The African Energy Commission (AFREC), in collaboration with the Gambia’s Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines (MoPEM), and the African Development Bank (AfDB), has successfully conducted a high-level hybrid consultative workshop aimed at developing the Gambia’s National Deep Decarbonisation Pathways (NDDPs).
The hybrid workshop, which comes after similar workshops held in Madagascar and Botswana, gathered several key stakeholders who included representatives from government agencies, academia, non-governmental organisations and industry leaders.
The Gambia is one of three pilot countries being supported under the Africa Energy Transition Programme (AFRETRAP)—alongside Madagascar and Botswana—for the implementation of country-level deep decarbonization pathways aligned with the African Union’s (AU) vision of sustainable, low-carbon energy development. This follows the conclusion of the African Energy Transition Strategy and Action Plan (ESTAP), which is set to be validated this month on April 24, 2025. The ESTAP emphasizes the need for sustainable exploitation, management, and utilisation of Africa’s natural resources. The goal is to accelerate Africa’s just and inclusive transition to a sustainable and low carbon energy system as a means of socio-economic transformation.
In his opening address, Mr. Lamina Camara, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines (MoPEM), emphasized the critical role of energy security and access in The Gambia’s socio-economic development, as articulated in the country's National Energy Policy and National Development Plan (YIRIWA 2023-2027). "The NDDP provides us a unique opportunity to quantify emissions, address data gaps, and lay the groundwork for a structured, evidence-based transition to a sustainable energy future," said Mr. Camara.
The MoPEM has made significant strides through the formulation of the Electricity Strategic Roadmap 2021-2040 and the National Energy Efficiency Strategy, focusing on priority sectors such as residential, productive sectors (industry, hotels, and commercial buildings), and public services.
Mr. Rashid Ali Abdallah, Executive Director of AFREC, highlighted The Gambia’s leadership in energy reforms, particularly its achievements in increasing electricity access and integrating renewable energy projects. “The development of the NDDPs reflects our shared commitment to charting low-emission, resilient energy pathways tailored to each country’s circumstances. Today’s consultations are being held to pursue national ambitions as we work towards developing the Gambia’s low emission blueprint for the energy supply system. Together, we can position The Gambia as a model of resilience and leadership in Africa's energy transition journey,” he remarked.
The energy system modelling exercise for the NDDP is being carried out using the Low Emission Analysis Platform (LEAP), a robust tool designed to develop quantitative pathways for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The NDDP initiative is pivotal in supporting The Gambia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement, particularly its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions while driving sustainable development.
Notes to Editor:
The NDDP initiative is anchored in the African Energy Transition Programme (AFRETRAP), the convention that establishes AFREC as a specialized energy agency of the African Union Commission. Among AFREC’s responsibilities is to support African Union Member States in the development of energy policies, creating and updating African Energy Statistics, mobilising technical and financial support and carrying out capacity building initiatives. This project is being undertaken by the African Energy Commission, with support from African Development Bank as part of a continental project to assist AU member states in developing country-specific pathways for deep carbon emission reductions while fostering sustainable economic growth.
For more information, please contact:
Executive Director | African Energy Commission (AFREC) | African Union |
email: afrec@africaunion.org | Tel: +213 23 45 9198 | http://www.au-afrec.org | Algiers | Algeria | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn
Nickson Bukachi | Senior Policy Officer | African Energy Commission (AFREC) | African Union | Email: afrec@africaunion.org | Tel: +213 23 45 9198 | http://www.au-afrec.org | Algiers | Algeria | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn