ECOWAS COMMISSIONS MODERN WELLINGARABA LUMO TO STRENGTHEN CROSS-BORDER COOPERATION AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION IN THE GAMBIA.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)in collaboration with the government of the Republic of The Gambia have officially commissioned the modernized Wellingara-Ba Lumo in the Lower River Region of The Gambia, on 17^th June, 2026, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cross-border cooperation, promoting free movement of persons, and improving livelihoods in border communities across the region.

Funded by the ECOWAS Commission through the ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme (ECBCSP) and implemented by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment in collaboration with the Mansakonko Area Council and the Wellingara-Ba Village Development Committee, the project has transformed the local market into a modern trading hub serving communities on both sides of the border between The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Senegal.

The upgraded facility comprises market sheds, sanitation facilities, a perimeter fence, concrete-paved trading areas, a solar-powered borehole with water points, and solar-powered streetlights, creating a safer, cleaner, and more conducive environment for commerce and social interaction that will benefit Community citizens from Senegal and Guinea Bissau as well.

Leading the ECOWAS delegation at the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Albert Siaw-Boateng, Director of Free Movement of Persons, Migration and Tourism, underscored the strategic importance of the project in advancing regional integration at the grassroots level. He noted that the Wellingaraba Lumo represents ECOWAS’ vision of bringing integration closer to citizens by creating opportunities for trade, mobility, and economic empowerment in border communities.

Mr. Siaw-Boateng commended the quality of the infrastructure and the collaboration among national and local stakeholders, stressing that the market should be fully utilized to maximize its economic and social benefits. He further reaffirmed ECOWAS’ readiness to continue supporting community-based livelihood initiatives that strengthen regional cohesion and improve the welfare of citizens across Member States.

Representing the Governor of the Lower River Region, the Chief of Jarra East District, Alhaji Ansumana Kanagie expressed appreciation to ECOWAS and all partners for delivering a project that will benefit both Gambian communities and neighbouring populations, while contributing to local economic development.

On his part, the Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Mr. Mamadi Dampha, described the modernized market as a landmark investment that will stimulate economic activity and demonstrate the value of sustained investment in community infrastructure.

The commissioning of the Wellingara-Ba Lumo marks another milestone in the implementation of the ECBCSP in fostering inclusive development, strengthen economic ties among border communities, and advance the regional integration agenda through tangible, people-centred interventions.

The ECOWAS Cross-Border Cooperation Support Programme ECBCSP (2023-2027) is a Multi-Sectoral Development Programme that works with local communities in border regions to ensure social cohesion, regional construction and sustainable development.