AGP Executive Report

ECOWAS & GIABA Focus: Gambia’s High Commissioner MR Hadrammeh Sidibeh reiterated ECOWAS diplomatic support for stronger action against money laundering and financial crimes, as GIABA launched its 2025 Annual Report in Dakar, highlighting progress in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing frameworks and urging deeper regional cooperation. Migration & Youth Safety: The ECOWAS Parliament kicked off a two-phase citizen engagement campaign in Banjul and Dakar to warn youths and returnees about the risks of irregular migration, modern slavery, and exploitation. Football Pro League Push: The Gambia Football Federation validated the business plan for a proposed Gambia Professional Football League, with stakeholders including clubs, government and the media backing the move to modernise the domestic game. Sports Infrastructure: GNOC is set to inaugurate a renovated Olympic House, supported by ANOCA, to strengthen the hub for federations, athletes and Olympic programmes. Environment Enforcement: The Environment Ministry said it spent about D1.2 million in five days enforcing the plastic bag ban, while also flagging legal delays as a challenge. Elections Update: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification ahead of the 5 December 2026 presidential election. Digital ID Rollout: The Gambia launched an upgraded National Identity Management System for instant GAM ID issuance, with a pilot starting 6–29 July for selected institutions. Arts/Media Training: Banjulinding students toured GRTS, Star FM and major newspapers to learn how radio, TV and print journalism work.

Gambia Football: The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has brought stakeholders together to validate the business plan for a proposed Gambia Professional Football League, with plans aimed at moving clubs from amateur structures toward professionalism, attracting corporate investment, and commercialising the domestic game. Sports Infrastructure: The GNOC will officially inaugurate its renovated Olympic House on Saturday, supported by ANOCA, to strengthen the GNOC secretariat and serve as a hub for federations, athletes, coaches and sports development. Media & Youth: Banjulinding students toured GRTS, Star FM, and major newspapers to learn how radio, TV and print journalism works—plus what it takes to be accurate, responsible and fair. Environment & Daily Life: The Environment Ministry says it spent about D1.2 million in five days enforcing the plastic bag ban, while court delays remain a hurdle. Agriculture & Jobs: A GIRAV matching-grant beneficiary says groundnut value addition is boosting rural jobs, especially for women and youth. Digital Identity: The Gambia launched its sovereign National Identity Management System (NIMS), enabling instant GAM ID issuance after biometric enrolment. Migration Awareness: ECOWAS Parliament kicks off a two-phase campaign in Banjul and Dakar to warn youths about irregular migration and modern slavery risks.

Health & Research: The Gambia’s regional spotlight is on clinical trials as Nigeria’s ATBUTH Clinical Trial Centre is commissioned, with plans to boost ethical research, training, and local evidence for vaccines, medicines, and diagnostics. Gambia Football: Stakeholders are set to validate a business plan for a proposed professional football league in The Gambia, aiming to professionalise the domestic game and create jobs across coaching, refereeing, media, marketing, and matchday services. World Cup & Local Interest: Ghana’s Kojo Peprah Oppong reflects on his Black Stars World Cup debut after missing a knockout match through injury, with The Gambia listed in Ghana’s 2027 AFCON qualifying Group C. Media & Inclusion: A media seminar in Kigali urges journalists to challenge gender stereotypes and improve women’s leadership representation, citing persistent underrepresentation of women in news coverage. Civic Updates: The IEC will publish The Gambia’s provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification, while the country also launches a sovereign digital ID system for faster, real-time GAM ID issuance. Sports Business: 1xBet Gambia launches “Every Goal Gives Back,” rewarding fans with free bets tied to African national teams’ goals at the World Cup.

World Cup & Black Stars: Ghana’s Kojo Peprah Oppong says he’s proud of his 2026 World Cup debut, despite missing the Round of 32 clash through injury as the Black Stars fell 1-0 to Colombia; Ghana now turns to 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside The Gambia in Group C. Media & Inclusion: A seminar in Rwanda urged media to challenge gender stereotypes and improve women’s representation in leadership, warning that digital growth has also fueled online harassment and misinformation. Gambia Digital Identity: The Gambia launched an upgraded National Identity Management System, enabling instant GAM ID issuance and a July 6-29 pilot to speed access to public and private services. Elections Watch: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification, after deleting names of over 14,000 multiple registrants. Security Update: Police leadership defended its crime response and detailed recent killings, arrests, and investigations during emergency briefings in Banjul. Pro Football Push: Stakeholders are set to validate a business plan for The Gambia’s proposed professional football league, aiming to professionalise the domestic game and create jobs across football. Sports Diplomacy: Bakary Badjie highlighted expanding Gambia-Azerbaijan sports ties after visiting facilities in Baku and discussing training and youth exchange plans.

