AGP Executive Report

Gambia in the spotlight: Dr. Fatou Bensouda, Gambian High Commissioner to the UK and former ICC Chief Prosecutor, is set to receive the African Lifetime Achievers Award 2026 at Hilton London Kensington on 21 August, celebrating her legacy of justice and leadership. Gender inclusion at work: Gambia Immigration has unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers, designed for comfort and dignity while keeping them on duty—another small but meaningful shift toward inclusion in uniformed services. Culture through music abroad: A Stuttgart exhibition is documenting the work of Gambian-born promoter Chris Black, highlighting how African music and diaspora community-building are being preserved in Europe’s cultural record. Environment & livelihoods: In Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, women like Fatou Jarjue rely on mangroves for crabs and fish, while also helping restore the ecosystem that protects the coast. Community awards: Cornfield Group Chairman Dr. Babatope Agbeyo received a Golden Star Award in Banjul for philanthropy and upliftment, linking business success with social impact. Faith & missions: Assemblies of God Ghana’s Executive Presbytery, led by Rev. Stephen Wengam, is on a week-long apostolic visit to The Gambia, including branch tours, ordinations, and a new temple dedication.

Culture & Diaspora: Chris Black’s African music promotion work is now documented in a Stuttgart museum exhibition, spotlighting how Gambian-rooted nightlife and diaspora culture are being preserved in Europe. Gender Inclusion in Public Service: Gambia Immigration unveiled maternity uniforms for pregnant officers, designed for comfort and dignity while keeping them on duty. Women & Environment: Gambian women around the Tanbi Wetland are restoring mangroves that protect Banjul, while adapting livelihoods as oyster seasons pause. Faith & Community Life: Assemblies of God Ghana’s top leadership is on a week-long apostolic missions visit to The Gambia, including branch tours, ordinations, and a new temple dedication. Regional Diplomacy: President Tinubu met outgoing ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray, a Gambian diplomat whose term ends in 2026, as ECOWAS navigates ongoing security and political challenges. Education & Exchange: Nile University hosted The Gambia’s Higher Education Minister for a NUC-coordinated study tour on academic delivery, digital learning, and innovation. Migration Pressure: Afrobarometer reports many Gambians are considering leaving for work, with economic hardship driving the trend. Sports Inclusion: Nigeria’s wheelchair fencing academy includes participants from The Gambia, pushing adaptive sport opportunities across the region. Public Health (Global): A new diarrheal disease vaccine trial reports strong results, adding hope for reducing child deaths from shigellosis. Security & Law (US): US DHS/ICE arrested a convicted Gambian national in North Carolina, citing serious criminal charges.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: President Bola Tinubu received outgoing ECOWAS Commission chief Dr Omar Touray in Abuja, marking the end of a 2022–2026 tenure shaped by West African political and security challenges. Faith & Community Life: Rev. Stephen Wengam leads Ghana’s Assemblies of God Executive Presbytery on a week-long missions visit to The Gambia, with church branch tours, pastor ordinations, and a strategic meeting with national leadership. Women & Environment: Gambian women around the Tanbi Wetland are both harvesting and restoring mangroves that protect Banjul’s coastline and sustain livelihoods. Sports for Inclusion: Nigeria’s Wheelchair Fencing Academy opens in Lagos under the ENABLE programme, welcoming athletes and officials including participants from The Gambia. Culture, History & Memory: A reflection on Africa’s independence storytelling argues Liberia’s role is being “redacted” from mainstream Sub-Saharan history narratives. Travel & Mobility: The U.S. makes refundable visa bond rules permanent, with The Gambia listed among affected countries. Public Safety: U.S. Homeland Security says it arrested a Gambian national, Ebrima Sanneh, in North Carolina over alleged obstruction and drug-related charges. Politics & Ideals: PDOIS marks 40 years, with Halifa Sallah stressing knowledge, resource ownership, and development that reaches every community.

