Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), in collaboration with the World Bank, has officially launched the bidding process for a landmark 50-megawatt solar power and energy storage project aimed at transforming the country’s electricity landscape.

The initiative, unveiled during a pre-bid meeting, signals a major leap in the country’s ambitions toward universal access to energy, renewable energy integration, and energy independence, according to NAWEC and government officials present at the meeting.

The project, which is part of a broader effort to scale up to 1,150 megawatts of clean power, is strategically situated in Soma, Lower River region—an area with excellent solar irradiation. It is designed not only to enhance energy generation capacity but also to introduce robust battery storage to stabilize and optimize electricity distribution across the country.

NAWEC Managing Director Galo Saidy underscored the strategic importance of the project to the Gambia’s long-term electrification agenda. “This initiative represents a major milestone in our country’s pursuit of cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions,” Saidy said. “With the generous support of our partners and the strong commitment of the government, we are confident this project will significantly contribute to our national development goals and strengthen our energy security.”

The World Bank, which is backing the project financially and technically, emphasized that the solar project aligns with its three-pronged approach to energy sector development in The Gambia: expanding universal access, promoting regional integration of low-cost energy sources, and ensuring a financially viable and efficient national utility.

Matarr Touray, representing the World Bank Group, highlighted the bank’s growing footprint in The Gambia’s energy sector, with a combined portfolio exceeding $200 million. “With the existing and pipeline projects, The Gambia is poised to attain 91% electricity access by 2025,” Matarr Touray said, noting that the 50 MW project is a cornerstone of this effort.

The emphasis on clean, affordable energy comes at a critical time for The Gambia, where growing demand for electricity is outpacing current supply infrastructure. Government officials view this project not only as a means to meet rising demand but also as a foundation for the country’s second phase of solar expansion, which aims to add another 100 megawatts of generation capacity.

Lamin Camara, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy, and Mines, reiterated the government’s ambition to achieve universal energy access by the end of this year. “Depending on the outcome of this tender process, we are ready to roll out more and even larger solar power projects,” Camara said. “We expect 90% of the country to be covered by the last quarter of this year.”

The pre-bid meeting brought together global energy developers, engineers, financiers, and policy stakeholders, all signaling robust international interest in The Gambia’s clean energy transition. Discussions during the event focused on clarifying technical, legal, and operational aspects of the project tender to ensure all participants are aligned.

As the evaluation process progresses, the most qualified bidder that meets the criteria set by the World Bank and the government will be selected to lead the construction and implementation of the 50 MW solar park. This marks a significant milestone in The Gambia’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and power its development sustainably.