The World Bank Group has released its Country Climate and Development Report (CCDR) for The Gambia, highlighting jobs, livelihoods, and economic opportunity as central to the country’s development agenda. The report warns that rising environmental pressures are already affecting productivity, agriculture, and infrastructure, and stresses the need for targeted resilience investments to protect jobs and safeguard growth.
The analysis shows that following an aspirational growth path could significantly reduce GDP losses from environmental hazards such as flooding, heat stress, and coastal erosion—from 9.3% to as low as 2.6% by mid‑century. This difference would have a major impact on job creation, business sustainability, and poverty reduction.
Agriculture, which employs 70% of Gambians, is identified as a key sector for reform. Improved farming practices, irrigation, and market reforms could raise yields by up to 40%, supporting rural incomes. Small and medium enterprises, which make up 80% of businesses but struggle with access to finance, could benefit from targeted credit guarantees, lower energy costs, and expanded financing options, including opportunities in recycling and composting under a circular economy approach.
The report emphasizes the importance of protecting Banjul’s role as the economic hub, with short‑term measures and long‑term planning needed to sustain jobs and assets. Reliable electricity and resilient transport networks are highlighted as critical to maintaining private investment and economic stability, with the country already achieving 90% electricity access and aiming for universal coverage.
Tourism, contributing 20% of GDP and 15% of employment, is recognized as a vital sector for quality jobs. Targeted policies could help stabilize employment in tourism, particularly for youth and women.
The CCDR estimates that The Gambia will require $11 billion in long‑term investment by 2050 to protect growth and expand jobs. Increasing private sector participation to about 35% through blended finance and stronger governance is seen as essential to sustaining job creation and resilience.
Overall, the report positions climate action and development as inseparable, urging The Gambia to pursue policies and investments that protect people, strengthen resilience, and unlock new opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
