AGP Executive Report

US Visa Overhaul: The US will stop routine visa processing at its Abuja embassy and 24 other African posts from August 1, 2026, shifting applicants to 20 regional hubs and aiming for tighter security, lower costs, and more consistent screening—this includes Banjul among the affected locations. Skills & Jobs Push: Government and development partners disbursed D84.8m to boost skills, innovation and entrepreneurship under the Gambia resilience, inclusion, skills and equity programme (Rice Project), with World Bank urging focus on real employment outcomes. Tourism/Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Africa World Airlines (AWA) signed an MoU to expand West Africa connectivity via interline/codeshare links through Abu Dhabi, with a planned Abu Dhabi–Accra service from March 24, 2027. Student Exchange: Turkey’s TIKA launched its 2026 Development Ambassadors programme, with The Gambia listed as a reserve country for projects across Africa. Road Safety (Diaspora): Tributes continue for a Gambian family after a fatal crash in the UK, including a seven-month-old baby.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The U.S. will stop routine visa processing at 25 African posts from 1 August, including Banjul, sending applicants to regional hubs such as Dakar, Dakar, Accra, Dakar, and others—tourists and business travellers should plan early. Passport Mobility Watch: Pakistan’s passport is ranked the world’s fourth weakest (101st) on the Henley Passport Index, with visa-free/VOA access to The Gambia among 29 destinations. Gambia-Linked Community Tragedy: Tributes continue after a fatal crash in Derbyshire, UK, killing four Gambian nationals from Leeds, including a seven-month-old baby. Local Travel Safety & Environment: Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe raises alarms over sand mining in Banjul, warning it could damage the city’s natural coastal defences. Border Farming Worries: Farmers near the Gambia–Senegal border fear for safety after Senegalese troops demolished part of a military camp fence.

US Visa Overhaul for Africa: The US will stop routine visa processing at 25 African posts from 1 August 2026, including Banjul, and redirect applicants to regional hubs such as Dakar, Dakar, Dakar (plus others like Dakar, Johannesburg, Lagos, Accra, Abidjan). Passport Watch: Pakistan’s passport has slipped to 101st in the Henley Passport Index, ranked among the world’s weakest, though The Gambia still appears among visa-free access destinations. Gambia Labour Snapshot: A new Labour Force Survey reports 733,364 employed and 48,504 unemployed, with informal work still dominating. Road Tragedy for Gambian Diaspora: Tributes continue after a fatal crash on the A38 near Derby killed a Gambian family from Leeds, including a seven-month-old baby. Politics & Vision 2045: WAREF’s presidential bid is back in focus as it unveils a Vision 2045 plan centred on jobs, tourism, agriculture and investment. Local Governance Concern: Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe raises alarms over Banjul sand mining, calling for answers on approvals and safeguards. Travel Links: Guinea’s updated policy lists Gambia among countries eligible for visa-free entry for short stays.

Road Safety & Community Tributes: A Gambian family from Leeds—Abubacarr Camara (36), Isa Jaiteh (30), and their 11-month-old daughter Aisha—were among four people killed in a fatal A38 crash near Derby after a red Hyundai left the road and hit trees; an 18-year-old woman also died, while the 33-year-old driver survived serious injuries and was bailed after being arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Travel Access (Visa-Free): Guinea’s updated policy lists 20 African countries eligible for visa-free entry, including The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria and others. Air Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket journeys linking Lagos and Accra with 20+ destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Banjul. Family-Friendly Beach Tourism: The Gambia’s Fajara, Kololi and Kotu beaches received the Pediatricians’ Green Flag 2026, highlighting high standards for families and children. Local Environment & Tourism: Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe raised alarms over sand mining in Banjul, calling for transparent answers on authorisation and environmental safeguards.

