Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a bid to accelerate its energy transition, The Gambia is set to achieve a 70% electrification rate by the end of this year, thanks to substantial investments from the African Development Bank. This target includes electrifying 50% of rural areas, underscoring the country’s commitment to expanding access to electricity across all regions. Amidst this rapid sectoral growth, Nani Juwara, The Gambia’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy, will speak at the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference. The event will take place from November 4-8 in Cape Town, South Africa.
Minister Juwara’s participation at AEW 2024 is pivotal as he will spotlight The Gambia’s untapped potential in the oil and gas industry. Representing one of Africa’s last frontiers in hydrocarbons, the country has ambitious plans for both upstream and downstream energy development. His address is expected to emphasize how these resources will play a significant role in meeting The Gambia’s energy and socioeconomic goals, as well as contribute to Africa’s overall energy security.
The AEW conference has become a key gathering for project operators, financiers, technology providers, and government officials to forge partnerships and secure deals in Africa’s energy sector. With offshore resources located near Senegal’s Sangomar field, where production recently commenced, The Gambia has attracted attention for its potential in oil exploration. The Bambo prospect reservoirs, estimated to hold up to 1.2 billion barrels of oil, have shown promising results. Independent oil and gas company FAR has also extended its exploration permit for the offshore A2 and A5 blocks until 2025, aiming to attract partners for further exploration.
In line with this, The Gambia’s National Petroleum Corporation and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company signed a memorandum of understanding last year, marking a step toward collaborative exploration. This agreement includes geological studies, seismic data analysis, and potential drilling activities. Moreover, The Gambia is diversifying its energy mix; in 2023, it inaugurated its first large-scale solar facility in Jambur, built by Tebian Electric Apparatus, which adds 23 MW of solar power to the national grid.
At AEW 2024, Minister Juwara will engage with global investors, presenting opportunities across The Gambia’s oil and gas sectors. He aims to attract private sector investment to the country’s hydrocarbon potential, reinforcing the government’s commitment to energy expansion and economic growth. As The Gambia accelerates its energy initiatives, Minister Juwara’s insights and leadership at AEW will be instrumental in defining the country’s role in Africa’s energy landscape.
