The CCDR places employment, livelihoods, plus economic opportunity at the centre of development planning, warning that flooding, heat stress, plus coastal erosion are already weighing on growth. World Bank Group Resident Representative Franklin Mutahakana said targeted investment plus sound policy choices can reduce future risks while opening new economic opportunities.
According to the report, an aspirational growth path could cut projected gross domestic product (GDP) losses linked to environmental hazards from 9.3% to as low as 2.6% by mid-century, with direct implications for jobs created, businesses sustained, plus poverty reduction.
Agriculture remains the largest employer, accounting for about 70% of jobs nationwide. The CCDR suggests that improved farming practices, irrigation expansion, plus market reforms could raise yields by up to 40%, strengthening rural incomes plus food security.
Small plus medium enterprises make up about 80% of Gambian businesses, yet only about 15% of small plus medium enterprises access formal finance. The CCDR recommends targeted credit guarantees, lower energy costs, plus improved access to affordable finance to help firms expand, hire, plus invest across value chains. Circular economy opportunities, including recycling plus composting, are also highlighted.
The report underscores the need to protect Banjul as the country’s economic hub, with jobs plus assets concentrated in the capital. Proposed actions include near-term protection measures plus longer-term planning for inland expansion, alongside reliable electricity plus resilient transport links to sustain private investment.
Energy plus infrastructure upgrades feature as priority enablers of growth. The CCDR calls for acceleration towards universal electricity access, with national access already at about 90%, plus stronger transport networks to support economic activity.
Tourism, contributing about 20% of GDP plus 15% of employment, is identified as a key source of higher-quality jobs, with targeted reforms recommended to improve job stability, particularly for youth plus women.
The CCDR estimates that The Gambia will require about $11 billion in long-term investment by 2050, with private sector participation rising to about 35% through blended finance plus stronger governance to support sustained job creation.
–WorldBank/ChannkelAfrica–
