supported thousands of women and vulnerable families.

“This address comes at a defining moment in our national journey,” he told lawmakers. “We must protect and build upon these gains as we move forward.”