Gambia now safest country in West Africa, President Barrow tells NA

By Hadram Hydara

President Adama Barrow has declared The Gambia the safest country in West Africa, as he delivered his final State of the Nation address before this year’s presidential election.

In a speech to the National Assembly, Barrow said sustained security sector reforms had resulted in the ranking by Business Insider Africa, adding that The Gambia was now also the fourth safest country on the continent.

“The Gambia today is more stable, more connected, and better governed than it was a decade ago,” he said. “Functional institutions have been established, relevant systems strengthened, and solid foundations laid for more significant outcomes.”

The President said the 2026 Budget projected total revenue and grants of GMD50.3 billion, with GMD32.2 billion mobilised from domestic sources. He added that public debt had been stabilised and placed on a sustainable downward path, with the debt-to-GDP ratio declining to 71.8% in December 2025 from 73.6% a year earlier.

He also highlighted the role of Gambians abroad, noting that remittances amounted to $872 million in 2025, representing 34% of GDP.

On the economy, he said state-owned enterprises recorded a historic turnaround, moving from a collective loss of D2.6 billion in 2024 to a net profit of D2.5 billion last year.

The president also acknowledged persistent challenges, including cost-of-living pressures and youth unemployment, vowing to continue investing in agriculture and skills development.

With presidential elections due later this year, he called for peaceful campaigning.

“I call on all political parties, candidates, and supporters to conduct their campaigns in a spirit of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect,” he said. “Elections are a cornerstone of our democracy, and they must strengthen rather than divide us.”