Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – President Adama Barrow has announced an ambitious expansion of The Gambia’s transport infrastructure, revealing that the country will add 375 kilometers of paved roads to the national network by the end of 2026.
Delivering his 2026 State of the Nation Address, the president said the initiative forms part of broader government efforts to strengthen connectivity, facilitate trade, and make transportation more reliable across the country.
According to him, the new road projects are being implemented through an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, fully financed by the Government of The Gambia at an estimated cost of GMD 9 billion.
Barrow noted that once ongoing and planned works are completed, more than half of the country’s roughly 4,000-kilometre surveyed road network will be paved.
“Since 2017, the government has constructed over 1,200 kilometers of all-weather roads, significantly improving national connectivity,” the president said.
He highlighted several key projects aimed at strengthening the road network, including the recently inaugurated 84-kilometer Niumi–Hakalang Road, the near completion of the Kiang West and Brufut–Madiana roads, and the expected completion of the Sukuta overpass later this year.
Expansion of National Road Network
Beyond the current works, Barrow announced plans to construct an additional 700 kilometers of roads using what he described as innovative financing mechanisms. A further 200 kilometres of rural roads will also be developed with support from the World Bank.
The president said the projects are strategically designed to complement the existing network and ensure wider access to safe and reliable all-weather roads for communities across the country.
“These developments will not only make travel easier but also create opportunities for businesses, farmers, and local communities nationwide,” he said.
Port, Ferry, and Airport Upgrades
The government’s transport infrastructure push also extends to maritime facilities. Barrow revealed that operational upgrades at the Port of Banjul have dramatically reduced cargo waiting times from 14 days to about 17 hours.
He further disclosed that construction of the proposed Sanyang Deep Seaport is expected to begin later this year, a project aimed at expanding the country’s port capacity and supporting growing trade volumes.
To improve river transport, a newly delivered ferry will also be deployed on the Banjul–Barra crossing, easing congestion on one of the country’s busiest routes linking the North Bank Region with the Greater Banjul Area.
On regional connectivity, Barrow said The Gambia and Senegal have agreed to reduce air travel costs between the two countries by waiving or cutting passenger ticket charges.
The president also unveiled plans for an airport modernization project that will include the construction of a new passenger terminal and upgrades to related infrastructure through a public-private partnership arrangement at Banjul International Airport.
The transport infrastructure programme, he said, is intended to strengthen the country’s logistics backbone while supporting economic activity and regional integration.
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