ECOWAS AND GERMAN GOVERNMENT TO CLOSE THE GAMBIA PILOT PROJECT AND HANDOVER INVESTMENTS UNDER THE REGIONAL STABILISATION AND DEVELOPMENT FUND

Abuja, Nigeria, 18 March 2026: The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with the German Government will officially close The Gambia pilot project and handover various infrastructure implemented under the Regional Stabilisation and Development Fund (FRSD) in The Gambia on 24 – 26 March 2026.

This handover marks a major milestone in the implementation of the FRSD pilot project in The Gambia. The project aims to build resilience in fragile communities, promote stability and economic development and empowerment of youth and women through creation of sustainable jobs. The project handover ceremony will also provide an opportunity to highlight the tangible impact of the FRSD project on local communities and the prospects for economic development for young people in The Gambia.

Funded to the tune of €13 million by the German government, with an additional contribution of $1.2 million from ECOWAS, the project has enabled the construction of key infrastructure and provided direct support to local communities in several regions of the country.

The project’s achievements include: the construction of dormitories for technical training schools in Mansa-Konko and Julangel; fish-smoking facilities in Brufut; development of infrastructure to support fish processing and agriculture; installation of boreholes and irrigation systems; construction of community poultry units, and supply of equipment for horticultural and agricultural activities. These investments target the Greater Banjul Area, Lower River Region and Upper River Region, with the aim of strengthening local value chains and supporting entrepreneurship among young people and women.

The official handover ceremony will be attended by high-level officials including: the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Mrs. Damtien L.TCHINTCHIBIDJA and   representatives from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ); Government of The Gambia; ECOWAS parliament and beneficiary communities. Through this project, ECOWAS and the Government of Germany reaffirm their shared commitment to strengthening regional stability, promoting economic inclusion and providing sustainable alternatives to irregular migration.