The Gambia has one of the fastest urbanization rates in sub-Saharan Africa, with more than two-thirds of the country’s population currently living in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA).

To address the environmental and socioeconomic challenges that arise from this situation, UNOPS is supporting The Gambia’s government to develop a strategic urban plan, through the Greater Banjul 2040 project. The initiative, will drive urban development and improve services while promoting climate resilience, economic growth and social inclusion.

Following its outbreak in late 2019, the Coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has been reported to have had devastating human health, health systems, and socioeconomic impacts across the globe.

The Gnassingbé clan has ruled the country since 1967. Throughout the survey period, demands for political change initiated by institutional and electoral reforms were a major issue of contention between the government and the challengers of the Gnassingbé regime. An alliance of opposition parties and civil society groups organized peaceful demonstrations in opposition to the regime. These demonstrations were often violently suppressed. Civil society organizations and representatives of the Christian church supported the opposition’s demands.