Gambia’s Electricity Supply Stabilises After OMVG Grid Integration
On Saturday, June 27 2026, President Adama Barrow announced that electricity supplies across The Gambia have largely stabilised following significant improvements in power imports through the Organisation pour la Mise en Valeur du fleuve Gambie (OMVG) regional interconnector. The statement came during the commissioning of the National Emergency Treatment Center and the Biomedical Engineering Hospital in Farato.
Background of Power Challenges
In the months preceding mid‑2026, residents of Greater Banjul and the western coastal belt experienced prolonged blackouts, prompting widespread public frustration. Officials from the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) linked the outages to reduced electricity imports via the OMVG line, which strained the national grid’s ability to meet demand.
Opposition parties and civil society groups criticised the government for alleged mismanagement of the energy sector, arguing that insufficient investment in generation and transmission infrastructure had left the country vulnerable to supply shocks.
OMVG Interconnector Improvements
According to a NAWEC official speaking to this portal on Sunday, June 28 2026, the upgraded OMVG interconnector now delivers sufficient electricity to cover the country’s peak demand, which ranges between 85 megawatts (MW) and 95 MW.
The improvements include:
- Rehabilitation of the 225 kV transmission line linking The Gambia to Senegal’s grid.
- Installation of additional shunt reactors to stabilise voltage fluctuations.
- Enhanced monitoring and control systems at the NAWEC dispatch centre.
These measures have increased the reliability of imported power, reducing the frequency of load‑shedding events that previously affected households and businesses.
President Barrow’s Announcement
During his speech, President Barrow declared:
“The power is now stable. When there was no power, you complained. Now that it is stable, come out too and acknowledge that the power is back.”
He linked the improved electricity situation to broader national development goals, noting that stable power is essential for healthcare facilities, schools, and small‑scale enterprises.
Fuel Price Reduction and Unity Message
President Barrow also announced that fuel prices would be reduced starting July 1 2026, although he did not disclose the exact magnitude of the cut. The move aims to alleviate transportation costs for citizens and lower operating expenses for businesses reliant on generators.
In addition to energy matters, the President appealed for national unity:
“You should accept that I am the president of this country – that is the truth. If you’re sick, you go to my hospital. If you have problems, you go to my police station. The streets you criticize are the same streets you drive on.”
He emphasized that his administration serves all Gambians, irrespective of political affiliation, and urged citizens to recognise the presidency as a national institution.
Looking Ahead
Analysts suggest that sustaining the current stability will require continued investment in domestic generation capacity, diversification of energy sources (including solar and hydro), and regular maintenance of the OMVG interconnection. NAWEC’s 2026‑2028 strategic plan outlines targets to increase local generation by 30 MW and to integrate 50 MW of solar photovoltaic capacity by 2028.
For further details, readers may consult the NAWEC press release dated June 28 2026 (NAWEC) and the official transcript of President Barrow’s speech (State House).
