By: Momodou S Gagigo
In a landmark move toward sustainable transportation, The Cornerstone Group today unveiled the country’s first free public electric vehicle (EV) charging station, fully powered by solar energy. The initiative, spearheaded by the group’s subsidiary Cornerstone Sustainability, signals a bold step in harnessing The Gambia’s abundant sunshine to drive clean mobility and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The charging station, located along the Bertil Harding Highway in Kanifing, operates entirely on solar power, producing zero emissions and requiring no traditional fuel. Open to the public at no cost, it embodies the company’s commitment to environmental innovation and accessibility. This project not only addresses growing concerns about air pollution and climate change impacts in the West African nation but also positions The Gambia as an emerging leader in renewable energy adoption in the region. The event was attended by Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Bakary Badjie, and the Minister of Environment, Rohey John Manjang.
Alagie Sanyang, Founder and CEO of The Cornerstone Group, addressed attendees at the inauguration, emphasizing the symbolic and practical importance of the development. “This is not just a charging station. It is a proof of concept,” Sanyang said. “A proof that The Gambia is blessed with abundant sunlight enough to power not only our homes, but also our transport and our economy.”
Sanyang highlighted that the station extends the company’s internal sustainability practices, noting that all Cornerstone offices already run on 100% solar energy. “What you see here today is an extension of what we practice every day,” he added. He expressed optimism that the project would spark broader adoption of electric vehicles and solar solutions nationwide. “If we can power vehicles with the sun, we can power homes, businesses, and entire communities the same way. This is just the beginning.”
The launch comes amid The Gambia’s ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy infrastructure, including larger solar projects like the Jambur Solar Plant. While EV adoption remains nascent in the country—where transportation largely relies on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles—the free charging facility aims to lower barriers for early adopters and demonstrate the viability of solar-powered mobility.
The Honourable Rohey John Manjang, Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Natural Resources, commended the initiative as aligning closely with national environmental priorities. “This project shows that the future of clean transportation in The Gambia is not a distant dream—it is already here,” she stated. “Initiatives like this demonstrate how solar energy can power our mobility, protect our environment, and create a more sustainable future for the next generation.”
Cornerstone Group, led by Sanyang—a Gambian entrepreneur with international experience—has built a reputation for impactful contributions in sustainability and community support. The company has previously donated solar systems to healthcare facilities and medical equipment to strengthen national services, underscoring its focus on holistic development.
By making electric-powered vehicles more accessible, the group seeks to revolutionize transport in The Gambia, where rising fuel costs and environmental challenges pose ongoing threats to livelihoods. The station’s slogan—”100% Electric. 100% Solar. Zero Emissions.”—encapsulates the vision of a greener tomorrow.
This milestone inspires hope for scalable clean energy solutions across Africa, where solar potential remains largely untapped. As The Gambia advances its clean energy transition, today’s launch stands as a tangible example of private-sector innovation driving public good and environmental progress.
