AGP Executive Report

Power & Safety in Banjul: President Adama Barrow says Gambia will rapidly expand electricity supply after violent blackout protests, with a new 24MW unit due by end-October 2026 and a 50MW solar contract for Soma aimed at easing daily disruptions. Tourism Deals: A UK travel agent 7 Seas Holidays is promoting a December escape to The Kombo Beach Hotel in Gambia—seven nights from £879pp (B&B + transport), booking by 21 September. Eco-Travel for Kids: TUI Junior Academy marks 10 years and is launching a new Gambia programme with Green-Up Gambia, reaching 300 pupils across 30 schools through environmental bootcamps and field visits. Cross-Border Tourism Push: The Gambia and Senegal are urged to turn tourism cooperation beyond familiarisation trips into real joint packages and sustained visitor growth. Travel Risk Watch: MSF reports 1,046 migrants rescued off West Africa after boats departed The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands, highlighting the dangers on the Atlantic route. Sports & Travel Calendar: Gambia’s AFCON qualifiers squad is set for a September camp in Banjul, with the team opening at the renovated Independence Stadium vs Somalia on 25 September.

Power & Safety: Gambia’s President Adama Barrow says electricity will be expanded fast after violent blackout protests in Banjul and surrounding areas, with a new 24MW unit due by end-October and a 50MW solar contract for Soma. Tourism Deals: A new travel offer highlights seven nights at The Kombo Beach Hotel in Gambia (book by 21 Sept; travel 1–8 Dec). Regional Tourism: The Gambia and Senegal are urged to turn tourism cooperation beyond familiarisation trips into real joint packages and sustained visitor growth. Air Connectivity: EgyptAir launches a direct Cairo–Zanzibar route, signaling continued African airline expansion that can boost regional travel demand. Sustainable Learning: TUI Junior Academy marks 10 years and is launching in The Gambia with Green-Up Gambia, reaching 300 pupils across 30 schools via environmental bootcamps. Sports & Travel Timing: With AFCON qualifiers looming, The Gambia’s national team camp and fixtures could affect visitor planning around late-September matchdays.

Power & Infrastructure: Gambia’s President Adama Barrow says rolling blackouts are a national security emergency and pledges a rapid boost to electricity supply by late October, including a new 24MW generation unit and a 50MW solar facility in Soma. Eco-Tourism & Youth: TUI Junior Academy marks 10 years, and a new Gambia edition with Green-Up Gambia will run environmental bootcamps for 300 pupils across 30 schools, with field visits to places like Tanji Bird Reserve. Travel Deals: A weekly offer from 7 Seas Holidays promotes 7 nights at The Kombo Beach Hotel (Gambia) from £879 per person (two sharing), with B&B and transport included, for 1–8 Dec 2026. Regional Tourism: The Gambia and Senegal are urged to turn tourism cooperation beyond familiarisation trips into joint packages and measurable visitor growth. Sports & Travel Timing: Gambia’s AFCON qualifiers are in focus as Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz prepares for the double-header that includes hosting The Gambia, while Gambia coach Johnathan McKinstry names a 35-man preliminary squad for matches starting 25 Sept.

AFCON 2027 Build-Up: Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz says he’ll soon submit the Black Stars squad after extending his contract, with the GFA stressing results over style as qualifiers approach. Gambia Travel Deal: 7 Seas Holidays is promoting a December escape to The Gambia—7 nights at Kombo Beach Hotel from £879 pp (B&B + transport), departing 1–8 Dec 2026, book by 21 Sept. Migration & Safety: MSF reports 1,046 migrants rescued off West Africa in a week, including people who departed The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands and suffered dehydration, injuries and infections. Clean Air Watch: A new Africa Air Quality Brief says more than 20 African countries miss WHO air pollution guidelines, highlighting health risks for travellers and locals alike. Eco-Tourism Push: Senegalese tourism professionals on a familiarisation tour in The Gambia praised birdwatching and nature sites like Tanji and Monkey Park, pointing to stronger eco-tourism links. Gambia Tourism Offer: The Gambia Experience has added-value Ngala Lodge packages, with a booking deadline of 15 September. Regional Connectivity: EgyptAir launches direct Cairo–Zanzibar flights, boosting Africa-to-Africa tourism routes that can feed wider West African travel demand.