Road Safety & Community Impact: Tributes are pouring in for a Gambian family from Leeds killed in a fatal A38 crash near Derby, including a seven-month-old baby girl; police say a 33-year-old driver survived serious injuries, was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, and has been bailed. Visa-Free Travel for Gambians: Guinea’s updated 2026 policy lists Gambia among 20 African countries allowed visa-free entry with a valid passport for short stays. Banjul Sand Mining Watch: Banjul Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe raises alarms over sand mining, calling for transparent answers on authorisation, environmental checks, and safeguards for the city’s vulnerable coastline. Family-Friendly Beach Recognition: Three Gambia beaches—Fajara, Kololi and Kotu—have earned Pediatricians’ Green Flag 2026 for meeting high standards for families and children. Air Connectivity Boost: Etihad and Air Peace sign an interline deal linking Lagos/Accra to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Banjul. Border Tensions Affecting Farmers: Bulock farmers fear for safety and livelihoods after Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bulock Military Camp fence near the border.

Family Tourism Boost: The Gambia’s beaches Fajara, Kololi and Kotu have earned Pediatricians’ Green Flag 2026 certification, a win for family-friendly safety, services and environmental standards—good news for travellers planning child-focused holidays. Air Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline agreement to sell single-ticket journeys linking Abu Dhabi with 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Banjul, Dakar, Freetown, Monrovia and Conakry. Visa Updates for Gambians: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 August 2026, with applicants directed to apply via Dakar; existing Banjul appointments remain valid. Creative Tourism & Youth: NCAC hosted stakeholders to support Gambia’s creative sector, while UTGSU and TDRGP discussed Students’ Week 2026 as a platform to showcase Gambian culture. Local Watch: Police say a man found living in Nyambai Forest was mentally unstable, not a thief, after viral claims spread online.

U.S. Visa Shift for Gambians: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 August 2026, sending applicants to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar; existing appointments still stand, but new bookings must be done by 31 July. Family-Friendly Beach Boost: Three of The Gambia’s top beaches—Fajara, Kololi and Kotu—have earned the Pediatricians’ Green Flag 2026, a sign of strong safety, services and child-friendly facilities. Air Connectivity Upgrade: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline agreement enabling single-ticket travel between Abu Dhabi and 20 destinations across Nigeria, West Africa and Central Africa, including Banjul. Tourism & Culture Push: NCAC hosted artists and stakeholders to strengthen The Gambia’s creative industry, with calls for youth to use music and arts to promote heritage and tourism. Migration Warning: UNHCR reports a deadly migrant boat incident linked to The Gambia, with 143 dead or missing after a vessel drifted off Mauritania. Local Safety Update: Police say a man found living in Nyambai Forest was mentally unstable, not a thief, after viral claims circulated online.

U.S. Visa Shift for Gambians: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 Aug 2026, sending applicants to Dakar instead (existing appointments still stand; those needing new bookings after the deadline must use Dakar). Family Beach Boost: Fajara, Kololi and Kotu beaches in The Gambia earned the Pediatricians’ Green Flag 2026, a rare international family-friendly certification tied to safety, services and environmental standards. Air Connectivity for West Africa: Etihad and Air Peace signed an interline deal enabling single-ticket travel between Abu Dhabi and 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Banjul and Dakar. Tourism & Culture Push: NCAC hosted stakeholders to support The Gambia’s creative sector, while UTGSU and TDRGP discussed backing Students’ Week 2026 to showcase Gambian heritage. Migration Warning: UNHCR reports a deadly Atlantic-route incident linked to departures from The Gambia, with 143 dead or missing after a boat drifted off Mauritania.

