The African Development Bank Group has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable infrastructure and climate-resilient transport in The Gambia, with the commissioning of a new green ferry, as part of the Banjul Port Expansion Project, a $20.56 million project was financed by the African Development Bank Group through its concessional window, the African Development Fund (ADF).
The commissioning ceremony, held in Barra, and presided over by His Excellency President Adama Barrow, brought together senior government officials, development partners, and community representatives. The African Development Bank Group President, Dr Sidi Ould Tah, was represented by Lamin G. Barrow, Director General for West Africa. The newly commissioned ferry, named the Barra Ferry, represents a major milestone in The Gambia’s efforts to modernise river transport and promote environmentally friendly mobility solutions. Designed with state-of-the-art hybrid green technology, the ferry is capable of carrying 1,000 passengers and over 50 vehicles.
Its energy-efficient design, cleaner propulsion systems, and improved safety will reduce emissions, lower operational costs, and ensure safer and more reliable transport services. It is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the country’s North and South Banks, reduce travel delays, and enhance the safety and reliability of ferry services relied upon daily by thousands of Gambians.
The River Gambia, stretching about three hundred and sixty (360) kilometres inland, divides the country into two, making reliable ferry services linking the North and South Banks indispensable. For decades, the country’s ferry services have operated under intense constraints, amid growing demand from increasing vehicular traffic, freight movement, and passenger volumes.
Speaking at the ceremony, President Barrow underscored the strategic importance of transport infrastructure to national development. “The socioeconomic wellbeing of The Gambia is closely linked to the strength of its domestic production base and its participation in regional and international trade. For this reason, the efficiency of our major trade gateways, such as the seaports, ferry services, airport, and telecommunications systems, remains fundamental to sustained economic growth and competitiveness,” he said.
President Barrow further noted that his government has prioritised transport infrastructure development under the National Development Plan, stressing that reliable ferry services are indispensable in a country divided by the River Gambia. He emphasised the need for professional management and sustainable operational frameworks to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality service delivery.
He praised the Bank’s longstanding partnership with The Gambia, which dates back to 1974, with cumulative commitments exceeding $450 million across key sectors including transport, energy, agriculture, water and sanitation, governance, and social services. As of March 2026, the Bank’s active portfolio in the country comprises 17 projects valued at approximately $252 million, with transport accounting for the largest share.
The commissioning of the Green Ferry underscores the African Development Bank’s strategic focus on promoting low-carbon and climate-resilient infrastructure, in line with its development priorities and the broader goal of supporting sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent, and is closely aligned with the Bank’s Four Cardinal Points, particularly through its emphasis on climate-resilient infrastructure, enhanced connectivity, and support to private sector-led growth.
“This ferry represents a transformative innovation in sustainable maritime transport,” Director General Barrow said, noting that the investment supports The Gambia’s transition towards greener, more resilient transport solutions in line with global climate goals.
AfDB