Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has revealed that Gambians living abroad sent home US$872 million (about D55 billion) in remittances in 2025, an amount equivalent to 34 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Delivering his 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA) before the National Assembly of The Gambia, the president said the figures underscore the crucial role the diaspora continues to play in sustaining the national economy.
“These remittances show just how vital our compatriots abroad are in keeping The Gambia’s economy strong,” Barrow said.
According to the president, funds sent by Gambians overseas help families meet basic needs, support small businesses, and contribute to stabilizing the national currency.
Economic analyst Ebrima Sey said the scale of remittances highlights the country’s significant dependence on its diaspora. While such inflows provide stability and financial relief to households, he noted that the government must expand domestic economic opportunities to gradually reduce reliance on income generated abroad.
Barrow also linked the diaspora’s contributions to ongoing economic reforms, particularly efforts to improve the performance of state-owned enterprises.
He disclosed that after recording a loss of D2.6 billion in 2024, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) collectively posted a net profit of D2.5 billion in 2025. Five of these companies are expected to pay dividends to the government for the first time, reflecting improvements in financial management and oversight.
The president concluded by urging Gambians both at home and abroad to continue supporting national development, stressing that sustainable economic growth will require strong domestic initiatives combined with the continued backing of citizens living overseas.
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