Family Tourism Boost: The Gambia’s Fajara, Kololi and Kotu beaches have earned the Pediatricians’ Green Flag 2026, a mark for family-friendly safety, services and environmental quality—good news for visitors planning beach holidays with kids. Air Connectivity: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline agreement for single-ticket travel linking Abu Dhabi with Lagos/Accra and onward to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West Africa and Central Africa, including Banjul, Dakar, Freetown and Monrovia. Visa Rules for Gambians: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 August 2026, with applicants redirected to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar; existing appointments still stand. Tourism & Culture: NCAC stakeholders met to back The Gambia’s creative sector, while UTGSU and TDRGP discussed support for Students’ Week 2026 to showcase Gambian heritage. Travel Safety Reminder: UNHCR reports a deadly migrant boat tragedy linked to departures from The Gambia, underscoring the risks of the Atlantic route to Europe.

Air Connectivity Boost: Etihad Airways and Air Peace have signed an interline agreement linking Lagos and Accra to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, with single-ticket travel and onward connections via Abu Dhabi. Family Beach Recognition: The Gambia’s Fajara, Kololi and Kotu beaches have earned the Pediatricians’ Green Flag 2026, highlighting safety, environmental quality and family-friendly facilities. U.S. Visa Changes for Gambians: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 August 2026, shifting applicants to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar (existing appointments after the deadline still stand). Tourism & Culture Push: NCAC hosted artists and stakeholders in Fajara to strengthen The Gambia’s creative industry, while TDRGP and UTGSU discussed support for Students’ Week 2026 to showcase culture and heritage. Migration Safety Warning: UNHCR reports a migrant boat that left The Gambia and drifted off Mauritania for 25 days, with 143 dead or missing.

U.S. Visa Restructure for Africa: The U.S. Department of State says routine visa services will stop at 25 posts across Africa (including Banjul) from Aug 1, 2026, with applicants redirected to regional hubs such as Dakar, Accra, Lagos, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. Air Connectivity Boost: Etihad Airways and Air Peace signed an interline deal letting travellers book single tickets from Abu Dhabi via Lagos/Accra to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa—featuring Banjul, Conakry, Dakar, Freetown, Monrovia and more. Family Beach Recognition: Gambia’s Fajara, Kololi, and Kotu beaches earned the Pediatricians’ Green Flag 2026, a rare international family-friendly certification tied to safety, services, and environmental standards. Tourism & Culture Push: The NCAC hosted “artists without borders” style engagement to strengthen The Gambia’s creative industry, while TDRGP backs UTG Students’ Week 2026 to spotlight culture and heritage. Environment Watch (Banjul): Banjul’s mayor warned that sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and threatening fishing and tourism, calling for tighter controls. Migration Warning: UNHCR reports a deadly Atlantic crossing off Mauritania: a boat that left The Gambia had 143 dead or missing after 25 days at sea.

Air Connectivity: Air Peace and Etihad Airways have signed an interline deal to sell single-ticket journeys linking Abu Dhabi with Lagos and Accra, then onward across Nigeria and West/Central Africa—covering cities like Abuja, Kano, Port Harcourt and regional hubs including Banjul, Dakar, Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry, Bamako, Douala and Libreville. Creative Tourism Boost: The National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC) hosted “artists without borders” talks in Fajara, bringing together musicians, filmmakers and writers to strengthen The Gambia’s creative industry—plus meetings with UTG students’ leadership to support Students’ Week 2026 as a heritage showcase. U.S. Visa Update for Gambians: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 August 2026, with applicants directed to apply via Dakar; existing appointments remain valid. Safety & Migration Warning: UNHCR reports at least 143 refugees and migrants are dead or missing after a boat left The Gambia and sank off Mauritania’s coast. Local Environment Watch: Banjul Mayor Lowe raised alarm over sand mining, warning it accelerates coastal erosion and threatens fishing and tourism.

