The Gambia’s 2026 Budget, themed “Improving the Well-Being and Quality of Life of Gambians,” was on Friday, 5th December 2025 presented by the Hon. Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy K.M. Keita, at the National Assembly in Banjul. The statement set out Government’s priorities for the year ahead, highlighting improved economic momentum, sustained reforms, and targeted investments aimed at advancing national development.
Opening his speech, Minister Keita reaffirmed Government’s commitment to deepening Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms under the leadership of President Adama Barrow. He noted that these reforms are already delivering tangible results, as reflected in the 2024 Annual Progress Report of the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2023–2027), known as Yiriwaa. The review reported progress in macroeconomic management, infrastructure expansion, improved access to electricity, and the establishment of new schools to ensure communities are not left beyond a two-kilometre radius from an existing learning centre.
Furthermore, the Minister reported that The Gambia’s medium-term outlook remains broadly positive. Real GDP growth is projected at 5.5 percent in 2026, averaging 5.1 percent over the medium term. These prospects, he said, are supported by continued structural reforms under the RF-NDP, increased digitalisation across the economy, and anticipated macroeconomic stability as inflation and exchange-rate pressures ease.
Agriculture is expected to maintain strong performance, driven by matching grants, sustained fertiliser support, high-yield crop varieties, and improved groundnut price incentives. The livestock sub-sector will also benefit from expanded disease control programmes and targeted research. Growth in the industrial sector will be propelled by ongoing and new infrastructure projects, as well as resilient remittance inflows and private-sector retained earnings.
Minister Keita also highlighted the expected completion of the 225-kilovolt transmission line, which will enhance efficiency in the energy sector through improved power purchases, reduced distribution losses, and increased reliability. The services sector, particularly tourism, is projected to expand through continued modernisation of facilities, strengthened destination marketing, and diversification of tourist offerings.
Meanwhile, total expenditure for 2026 is expected to reach D52.4 billion, representing a 12 percent increase compared to the 2025 budget. This rise is largely due to election-related spending, clearance of expenditure arrears, and full provisioning for subsidies.
Recurrent expenditure is projected at D31.3 billion, while capital expenditure and net lending are estimated at D19.5 billion. Personnel emoluments are forecast at D10.3 billion, a five percent increase driven by promotions and grade adjustments. Minister Keita noted that last year’s civil service salary increment—bringing the total increase to 110 percent under the current administration—continues to improve the well-being of Gambian workers.
Other charges will be influenced by election financing, domestic arrears settlement, and subsidy provisions, including support to the electricity sector.
In concluding his Budget Speech, the Minister stated that The Gambian economy has gained momentum despite global economic fragmentation and rising protectionism, which have slowed worldwide growth projections for 2026. Domestically, broader macroeconomic stability, accelerated reforms under the RF-NDP, and strategic investment in agriculture, health, and education are expected to anchor growth in the year ahead.
The fiscal deficit target for 2026 stands at 0.3 percent of GDP for Government Local Funds (GLF) and 1.0 percent for all funds combined—the lowest in a decade. This, he said, reflects Government’s commitment to fiscal consolidation and reducing debt vulnerabilities, while maintaining a careful balance between stability, inclusive growth, and poverty reduction.
Post-Budget Engagement Highlights Transparency
Immediately after delivering the Budget Speech, Minister Keita, accompanied by his Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and technical team, held a press briefing at the National Assembly grounds. The Minister and his team responded to journalists’ questions, offering clarity on policy priorities and budget allocations. The open engagement, he said, reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous dialogue with the public.
By Mahzouba Maya Faal
Communication Officer, MoFEA