Gambia Targets Gender Equity in Renewable Energy Transition

The report, "Women as Key Partners," maps a path to rectify the current imbalance where women hold only one percent of positions at the National Water and Electricity Company. While urban electrification reaches 85 percent, rural areas struggle with rates as low as 35 percent, leaving women to manage energy poverty with limited resources. Researchers gathered data from 279 respondents across seven regions to identify how cultural constraints and restricted access to capital stifle female participation in the sector.

From 2026 to 2030, the government intends to prioritize vocational training and STEM education to bridge this gap. The initiative targets five core areas, ranging from policy governance to the expansion of micro-finance for female-led enterprises. Nathalie Gisabo Gahunga of the AfDB emphasized that the transition requires more than just infrastructure; it demands mentorship and technologies specifically designed to meet the practical needs of women. By integrating these measures, officials aim to move beyond symbolic inclusion toward a model where women lead solar installations and clean-tech production, ultimately turning the energy sector into a driver for national development.