Solar Energy in The Gambia
Increasing investment into clean and reliable renewable energy for The Gambia is a top priority of the government. Due to its strategic location and ideal conditions, The Gambia is ideally suited for investment into the Solar Energy sector.
The Gambia has already made significant progress in the Solar Energy sector
Large scale projects in the sector include:
The Renewable Energy Potentials in The Gambia (REPGam) project - Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), this project has committed USD 3.7 million over the course of 4 years. The project began in 2021 and is expected to train over 200 Gambians in Renewable Energy technologies.
The Gambia Sustainable Energy Sector Program - With a budget of Euro 136 million from the European Investment Bank, World Bank and others, this project began in 2018 and seeks to restore and modernize the energy transmission grid, install on-grid solar Photovoltaic (PV) units and off-grid PV units for health facilities and public schools in remote areas.
The Gambia Solar Energy Project - Initiated in 2007 and completed in 2012, this project was implemented by the Unversity of Strathclyde's Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering to provide sustainable lighting and energy to schools in rural Gambia. The project installed 8 solar energy systems by the time of its completion.
The Gambia has also recieved significant support from the World Bank with the ongoing Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project. This project began in 2018 and is active until 2024, it seeks to improve the capacity of the Renewable Energy generation in The Gambia
Top 5 Reasons: Why Investors Should Choose The Gambia for Solar Energy
Attractive Domestic Market
Driven by a steady growing population (2.42m growing at 3% p.a.), business expansions and rapid urbanization – the Gambian electricity sector is expected to see strong growth in the coming years.
Attractive Solar Opportunities
A variety of businesses, institutions and enterprises in The Gambia would benefit from investment into the solar energy sector.
The Gambia also has ideal conditions for solar energy generation.
Strong Government Support
The government of The Gambia is committed to increasing the share of Renewable Energy from 2% (at present) to 40%.
The Government is a signatory of the Paris Climate accords and has undertaken several initiatives such as providing fiscal concessions, investing in R&D, and improving its regulatory regime to attract foreign investments in the renewable energy sector.
Stable Business Climate
The Gambia has strong macro-economic fundamentals with a liberal market-based economy.
The country is one of the safest and politically stable countries in Africa and has attracted over $830m in FDI since 2003.
Skilled & Cost Effective Workforce
The Gambian workforce is one of the country’s principal assets, arousing considerable enthusiasm among businesspeople, both foreign and domestic.
The Gambia has an estimated labor force of 774,000 people. It is also one of the most-cost effective locations for electrical engineers when compared to peer locations.
Source: World Bank, GIEPA – Investment Guide
