IMF Agrees $28m Disbursement for The Gambia as Tourism Supports Economic Growth
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reached a staff-level agreement with The Gambia that could unlock an additional $28 million in financing, bringing total disbursements under both the Extended Credit Facility and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility to approximately $142 million, subject to IMF Executive Board approval. The Gambian economy is projected to grow by 5.1% in both 2026 and 2027, with construction, tourism and remittances identified as the primary drivers of expansion. IMF Mission Chief Eva Jenkner described the economy as "resilient despite external uncertainties and domestic energy supply disruptions."
Inflation eased from 7% in April to 6.1% in September 2026 but remains above the Central Bank's 5% target, while recent electricity disruptions exposed financial and operational challenges at the National Water and Electricity Company. The IMF called for stronger revenue collection, expenditure controls and utility sector reforms, while urging the government to operationalise its Anti-Corruption Commission and strengthen central bank independence. Climate resilience measures, including groundwater management improvements and coastal-zoning regulations, also form part of the reform agenda - directly relevant to The Gambia's tourism sector, which depends heavily on its Atlantic coastline and natural environment to attract visitors, predominantly from Europe.
Source: Channel Africa