Mangrove livelihoods: In Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, women like Fatou Jarjue harvest crabs and fish while also helping restore mangroves that protect the coast and support families. Migration pressure: An Afrobarometer report says 45% of Africans have considered leaving their countries, with The Gambia among the highest—53% of Gambians say they seriously considered emigration. U.S. visa bond update: The U.S. raised the refundable visa bond maximum to $20,000 under a permanent policy affecting The Gambia and other African countries, with requirements decided case-by-case. Church missions: Assemblies of God Ghana’s Executive Presbytery led by Rev. Stephen Wengam is on a week-long missions visit to The Gambia, including church tours, ordinations, and a new temple dedication. Malaria and climate: A new study finds climate change is “moving” malaria—slightly reducing risk in today’s hottest hotspots but increasing it in cooler regions, with implications for places like The Gambia. Sports for inclusion: Nigeria’s Wheelchair Fencing Academy (ENABLE) opens in Lagos with participants including The Gambia, pushing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Media exchange: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul hosted a Foreign Press Centre forum to strengthen journalist exchanges and professional ties. Women’s rights push: African feminists and partners urged better implementation of the AU Convention on Violence Against Women and Girls, highlighting The Gambia’s early ratification.

Mangrove livelihoods & restoration: In Banjul’s Tanbi Wetland, women like Fatou Jarjue harvest crabs and fish while also restoring mangroves that protect the coast from erosion and flooding. Philanthropy & enterprise: Cornfield Group chairman Dr. Babatope Agbeyo won a Golden Star Award in Banjul for uplifting society through philanthropy and human capital support. Church missions in The Gambia: Assemblies of God Ghana’s Executive Presbytery leaders, led by Rev. Stephen Wengam, begin a week-long apostolic visit—touring branches, ordaining pastors, and dedicating a new temple. Inclusive sport: Nigeria’s Wheelchair Fencing Academy opens in Lagos under the ENABLE programme, with participants including The Gambia, pushing equal opportunity for persons with disabilities. Media exchange: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul hosted a Foreign Press Centre forum to strengthen journalist exchanges and professional ties. TVET skills push: President Barrow presided over D83m+ awards to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund with World Bank support. Health & climate: A new study says climate change is reshaping malaria’s map—slightly reducing risk in today’s hot spots while raising it in cooler regions. Humanitarian milestone: Zayed for Good Foundation marks 34 years of humanitarian and development work since 1992.

Church & Community Ties: Assemblies of God Ghana’s Rev. Stephen Wengam leads a week-long executive missions visit to The Gambia, with plans to tour branches, ordain pastors, dedicate a new temple, and hold strategic meetings with national leadership. Inclusive Sports: Nigeria’s Wheelchair Fencing Academy opens in Lagos under the 2026 ENABLE initiative, bringing athletes and officials from countries including The Gambia for training aimed at equal opportunities for persons with disabilities. Health & Climate: A new study says climate change is reshaping malaria’s map—slightly reducing risk in today’s hottest hotspots while increasing risk in cooler regions, with implications for children across sub-Saharan Africa. Rights & Protection: Campaigners renew pressure around ending violence against women and girls, highlighting the Gambia’s role in ratifying the AU convention and urging faster domestication. Local Development: The Gambia’s TVET sector gets over D83 million in awards for 25 institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Culture & Media: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul hosts a Foreign Press Centre forum to strengthen journalist exchanges and support a free, independent press. Religion & Finance: BSIC’s Islamic Banking Window donates D275,000 to the Pipeline Mosque for renovation, spotlighting faith-led community support. Politics & Ideas: PDOIS marks 40 years, with Halifa Sallah arguing the party’s philosophy centers on knowledge, national ownership of resources, and development reaching every community. Governance & Education: SSHFC and NAQAA sign a five-year MoU to improve social security compliance and accountability across The Gambia’s tertiary institutions. International Mobility: The U.S. expands a permanent visa bond programme affecting The Gambia, with security deposits up to $20,000 for certain business and tourist applicants.