Professional Football Push: Gambia Football Federation stakeholders are set to validate a business plan for the country’s first professional league, with talks focused on turning the sport into a jobs-and-sponsorship engine and creating a clearer career path for players, coaches, referees, media and support staff. National Identity Upgrade: The Gambia has launched a sovereign National Identity Management System, enabling instant issuance of the GAM ID and a July pilot for selected institutions—aimed at faster access to public and private services. Security Update: Police chief Seedy Mukhtar Touray defended police response to recent violent crimes, while an emergency briefing said suspects are in custody and investigations continue. Election Transparency: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification, including steps to remove multiple registrations and correct errors ahead of the 5 December presidential election. Sports Diplomacy: Bakary Badjie says The Gambia is expanding sports ties with Azerbaijan, including training and youth exchange plans. Arts & Culture: Merck Foundation marks World Art Day 2026 with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, spotlighting artists using creativity for health and social causes. Football Fans’ Promo: 1xBet Gambia launches “Every Goal Gives Back,” adding $10 free bets for each African national team goal at the World Cup.

Football Business: Stakeholders are set to validate the business plan for The Gambia’s first professional football league, with the GFF framing it as a “game-changer” that could create jobs, boost youth opportunities, and grow sponsorship and broadcasting. Digital Identity: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, enabling instant issuance of the GAM ID card and linking agencies to improve access to services. Elections Watch: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification, while also deleting names of over 14,000 voters linked to multiple registrations. Telecom Upgrade: PURA announced a move from seven-digit to nine-digit phone numbers starting 4 September 2026, with existing numbers kept and a transition period running to late November. Sports & Culture: 1xBet Gambia kicks off “Every Goal Gives Back,” adding $10 free bets for each African national team goal at World Cup 2026. Security & Public Trust: The IGP defended police response to violent crime, saying fuel and deployment are managed and arrests are ongoing. Arts & Community: Merck Foundation marks World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, spotlighting artists using creativity for health and social causes. Gambian Talent Abroad: Abubakr Barry has signed for FC Red Bull Salzburg from Austria Vienna.

Football & Youth Development: Stakeholders are set to validate the business plan for The Gambia’s first professional football league, aiming to professionalise the domestic game and create jobs across coaching, media, security and matchday services. Sports Diplomacy: Sports minister Bakary Badjie says Gambia is expanding ties with Azerbaijan, highlighting visits to Baku’s sports facilities and plans for youth and sports cooperation. Identity & Digital Services: The Gambia has launched its National Identity Management System, enabling instant issuance of the GAM ID and a July pilot for selected institutions. Elections Watch: The IEC will publish the provisional voter register on 7 July for public verification, while deleting names of over 14,000 voters linked to multiple registrations. Security Update: The IGP defended police response to violent crime and outlined arrests and investigations during an emergency briefing. Tech for Everyday Life: PURA announced a move from seven-digit to nine-digit phone numbers starting 4 September 2026. Fan Culture: 1xBet Gambia’s “Every Goal Gives Back” promo adds $10 free bets for each African team goal at the World Cup. Arts & Community: Merck Foundation marks World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, focused on health and social impact.

Football & Fans: 1xBet Gambia is rolling out “Every Goal Gives Back” for World Cup 2026 Round of 32 onward—each African national team goal adds $10 in free-bet rewards, starting from a $270 pool based on 27 goals already scored. Sports Administration: The Gambia Football Federation is hosting a validation workshop for a business plan to launch the country’s first professional football league, with stakeholders reviewing how it could create jobs and grow local talent. International Sports Ties: Sports minister Bakary Badjie says Gambia is expanding sports cooperation with Azerbaijan, highlighting visits to major training and aquatic facilities in Baku. Telecom & Daily Life: PURA announced The Gambia will move from seven-digit to nine-digit phone numbers starting Sept 4, 2026, keeping existing numbers but adding operator prefixes. Elections & Civic Trust: The IEC says it deleted names of 14,334 voters who registered multiple times in 2026 to protect the integrity of the voter register ahead of the Dec 2026 presidential election. Arts & Culture: Merck Foundation marks World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, spotlighting art and fashion for health and social causes across Africa. Music & Memory: A Farato reflection recalls Jaliba Kuyateh’s performance as more than entertainment—tied to national service, family memories, and patience through life’s struggles.

