New national social protection policy aims to cut poverty, shield vulnerable Gambians

By Dawda Baldeh

The National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) has launched a new National Social Protection Policy and published its 2025 Social Protection Report, setting out measures to reduce poverty and strengthen support for the country’s most vulnerable people.

The two‑day national engagement, closed by NSPA Executive Director Saikou Jeng, introduces priorities such as adaptive social protection and social security for informal‑sector workers, designed to help households withstand climate shocks and other emerging economic risks. The agency says the policy will guide efforts to expand social assistance and build a more inclusive, resilient system.

“Today we have renewed a national promise to protect dignity, strengthen resilience, promote inclusion and create a fair society for present and future generations,” Jeng said.

“The National Social Protection Agency is ready to collaborate with all stakeholders in advancing the needs of vulnerable people and communities,” he added.

The NSPA says the policy’s success will depend on close cooperation between government ministries, development partners, civil society and local communities. It pledged to strengthen coordination, provide technical support to implementing partners and improve data systems so assistance reaches those most in need.

The agency thanked President Adama Barrow and Vice‑President Muhammed B.S. Jallow for officiating at the launch, and acknowledged technical and financial support from the World Bank in strengthening the country’s social registry, grievance redress mechanisms and monitoring systems. It also recognised contributions from the United Nations, civil society groups and organisations representing persons with disabilities, women, youth and older people.

As the forum closed, the NSPA said it would consider recommendations from the two‑day meeting during implementation. Jeng said the policy aims to improve resilience among vulnerable households and ensure “no Gambian is left behind.”