Youth Development: The Commonwealth Youth Ministers Task Force endorsed a new three-year framework to boost youth leadership, skills, entrepreneurship and digital inclusion across member countries. Political Life (PDOIS at 40): Halifa Sallah marked PDOIS’s 40th anniversary with calls for governance rooted in knowledge, national ownership of resources and policies that reach every Gambian community, while also reflecting on how village power structures shape voting. Education & Skills: President Barrow presided over awards of over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting better training and employability for young people, women and persons with disabilities. Religion & Community: BSIC Islamic Banking Window donated D275,000 to support renovations at Pipeline Mosque. Women’s Rights & Health: Rights groups renewed pressure over the fight against FGM, as funding and legal battles continue. Sports for Inclusion: A wheelchair fencing academy is set to open in Lagos with participants including The Gambia, highlighting adaptive sport pathways. Culture & Lifestyle: A Portsmouth cultural festival in the UK celebrated heritage through stalls, arts, crafts and live performances. US Visa Policy (Regional Impact): The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with The Gambia listed among affected countries.

PDOIS at 40: Halifa Sallah marked the party’s 40th anniversary with a message on knowledge, national ownership of resources, and governance reforms, saying PDOIS was built to educate and empower Gambians—not just win office. Local Politics & Democracy: In related coverage, Sallah argued opposition success is shaped by village power structures and voting realities, while other commentary debates UDP’s role as a “governing alternative” and the dynamics ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential election. Skills & Youth: President Barrow presided over awards of over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting employability for young people, women, and persons with disabilities. Education Governance: SSHFC and NAQAA signed a five-year MoU to strengthen social security compliance and accountability in The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education sector. Religion & Community: BSIC’s Islamic Banking Window donated D275,000 to support renovation of the Pipeline Mosque. International Travel Shock: The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with The Gambia listed among affected countries—potentially requiring up to $20,000 for some B1/B2 applicants. Gender Rights: Rights groups and activists renewed calls to pause a flawed AU violence convention push, as debates on women’s safety and implementation continue.

Women’s Rights & Health: African feminists and rights groups are calling for a “pause, listen, strengthen, then ratify” approach to the AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, arguing that official push for ratification must come with better support and implementation. Education & Social Protection: The Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation (SSHFC) and NAQAA signed a five-year MoU to improve tertiary education institutions’ compliance and protect teachers’ retirement benefits. Religion & Community Care: BSIC’s Islamic Banking Window donated D275,000 to the Pipeline Mosque for renovation, highlighting corporate social responsibility and community welfare. Culture & Community Life: A Portsmouth Cultural Festival in the UK celebrated diverse heritage through stalls, arts, crafts and live performances. Youth, Skills & Jobs: President Barrow presided over awards of over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, targeting youth, women and persons with disabilities. International Mobility: The US made its visa bond programme permanent, potentially requiring refundable deposits up to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 applicants, including The Gambia. Gender Justice at Home: A new report revisits the fight over FGM in The Gambia, where the Supreme Court is being asked to strike down the ban.

Gambia–Gabon Diplomacy: President Adama Barrow hosted Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema, with both leaders signing five agreements to boost trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture. TVET & Youth Skills: Barrow presided over awards of over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the Skills, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fund, backed by the World Bank, targeting employability for young people, women and persons with disabilities, including creative and performing arts. Education Social Protection: SSHFC and NAQAA signed a five-year MoU to strengthen social security compliance and accountability across The Gambia’s tertiary and higher education sector. Religious Community Support: BSIC Islamic Banking Window donated D275,000 to the Pipeline Mosque for renovation, highlighting Islamic finance’s social responsibility. Women’s Rights & FGM Fight: An IPS report says The Gambia’s Supreme Court is being asked to strike down the country’s FGM ban, as funding for anti-FGM work faces pressure. US Visa Policy Impact (Gambia included): The US made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including The Gambia. Culture & Community Life: Portsmouth’s Gambian Society and URBOND hosted a cultural festival in pictures, celebrating heritage through stalls, crafts and live performances.

