Gambia Buys 21-Megawatt Chinese Generators to Stop Blackouts

The Gambia imported two new 10.5-megawatt generators from China on Monday to stop severe power cuts that triggered public street protests across the Greater Banjul region since June.

Vice President Muhammed Jallow took delivery of the 21-megawatt combined equipment at the port of Banjul on behalf of President Adama Barrow, who was away on his annual Meet the People Tour.

The equipment purchase directly supports Barrow's promise to solve the nationwide power crisis by the end of October.

National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) Managing Director Gallo Saidy stated that technical teams will install and commission the brand-new units before October finishes.

"The machines have never been used; the only thing they need is to be installed," Saidy said.

Severe electricity cuts disrupted communities for four months, pushing frustrated residents onto the streets in public protests.

Jallow explained that the new units offer a short-term solution, while state authorities build long-term systems to eliminate blackouts completely.

"The government wants to install the capacity, and part of the medium and long-term plan is to make sure that the issue of electricity is permanently fixed," Jallow said.

Jallow noted that power supplies had already stabilised, but adding generation capacity prevents future system failures.

Gambia targets full national electricity coverage

The new machinery will increase the nation's total installed power capacity and reduce overall grid shortages.

Jallow repeated President Barrow's promise to extend electricity access to every community across the country by the end of 2026.

International development partners, including the Chinese government, promised technical and financial backing to help the country reach its 2026 universal power goal.

NAWEC will manage the installation process to connect the 21-megawatt supply directly into the national grid.