Finance Minister Seedy Keita, in his presentation to lawmakers at the opening of the 3rd Ordinary Session of the National Assembly, disclosed that in the first half of 2025, government revenue stood at D13.78 billion, while expenditure reached D14.51 billion—leaving a deficit of D724.84 million.
Though revenues grew by 29% compared to last year, debt servicing, salaries, and subsidies continue to weigh heavily on the national budget. For ordinary Gambians, these numbers matter because they shape everyday realities. Farmers benefit from subsidies. D1,700 covered by government on each bag of fertiliser and guaranteed high groundnut prices help families stay afloat.
Energy subsidies keep the lights on in homes and shops. These are lifelines for communities and reflect the importance of protecting those essentials. Every Dalasi spent on paying foreign debt is a dalasi not spent on health centres, schools, innovation, or youth employment. Rising interest on payments due tighten the rope around the neck of our economy, leaving less room for investment and advancement.
This is where NAFAA’s economic vision differs. Our policies prioritise:
Food Sovereignty: to support farmers not just with subsidies, but with sustainable systems that reduce import dependency.
Energy Sovereignty: to move toward renewable solutions that ease the burden of fuel costs.
Technological Sovereignty: to build local capacity by designing, adapting, and owning our technologies.
The mid-year budget shows progress, but it also shows vulnerability. To move from roots to sovereignty, The Gambia must anchor its economy in what we produce, what we grow, and what we innovate. Sovereignty will never come from borrowing!