Visa Rules & Cost of Travel: The U.S. has made its “visa bond” programme permanent, effective 3 August 2026, meaning some applicants from 50 countries—including The Gambia, Nigeria and Senegal—may be asked to post refundable deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 visas, with the money forfeited if they overstay. U.S. Visa Processing Shift: The same overhaul is also moving routine visa services into regional hubs, with Nigeria’s routine processing shifting to Lagos from 1 August 2026 and other African posts affected. Human Rights & Childhood Protection: A report from Senegal highlights how very young Qur’an students (talibés) are forced into street begging, with rights groups calling it trafficking for profit. Health & Family Support: World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 August) spotlights the need for systems that protect early breastfeeding—health services, paid leave, childcare and fair caregiving. Culture & Arts: Princess Adjoba shares how ART27 is opening doors for Gambian creatives, with plans to expand to Tujereng. Gambia–Senegal Border: After the Bulock fence incident, both sides agreed joint border activities to resume on 15 August 2026.

U.S. Visa Bonds for West Africans: The U.S. has made its refundable visa bond programme permanent, with consular officers able to require deposits up to $20,000 for certain B1/B2 business and tourist applicants—The Gambia is listed, with implementation dates already set. Regional Visa Processing Shift: The U.S. is also moving routine visa services into regional hubs from August 1, 2026, including changes affecting Banjul and other African posts, meaning more travel for applicants. Gambia–Gabon Diplomacy: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements to boost trade, investment, diplomacy, and agriculture after a Gabonese presidential visit. Culture & Arts Spotlight: Princess Adjoba praised ART27 for giving Gambian creatives new exhibition opportunities, with plans to expand to Tujereng. Judiciary Milestone: Edi M. O. Faal was sworn in as The Gambia’s new Chief Justice, with public debate over constitutional qualifications. Community & Faith Support: BSIC Gambia donated D275,000 to the Pipeline Mosque Foundation to support infrastructure for Islamic events. Sports Development: ASM Athletic FC’s head coach Pa Foday Bojang celebrated the team’s progress in the GFF Second Division. Health & Family Care: World Breastfeeding Week in The Gambia highlighted support systems needed for early breastfeeding and a sustainable start for every child. Climate & Food Resilience: A West Africa agroecology push in Ghana spotlighted nature-based farming to protect soils and livelihoods across The Gambia, Senegal, and Ghana. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR reported 143 dead or missing from a deadly West Africa-to-Canary Islands journey that included departures from Gambia.

Anti-LGBTQ+ Push: West Africa is seeing a fresh wave of harsher anti-LGBTQ+ laws, with campaigners warning that political pressure and religious-backed “family values” rhetoric are fueling scapegoating. U.S. Visa Bonds: The U.S. is making its visa bond program permanent from August 3, with deposits up to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including The Gambia—money is refundable if rules are followed, forfeited if overstays happen. Regional Travel Spotlight: A World Public Summit framed Africa as the next frontier for travel, culture, and investment, highlighting The Gambia among destinations drawing growing interest. Gambia–Gabon Deals: The Gambia and Gabon signed five agreements boosting trade, diplomacy, and agriculture after a Gabonese presidential visit to Banjul. Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start: World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1–7) puts the spotlight on support systems—health services, family encouragement, and policies that protect mothers. TVET Skills Boost: The government and World Bank disbursed over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting employability for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. Arts & Culture: Princess Adjoba credits ART27’s residency and studio platform for opening exhibition opportunities for Gambian creatives. Sports: ASM Athletic FC’s head coach Pa Foday Bojang celebrates the club’s rise to the Second Division. Women’s Rights: A Gambian girl’s account links FGM and child marriage to lifelong loss of control, echoing wider concerns about girls’ rights. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR reports at least 143 deaths or missing people from a West Africa-to-Canary Islands boat disaster, including survivors from a journey that began in The Gambia. Gambia–Senegal Border: Senegal and The Gambia agreed to resume joint border activities on August 15 after the Bulock fence incident.