Local Football: Gambia Football Federation stakeholders will validate a business plan for the country’s first professional football league, aiming to professionalise the domestic game and create jobs across players, coaching, refereeing, medical, media, security and more. Sports Talent: Gambian midfielder Abubakr Barry has signed with FC Red Bull Salzburg, with the club saying he’s ready to push for titles after Bundesliga experience in Austria. Media & Training: A Gambian journalist, Solomon Gumah, has been selected for the CJID Storytelling Fellowship on Environmental Journalism, bringing mentorship and training in Accra. Arts & Culture: Indie drama “Stationed at Home” expands international availability, while Merck Foundation marks World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community. Tech & Daily Life: PURA announced The Gambia’s move from seven-digit to nine-digit phone numbers starting Sept 4, 2026, with existing numbers kept via new prefixes. Community & Health: Barrow’s Farato Hospital opening drew reflections on Jaliba Kuyateh’s music and themes of patience and endurance.

ICC Withdrawal Fallout: Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali have notified the UN they’re withdrawing from the Rome Statute of the ICC, effective in a year—raising fresh alarms about accountability for alleged mass killings, detentions, and repression. NDP Clash Over Force: The UDP condemned a viral incident in which Gambia Immigration officers allegedly used excessive force against NDP leader Kebba Madi Bojang, while the NDP alleges a politically driven plan to deport German businessman Muhammed Rainey. Local Politics & Debate: An opinion piece argues the National Assembly must not be “mute,” listing pressing issues from crime and power shortages to rising prices and stalled reforms. Football Pro League Push: Gambia Football Federation stakeholders will validate a business plan for the country’s first professional football league, aiming for jobs, youth development, and commercial growth. Second Division Finale: Kanifing East and Colley Stars go into final fixtures chasing the Second Tier title. Telecom Upgrade: PURA says The Gambia will move from seven-digit to nine-digit phone numbers starting Sept 4, 2026, with existing numbers kept via new prefixes. Arts & Film: Indie drama “Stationed at Home” expands international digital rental and purchase availability to 40+ territories from July 2. World Art Day: Merck Foundation marks World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community. Sports Abroad: Gambian midfielder Abubakr Barry joins FC Red Bull Salzburg on a deal through 2029.

Indie Film: “Stationed at Home” is now available to rent or buy internationally across 40+ territories from July 2, 2026—an indie drama about a taxi driver counting down to the International Space Station on a surreal Christmas Eve. Pro Football Push: Gambia Football Federation stakeholders will validate a business plan for the country’s first professional football league at Metzy Residence Hotel in Kololi, aiming to professionalise the game and create jobs across players, coaching, media, security and more. Telecom Upgrade: PURA says The Gambia will move from seven-digit to nine-digit phone numbers starting September 4, 2026, with existing numbers kept and a two-digit prefix added. Arts & Purpose: Merck Foundation marks World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, spotlighting art, fashion and media tackling health and social issues. Local Football (2nd Tier): The Second Division League season reaches its climax with Kanifing East vs Wagadu and Colley Stars vs AJ Soccer deciding the title. Sports Film/Media: Gambia’s CJID storytelling fellowship selects a Ghana News Agency stringer for environmental journalism training in Accra, including fellows from The Gambia.

Professional Football League: Football stakeholders in The Gambia will validate the business plan for the country’s first professional league this Thursday at Metzy Residence Hotel, Kololi—aimed at shifting the sport from amateur to professionally run, creating jobs across the football ecosystem and boosting youth opportunities. Telecom Upgrade: PURA says The Gambia will move from seven-digit to nine-digit phone numbers starting September 4, 2026, with existing numbers kept and a two-digit prefix added; a transition period runs until November 30. Arts & Purpose: Merck Foundation marks World Art Day with its Pan-African “Art and Fashion with Purpose” community, highlighting how art and fashion are used to tackle issues like FGM, gender-based violence, and health stigma. Sports Spotlight: The GFF Beach Soccer League reaches its climax after Banjul’s Bees beat Sukuta Tigers 6-3 in a semifinal, with Momodou Jobe scoring a hat-trick. Media Skills: Gambian journalists are being trained on AI in media content as part of regional broadcasting efforts, focusing on ethical, future-ready reporting. Healthcare Boost (Farato): Barrow officially opened Farato Hospital, with plans for a larger teaching hospital complex and improved diagnostics and imaging services.

