By Mustapha Manneh
The Gambia has long been hopeful about discovering oil and gas. With successful drilling in Senegal, The Gambia is eager to begin its exploration. Dawda Touray, a young policy expert, believes that oil and gas exploration can create jobs and improve lives, but he worries that poor leadership could hinder progress. “Oil and gas can change the living conditions of every Gambian; it’s news we are patiently waiting for.”
The Gambia, a small West African country, is changing its energy sector, which could greatly affect its economy and society. After the fall of dictator Jammeh in 2017, the country started a new political path. The construction of the Gambia River Development Organization (OMVG) is progressing. This organization includes The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea, and Senegal and aims to provide a stable energy supply by establishing the first high-voltage network in The Gambia. The country is currently receiving strong international support, which could help transform its energy sector and make it a leader in the region and Africa.
The government is seeking investments in oil and gas exploration. Its location near large oil fields in Senegal offers good opportunities. The Gambia is also committed to renewable energy, focusing on reducing carbon emissions and increasing access to electricity. The Renewable Energy Act was passed in 2013, and other supportive policies position The Gambia to lead the energy transition in the region.
Offshore oil and gas exploration is growing across Africa, and The Gambia is keen to explore its offshore oil reserves. While the country has not started any drilling yet, many Gambians see this as a sign of hope. They believe that successful exploration could reduce poverty and create jobs for the youth. This optimism reflects their desire for a better future based on the natural resources in their waters.
The potential for oil and gas exploration in The Gambia could provide financial benefits, a chance for sustainable work, and hope for young people, which may address some challenges, especially the high youth unemployment in the country. Many young Gambians risk dangerous journeys to Europe through the Sahara and Mediterranean Sea, often with tragic results.
However, gas and oil drilling can harm the environment if not managed well. Since Gambians rely on marine resources for their food, there is concern among fishermen and local activists. “I’m worried about this opportunity. What’s happening in Senegal and Nigeria concerns me as a fisherman,” says Lamin Saidy, a 37-year-old fisherman.
Last year, The Gambia extended its permit contract with the independent energy company FAR until September 30, 2025. At the same time, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and the Gambian National Petroleum Corporation.
“They make deals without public notice; they don’t even care to inform the citizens of the stages of the oil and gas exploration,” the 38-year-old community leader said.
Wealthy countries must fund Africa’s transition to green energy by providing grants, cancelling energy support debts, and sharing essential technologies for clean energy, cooking, and transportation. They should also work with African energy experts to ensure that this transition is sustainable and fair.
Attribution:
While the content of this article is made possible under the Promoting Transparency, Accountability and Local Capacity to Address the Destabilizing Impacts of Foreign-Owned Distant Water Fishing Vessels (DWFV) in the Gulf of Guinea and the Waters of Mauritania project, the opinions and connotations are entirely that of the Author and do not reflect the position or alignment of the funding agency – U.S. Department of State or the project implementing partners, the Centre for Maritime Law and Security (CEMLAWS) Africa, and the Centre for Coastal Management (CCM) at the University of Cape Coast.
