The International Development Association (IDA), a subsidiary of the World Bank Group, will be providing both The Gambia and Niger funding for their respective water and electricity programs. Niger will receive $150 million in assistance and The Gambia $43 million.
In The Gambia, the funds will go toward the implementation of the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project (GERMP), aimed at improving access to electricity and water in the country. The GERMP will allow the reinforcement of the NAWEC’s transmission and distribution network. It will provide additional support to transform the company into an efficient and solvent utility. To this end, several projects are planned, including the installation of four solar photovoltaic power plants with a capacity of 200 MWp in Greater Banjul, in the west of The Gambia.
In Niger, the funding will benefit the Kandadji program to provide water and electricity to 330,000 people living in the Niger River Basin. The Kandadji Dam project, in the Niger River Basin, is overseen by the Water Resources Development and Sustainable Ecosystem Management Program. The construction of this facility is being carried out by China Gezhouaba Group Company (CGGC). The dam will be located on the Niger River, 150 km from Niamey, and is led by the Office of the High Commissioner for the Development of the Niger Valley.