Travel Offer: 7 Seas Holidays is promoting a December escape for seven nights at The Kombo Beach Hotel in The Gambia, from £879 per person (two sharing), with bed & breakfast plus transport included; flights are available from London Gatwick and bookings close 21 September 2026. Tourism Cooperation: The Gambia Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism hosted Senegalese tourism professionals for a familiarisation visit, with guests especially impressed by eco-tourism and bird-watching at sites like Tanji Fishing Village and Monkey Park—though the push now is for lasting partnerships, not just short tours. Added-Value Stay: The Gambia Experience launched an offer at Ngala Lodge (Fajara): book by 15 September 2026 for November–December stays and get a complimentary dinner and bottle of wine per stay. Regional Connectivity: EgyptAir opened a new Cairo–Zanzibar direct route (twice weekly), highlighting continued airline expansion across Africa that can boost tourism links. Gambia Football & Travel Timing: The Gambia’s AFCON qualifiers squad is set for a Banjul training camp starting 21 September, with the team hosting Somalia on 25 September and then travelling to Ghana on 29 September.

Gambia Football & Travel Timing: The Gambia head coach Johnathan McKinstry has named a 35-man preliminary squad for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers, with the Scorpions set to host Somalia on 25 September at the newly renovated Independence Stadium in Banjul, then travel to Ghana on 29 September—star winger Yankuba Minteh is ruled out with injury, while several key players return ahead of a training camp from 21 September. Regional Tourism Cooperation: Senegalese tourism professionals on a familiarisation tour say they’re impressed by The Gambia’s eco-tourism and nature experiences, visiting spots like Tanji Fishing Village, Monkey Park and the Katchikally Crocodile Sacred Pool, with bird-watching highlighted as a strong draw for European visitors. Air Connectivity for West Africa: EgyptAir has launched a new Cairo–Zanzibar direct service (twice weekly), underscoring growing airline competition for African tourism and connections—good news for travellers planning multi-stop trips across the region. Gambia Stay Offer: The Gambia Experience has added an adults-only Ngala Lodge winter deal: book by 15 September for November–December stays and get a complimentary dinner plus bottle of wine per stay. Travel Safety Watch: Reports continue of deadly migrant boat incidents linked to routes from The Gambia toward Spain’s Canary Islands, a reminder of the risks around irregular travel.

Green Card Lottery Update: The US State Department has published DV-2026 selectee figures for 16 African countries, while Nigeria is again excluded—an important reminder for Gambians planning long-term travel and migration pathways. CAF Champions League Results: Al Hilal and Mangasport posted strong first-leg wins in the preliminary round, with several other ties left finely poised—good news for sports fans following regional fixtures. Gambia Tourism Push: Senegalese tourism professionals on a familiarisation tour praised The Gambia’s eco-tourism and nature experiences, including bird-watching at key sites. Stay Offer in Fajara: The Gambia Experience launched an added-value deal at Ngala Lodge: book by 15 September for November–December stays and get a complimentary dinner plus bottle of wine per stay. Connectivity & Bilateral Ties: President Adama Barrow concluded an official visit to Guinea, reaffirming cooperation that includes tourism and culture. Migrant Tragedy at Sea: Reports say a boat leaving Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands saw at least five deaths and dozens feared missing after days adrift—another stark travel-safety warning for the region.

Air Connectivity for West Africa: Air France-KLM and Lufthansa have been asked to improve bids for Portugal’s TAP, which serves 14 African destinations including The Gambia—good news for travellers if the network stays strong. Eco-Tourism Spotlight: Senegalese tourism professionals on a familiarisation tour praised The Gambia’s eco-tourism and nature experiences, including bird-watching at key sites like Tanji Fishing Village and Monkey Park. Hotel Deal for Couples: The Gambia Experience launched an added-value offer at Ngala Lodge (Fajara): book by 15 September for November–December stays and get a complimentary dinner plus bottle of wine per stay. Coastal Access Upgrade: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated, with President Barrow linking better roads to tourism and the wider coastal corridor. Migration Safety Alert: Reports say a migrant boat from Gambia to Spain’s Canary Islands left many dead or missing after days at sea—another reminder of the risks on this route. Travel & Visas Reality Check: A Gambian student’s long US visa rejection story highlights how tougher visa barriers can redirect study plans to other destinations.