U.S. Visa Bonds: The U.S. has made its visa bond pilot permanent, raising the maximum refundable deposit to $20,000 for B1/B2 applicants from 50 countries, including The Gambia—a move aimed at reducing overstays. Regional Visa Hubs: From August 1, 2026, the U.S. will end routine visa services in several African posts and route applicants to regional hubs; Banjul is listed among affected locations, while Lagos is highlighted as a processing centre for Nigeria. Women’s Rights & Health: African rights groups are pushing back against a flawed AU convention process on violence against women, while The Gambia marks World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 Aug) with a focus on “a sustainable start.” Local Culture & Community: The Gambia and Gabon sign five agreements to boost trade, diplomacy and agriculture; BSIC-Gambia donates to the Pipeline Mosque Foundation; and World Nomad Games will feature Gambia among new participating countries. Education & Skills: The World Bank and government disburse D83m to strengthen TVET institutions under the SIE Fund.

World Kiswahili Day: Tanzania’s High Commissioner says Kiswahili’s growing reach is boosting diplomacy and regional integration, noting its official status across EAC, SADC and the AU and its new UNESCO recognition. US Visa Overhaul for Africa: From Aug 1, routine US visa processing ends at Abuja and 24 other African posts; applicants must use regional hubs, with Lagos named for Nigeria—big practical impact for travel planning. Gambia–Gabon Deals: President Barrow and Gabon’s President Oligui Nguema sign five agreements covering trade, investment, diplomacy and agriculture, strengthening Banjul–Libreville ties. Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start: UNICEF and NaNA mark World Breastfeeding Week (Aug 1–7), stressing support systems like health services, paid leave and childcare. Gambia–Senegal Border Update: After the Bulock fence incident, both sides agree border activities resume Aug 15 to reinforce demarcation. Women’s Rights & Health: A Gambian teen recounts how FGM and child marriage shaped her life, while another report highlights ongoing barriers to ending FGM and child marriage. TVET Skills Push: Government and World Bank disburse over D83m to 25 TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting youth, women and persons with disabilities. Sports & Culture: ASM Athletic FC coach Pa Foday Bojang celebrates promotion; Princess Adjoba praises ART27’s role in giving Gambian creatives exhibition space. Migration Tragedy: UNHCR reports at least 143 dead or missing on a West Africa-to-Canary Islands route, including survivors from a boat that left from The Gambia.

Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start: World Breastfeeding Week (1–7 Aug) spotlights how early breastfeeding depends on health systems, family support, and fair policies like paid leave and childcare—not just personal choice. US Visa Shake-Up: From Aug 1, routine US visa processing ends at Abuja and 24 other African posts, including Banjul, with applicants directed to regional hubs (e.g., Lagos for Nigeria). Gambia–Senegal Border Update: After the Bulock fence incident, both countries agree on border demarcation and say joint border activities will resume Aug 15 to strengthen recognised markers. Judiciary Spotlight: Edi M. O. Faal is sworn in as The Gambia’s new Chief Justice amid constitutional qualification debate. Arts & Culture: Princess Adjoba praises ART27’s residency model for giving Gambian creatives exhibition space and plans to expand. Sports & Youth: ASM Athletic FC’s coach celebrates promotion to the Second Division; GNOC appoints Fatou Bom Bensouda as goodwill sports ambassador for Gambia Day 2026. Women’s Rights: A new story shows how child marriage and FGM continue to shape girls’ lives. Skills for Jobs: Government and World Bank disburse over D83m to strengthen TVET institutions under the SIE Fund, targeting youth, women, and persons with disabilities.