Sports & Community Spotlight: The Gambia Football Federation Beach Soccer League hit its climax as Banjul-based team Palma Rima Beach beat Sukuta Tigers 6-3 in a semifinal, with Momodou Jobe scoring a hat-trick. Local Football Drama: The Second Division League season ends today with Kanifing East chasing the title on 60 points in their final match vs Wagadu, while Colley Stars need a win over AJ Soccer and hope Kanifing East slip up. Media & Skills for the Future: Gambia-based journalist Solomon Gumah was selected for the CJID Storytelling Fellowship on Environmental Journalism, training in Accra later in July. AI in Gambia’s Newsroom: The Ministry of Information and the African Union of Broadcasting ran a two-day AI capacity programme for Gambian journalists on ethical AI content, deepfakes, and misinformation control. Arts, Fashion & Heritage: Princess Anne’s “queen of recycling” moment keeps trending—she wore a 42-year-old dress tied to her 1984 Gambia visit for a London centenary banquet. Health & Infrastructure (Arts-adjacent public life): Barrow opened a new diagnostic and imaging centre in Farato, aiming to cut the need for Gambians to travel abroad for specialised care. Public Safety Concern: Rising violent crime in The Gambia is framed as a national alarm needing stronger policing, faster justice, and better community trust.

Atlantic Africa Spotlight in Banjul: Morocco’s Embassy and the University of The Gambia hosted an Atlantic African States Process conference, with Gambian officials stressing the AASP’s goal of turning the Atlantic into an “economic and human bridge.” Gambia Football Buzz: The Second Division League season ends today as Kanifing East and Colley Stars chase the title in final-day fixtures, including Kanifing East vs Wagadu and Colley Stars vs AJ Soccer. Sports & Community: Barrow opened a modern mini stadium in Bakoteh, honoring O.J Jallow’s legacy and urging locals to take ownership. Public Safety Concern: Rising violent and opportunistic crime in The Gambia is framed as a national alarm needing action beyond policing alone. Prison Services Clarification: Activists questioned a reported presidential pardon; Prisons says the case involved manslaughter, not rape, and urges accurate reporting of court outcomes. Media & Tech Skills: Journalists in Banjul trained on AI in media content, focusing on ethical reporting and misinformation control. Regional Digital Justice: ECOWAS Court launched an electronic case management system to speed up justice across the region. Fashion Moment (Gambia ties): Princess Anne wore a 42-year-old dress first worn during a 1984 trip to Gambia, keeping her “recycling” style in the spotlight.

Royal Fashion Recycling: Princess Anne turned heads in London by rewearing a 42-year-old butter-yellow gown first worn during a 1984 trip to The Gambia, pairing it with white gloves and classic accessories—fans are calling it “still fits perfectly.” Gambia Media & Tech Skills: The Ministry of Information and the African Union of Broadcasting launched a two-day AI training for Gambian journalists in Banjul, focusing on ethical AI use, deepfake detection, and misinformation control. Cross-Border Telecom Deal: PURA and ARTP signed an MoU to strengthen cooperation on cross-border telecom and postal regulation, with cybersecurity and consumer protection highlighted. Healthcare Upgrade in Farato: President Barrow opened a state-of-the-art emergency treatment and diagnostics complex in Farato, including a National Reference Laboratory and plans for a future 1,500-bed teaching hospital. Sports Spotlight: The GFF Beach Soccer League climaxed with Banjul-based team winning 6-3 over Sukuta Tigers in a semifinal, powered by hat-tricks. Local Football Governance: Kemo Ceesay unveiled a “Coach Manifesto 2026–2030” for the GFF presidential race, promising decentralisation, women’s empowerment, and stronger competition structures. Justice Update: Rongo’s defence team in his D30m civil suit against authorities applied for an adjournment to certify documents for trial. Regional Justice Tech: ECOWAS Court launched a digital case management system aimed at faster, cheaper, more accessible justice across the region.

LGBTQ+ Refugee Film: “Exiled for Existing” shares first-person stories from LGBTQ+ refugees across Africa, premiering at Refugee Festival Scotland during Pride Month 2026. GFF Beach Soccer: Banjul-based Bees beat Sukuta Tigers 6-3 in the Palma Rima Beach semifinal, with Momodou Jobe scoring a hat-trick as the league heads to its climax. Media & AI Training in Banjul: Gambian journalists get a two-day capacity boost on “Artificial Intelligence in Media Content,” covering deepfake detection, fake news control, and ethical AI use. Cross-border Telecom/Postal Deal: PURA and ARTP sign an MoU to strengthen cooperation on roaming, spectrum coordination, cybersecurity, consumer protection, digital services, e-commerce, and postal regulation. Healthcare Upgrade in Farato: President Barrow opens a state-of-the-art emergency treatment centre and diagnostic/imaging facilities, with plans to expand into a 1,500-bed teaching hospital. Sports Spotlight: Gambia’s volleyball team qualifies for Congo 2026 after a dramatic five-set win over Senegal; meanwhile Medina United clinches the league title with a late Adama Kanteh goal. Local Justice Case (Rongo): Defence seeks an adjournment in Rongo’s D30 million civil suit over alleged unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, and loss of earnings. Infrastructure Concerns: Residents question whether new roads and electricity projects are improving livelihoods, citing power interruptions and high farming costs.