U.S. Visa Update for Gambians: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 August 2026, with applicants needing to apply via Dakar; existing appointments before the cutoff are still honoured, but new bookings must be done by 31 July. Air Connectivity Boost: Etihad Airways and Nigeria’s Air Peace signed an interline deal linking Abu Dhabi with Lagos/Accra and onward to 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa—this includes Banjul, Conakry, Dakar, Freetown, Monrovia and more. Tourism & Culture Push: NCAC hosted “Artists without Borders” in Fajara to strengthen The Gambia’s creative industry, while UTG/TDRGP-backed talks are set to support Students’ Week 2026 with culture and heritage at the centre. Made in The Gambia Roadmap: Stakeholders validated the revised Made in The Gambia Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037, a 10-year plan to improve local value chains, MSMEs and market access. Banjul Environment Alert: Mayor Lowe warned sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and threatening fishing and tourism, calling for tighter, transparent permit controls. Safety & Travel Reality Check: UNHCR reports at least 143 refugees and migrants missing or dead after a boat left The Gambia and sank off Mauritania’s coast.

Air Connectivity for Gambia Travelers: Air Peace and Etihad have signed an interline deal to link Lagos and Accra with 20 destinations across Nigeria, West and Central Africa, including Banjul, making it easier to book one-ticket connections via Abu Dhabi. U.S. Visa Processing Shift: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 August 2026, with Gambians needing to apply through Dakar instead (existing appointments still stand). Atlantic Migration Tragedy: UNHCR says at least 143 people are dead or missing after a boat left The Gambia and sank off Mauritania, with only 38 survivors rescued after 25 days at sea—another stark warning about the dangerous Atlantic route. Banjul Under Threat: Banjul’s Mayor Lowe warns that sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and threatening homes, beaches, fishing, and tourism, calling for tighter permit control and transparency. Tourism-Friendly Entry Updates: Fiji’s 2026 visa policy lists Gambia among African countries eligible for visa-free entry (with possible permits depending on visit purpose).

U.S. Travel Update for Gambians: The U.S. Embassy in Banjul will stop routine visa services from 1 August 2026, sending applicants to the U.S. Embassy in Dakar—existing Banjul appointments after the deadline are still honoured, but new bookings must be done by 31 July. Banjul Environment & Tourism Risk: Mayor Lowe warned that sand mining is accelerating coastal erosion and threatening Banjul’s homes, flooding safety, fishing and tourism, calling for tighter, transparent permit controls. Migration Safety Alert: UNHCR reports at least 143 refugees and migrants are dead or missing after a boat bound for Europe sank off Mauritania; a vessel that left The Gambia was rescued after 25 days at sea. Travel Access Lists: Multiple passport/visa-free roundups keep highlighting The Gambia’s growing regional travel links, including visa-free access for Gambia passport holders to Antigua & Barbuda in 2026. Tourism & Industry Push: Stakeholders validated The Gambia’s revised “Made in The Gambia” strategy (2027–2037) to boost local products, market access and tourism-linked competitiveness.

WAFCON & Sports Tourism: Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Vivian Shinyonzo says Kenya’s high-quality France camp has boosted confidence ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (July 25–Aug 15), with double sessions in Miramas and fierce competition for places. Air Travel & Connectivity: Royal Air Maroc will expand from Stansted with daily flights to Casablanca from this winter, positioning Casablanca as a gateway with onward links including Banjul. Visa-Free Travel Watch: Antigua and Barbuda published its 2026 visa-free list for 24 African countries, including The Gambia—good news for holiday planning and short breaks. Tourism Industry Events: Akwaaba African Travel Market (Sept 13–15, Lagos) will host an African Tour Operators Summit to link sports and tourism and build AFCON 2027 travel packages. Local Tourism Strategy: Stakeholders validated the revised “Made in The Gambia” Strategy and Action Plan 2027–2037 in Bakau, aiming to strengthen value chains, MSMEs, and market access for locally made goods and services. Border Tensions: Government praised soldiers’ restraint after Senegalese troops demolished part of the Bullock border camp fence, keeping the focus on diplomatic resolution. Migration Safety Alert: A migrant boat tragedy off Mauritania is feared to have killed at least 234 West Africans (including Gambians) after engine failure and days adrift.