The European Union (EU) has granted a €24 million Global Gateway grant to the Gambia Renewable Energy project, with the aim of speeding up the implementation of reliable green energy for schools and health centers across the Gambia. The project will provide more than 1000 rural schools and 100 health centers with solar panels, battery technology, and network connectivity.
The grant, which will be used alongside an €8 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB), was announced at the United Nations (UN) 5th Conference for Least Developed Countries (LDC5). This brings the overall financial backing for the project from the European Investment Bank and the European Union to more than €100 million.
Jutta Urpilainen, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Seedy Keita, Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of the Republic of the Gambia, and Thomas Östros, EIB Vice-President, signed the Statement of Signature, relating to this grant agreement.
Minister Keita expressed gratitude to the EU and EIB for their financial support and emphasized the transformational impact of the project. The project will provide reliable and clean energy to education and health sectors, reducing the country’s carbon footprint and improving economic opportunities.
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen highlighted the importance of affordable, reliable, and sustainable access to electricity for all. The project is a flagship green energy initiative that will empower young people and create more economic opportunities across the country.
EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros emphasized the importance of investing in Gambia’s energy infrastructure to improve economic opportunities and daily lives. He welcomed the additional Team Europe grant support in cooperation with Gambian, international, and European partners, adding that the project is strongly committed to supporting climate action in Africa and around the world.
The project is expected to increase energy supply in the Gambia by one fifth and will reinforce power transmission and distribution infrastructure. It is also supported by the World Bank.
Over the last decade, the European Investment Bank has provided €5.3 billion for energy investment across Africa. Once operational, the Gambia Renewable Energy project will have a significant impact on rural communities across the country, ensuring that education and health services benefit from reliable and clean power.
