Momentum accelerated in June when Eni secured the offshore Block A1 exploration license, marking the country's most significant upstream award in years. Located within the prolific MSGBC Basin alongside major oil and gas developments offshore Senegal and Mauritania, the 1,300 km² deepwater block reinforces growing industry confidence in The Gambia's hydrocarbon potential.

The award also strengthens The Gambia's long-term gas-to-power strategy. Rather than positioning gas solely as an export commodity, the government intends to monetize future commercial discoveries through domestic power generation, reducing dependence on imported heavy fuel oil while improving electricity affordability, supply security and long-term energy resilience.

Power sector reforms are advancing alongside upstream development. State utility NAWEC is modernizing transmission and distribution infrastructure through the replacement of low-capacity networks with 30 kV medium-voltage lines, while the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project has reached approximately 99% completion. At the regional level, The Gambia is set to import lower-cost electricity through the 225 kV OMVG interconnector from Guinea while remaining connected to Senegal's grid, further integrating the country into the West African Power Pool and diversifying electricity supply.

Despite this progress, additional investment remains essential. NAWEC reported a 26 MW power shortfall during April 2026, with available generation and imports totaling approximately 78 MW against peak demand of 106 MW. The supply gap underscores the continued need for new generation capacity and private sector participation to meet rising electricity demand.

Private investment is already helping close that gap. The recently commissioned 23 MWp Jambur Solar Power Plant, supported by an 8 MWh battery energy storage system, marks the first major project under the government's broader renewable energy expansion strategy and National Energy Compact. Together with Mission 300 financing, grid expansion and regional power trading, these investments are expected to help The Gambia achieve universal electricity access by the end of 2026.

Against this backdrop, MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2026 will bring together government leaders, utilities, upstream operators, project developers, financiers and technology providers to examine how upstream exploration, gas-to-power development, independent power production and regional transmission can accelerate The Gambia's energy transition while unlocking new investment opportunities across the MSGBC Basin.