Migrant Tragedy at Sea: More than 80 migrants, including a baby, are feared dead after an overcrowded boat left The Gambia and was found drifting off Spain’s Canary Islands; 44–45 survivors were rescued and taken to Gran Canaria, with rough seas delaying recovery of bodies. Tourism Offer in The Gambia: The Gambia Experience has launched an added-value deal at adults-only Ngala Lodge in Fajara—book by 15 September for stays in November and December 2026, with a complimentary dinner and bottle of wine per stay. Eco-Tourism Interest: Senegalese tourism professionals on a familiarisation tour say they’re impressed by The Gambia’s nature and eco-tourism potential, visiting sites like Tanji Fishing Village and Monkey Park. Connectivity Boost: Sanyang Beachside Road has been inaugurated to improve coastal access and support tourism and trade along the corridor. Air Travel Link: TAP’s Africa network includes The Gambia and Ghana, and Portugal’s airline privatisation talks could affect travellers across the region.

Migrant tragedy at sea: More than 80 people, including a baby, are feared dead after an overpacked boat left The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands and was found adrift off Gran Canaria after about 26–27 days; 44–45 survivors were rescued and taken to Arguineguín, with three airlifted to hospital, as rough seas and strong winds hampered recovery. Tourism familiarisation: Senegalese tourism professionals on a week-long visit with the Gambia Tourism Board say they’re impressed by The Gambia’s eco-tourism and nature experiences, including bird-watching at key sites like Tanji Fishing Village and Monkey Park. Accommodation offer: The Gambia Experience launched an added-value deal at Ngala Lodge (Fajara) for stays in November–December 2026—book by 15 September for a complimentary dinner and bottle of wine per stay. Connectivity boost: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated, with leaders saying improved coastal access will support tourism and trade and strengthen the coastal corridor ahead of future port development. Local travel business case: A Banjul court heard testimony in a fraud trial involving Ejabah Travel and Tours, linked to failed Hajj trip arrangements and refunds/deferrals.

Border Security Deal Debate: A proposed 20-year BI-Securiport revenue project in the Philippines would charge international travelers a $4 entry/exit fee, but critics say government should clearly explain what passengers are paying for before signing. Eco-Tourism Boost: Senegalese tourism professionals on a Gambia Tourism Board familiarisation tour praised The Gambia’s eco-tourism and nature experiences, highlighting bird-watching at sites like Tanji Fishing Village and Monkey Park. Couples Stay Offer: The Gambia Experience launched an added-value deal at Ngala Lodge in Fajara—book by 15 September for November–December stays with a complimentary dinner and bottle of wine. Road Connectivity for Tourism: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated, with leaders saying better coastal access can support trade and tourism and strengthen the coastal corridor. Migrant Tragedy Near Europe: Reports say a boat linked to departures from The Gambia was found drifting off Spain’s Canary Islands with dozens feared dead, underscoring ongoing risks on the Atlantic route. Travel Business Tech: VantisCorp launched an automation-first corporate travel management platform aimed at reducing manual work for travel management companies. Sports & Travel Links: Determine Girls FC says it faces an accommodation crisis in The Gambia after being told to vacate its hotel ahead of scheduled return flights.

Migrant tragedy off Spain’s Canary Islands: More than 80 people, including a baby, are feared dead after a boat that left The Gambia for Europe sank or was found adrift; Spanish rescuers reported 44 survivors and five bodies recovered, with rough seas and dehydration complicating the rescue. Gambia–Guinea ties: President Adama Barrow wrapped up an official visit to Guinea-Conakry, reaffirming cooperation across trade, energy, security, tourism, agriculture, youth and culture, with a joint communiqué signed. Eco-tourism spotlight: Senegalese tourism professionals on a familiarisation tour praised The Gambia’s eco-tourism and nature experiences, visiting sites like Tanji Fishing Village and Monkey Park, with bird-watching highlighted for European visitors. Tourism offer in Fajara: The Gambia Experience launched an added-value deal at Ngala Lodge (adults-only, Fajara) for stays in Nov–Dec 2026 booked by 15 September, including a complimentary dinner and bottle of wine. Roads & coastal access: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated, aiming to boost connectivity, tourism and coastal economic activity. Football & travel interest: CAF confirmed the schedule for AFCON 2027 qualifiers (Sept 24–Oct 6 for the first group stage matchdays), with West African clashes including Ivory Coast vs Ghana.

