The Gambia has signed a partnership framework with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to accelerate the deployment of solar energy initiatives aimed at increasing electricity access in the West African nation.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Wednesday during the Seventh ISA Regional Meeting for the Africa Region in Accra, Ghana, will strengthen The Gambia’s efforts to align solar policy and regulation with national priorities.
The MoU was signed by the Minister for Petroleum, Energy, and Mines, Hon. Nani Juwara, on behalf of The Gambia, and Mr. Ashish Khanna, Director-General of ISA, on behalf of the Alliance.
The partnership will prioritize several key areas: developing a national solar energy roadmap; promoting rooftop solar systems, community mini-grids and agri-based solutions; technical assistance on sustainable business models for solar-powered irrigation; providing expertise in scalable and resilient business models; advancing innovative solar technologies for productive use; and enhancing institutional and stakeholder capacity through training and knowledge exchange.
In 2024, The Gambia commissioned a 23-megawatt peak solar plant located in Jambur, Kombo South District, West Coast Region. Plans are also advanced for the commencement of several other solar projects as part of efforts to attain universal electricity access by 2026.
Speaking to this portal, Minister Nani Juwara stated: “We are developing a regional solar park of 150MW and already, the tender for the first phase of 50MW has been launched, and evaluation of bids is ongoing. The second phase of 100MW will be tendered in early 2026.
“Through the support of the European Union and European Investment Bank, we are implementing the solarization of 1,100 schools and health facilities in The Gambia. We’ve also secured funding through UNDP to construct a mini-grid in the island community of Jinak in the North Bank Region of the country,” he added.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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