Migrant Tragedy Off Canary Islands: More than 80 people, including a baby, are feared dead after a boat that left The Gambia for Spain’s Canary Islands was found adrift for about 26–27 days; 44 survivors were rescued and taken to Gran Canaria, with rough seas delaying recovery of additional bodies. Travel Deals in The Gambia: The Gambia Experience has launched an added-value offer at adults-only Ngala Lodge in Fajara—book by 15 September for stays in November and December, with a complimentary dinner and bottle of wine per stay. Road Boost for Coastal Tourism: Sanyang Beachside Road was inaugurated, with leaders saying better access will strengthen the coastal corridor and support tourism and future port-linked development. Sports & Travel Interest: Ghana’s Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz has agreed to stay on for 2027 AFCON qualifiers, while debate continues over the team’s style and squad choices—good conversation fuel for fans planning match travel. Accommodation Pressure for Teams: Liberia’s Determine Girls FC says it faces an accommodation crisis in The Gambia after being told to vacate its hotel soon after elimination.

Coastal Connectivity: Sanyang Beachside Road has been officially inaugurated, with President Adama Barrow saying better access will boost trade, tourism and the coastal corridor ahead of the planned deep-sea port. Youth & Skills: A World Bank survey says trust in the World Bank Group is rising in The Gambia, with stakeholders pointing to education, agriculture, skills and health as top priorities. Sports & Travel: Determine Girls FC says it faces an accommodation crisis in The Gambia after being told to vacate its hotel immediately, while return flights are set for later—raising concerns for visiting teams’ lodging. Migration & Safety: Tragedy continues in the Atlantic route as Spanish rescuers report at least five deaths and dozens feared missing after a boat drifting near Spain’s Canary Islands; survivors say the vessel left Gambia about 26–27 days earlier. International Mobility: A Gambian student’s US visa rejections pushed him to study in Japan, highlighting how stricter visa barriers are reshaping study plans for Gambians.

Migration tragedy and push factors: A Senegalese mother, Aminata Boye, has become a public voice for families in Mbour after her eldest son vanished trying to migrate by canoe; reports also highlight a separate disaster off Spain’s Canary Islands where a boat left The Gambia 26 days ago and was found adrift with at least 80 feared dead, including a baby, after 45 survivors were recovered. Tourism trade push for The Gambia: The Gambia Tourism Board is set to spotlight the country at Nigeria’s Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo (Sept 13–15, 2026) in Lagos, aiming to grow partnerships and a bigger MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) footprint, with a promotional cocktail reception on Sept 12. Regional tourism cooperation: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit West African tourism business associations, including The Gambia, to improve governance and credibility across the sector. Gambia-linked youth sports pipeline: Two Esohna Academy players (Saikou Njie and Musa Jassy) arrived in Sweden for a two-week trial with IF Elfsborg, underscoring growing pathways for Gambian talent abroad. World Bank sentiment check: A 2026 Gambia Country Opinion Survey says stakeholder trust in the World Bank Group has risen, with education, agriculture, skills and health flagged as top priorities. Travel safety and access: The US ended a January pause on immigrant visa issuance for nationals including The Gambia, while other US visa services changes continue to reshape processing routes.

Tourism Trade Push: The Gambia Tourism Board will attend the Akwaaba Travel Trade Expo in Lagos (Sept 13–15, 2026), with Minister Abdoulie Jobe leading a delegation and hosting a Destination Gambia promotional cocktail reception on Sept 12 to boost partnerships and visitor traffic, with a strong focus on MICE. Regional Tourism Policy: ECOWAS adopted a framework to strengthen and accredit regional tourism business associations across West Africa, aiming for better governance and credibility—Gambia included in the Abuja consultative meeting. Travel & Security/Border Checks: Interpol-backed operations around Banjul flagged 74 stolen vehicles after more than 13,000 database checks, including biometric searches, under Project Identity. Digital ID Rollout: The government began enrollment for the GAM ID biometric national card around Greater Banjul, with registration dates set for Sept 7, 11 and 21 and a first-time processing fee of 450 dalasi. Migration Returns: IOM says 535 migrants voluntarily returned from Libya, including 79 Gambians, supported by the EU. Travel Awards Spotlight: Waheguru Travels won multiple World Travel Awards Africa trophies, including “Gambia’s Leading Travel Agency 2026,” highlighting regional travel services. Sports Travel Link: Ghana’s Accra Sports Stadium is closed until the AFCON qualifier vs The Gambia on Sept 27, affecting local match venues and travel plans.