President Adama Barrow said Gambia will add a 24-megawatt unit at Brikama Power Station.
Why it matters: The outages have disrupted households, businesses and public order, turning electricity into an immediate economic and political issue. Barrow's timeline points to relief by late October 2025, weeks before a December presidential election.
- Barrow said on Sept. 8 that an additional 24-megawatt power unit is being installed at Brikama Power Station.
- He said electricity supply should improve by the end of October 2025.
- The presidency said a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Soma has been contracted and will begin construction soon.
- AFP reported that protests over blackouts turned violent in Banjul and nearby areas on Sept. 8, with tyres burned, barricades erected and police using tear gas.
President Adama Barrow addressed the nation on Sept. 8 after unrest over prolonged blackouts spread in and around Banjul. In his speech, he said the government is in the final stage of installing an additional 24-megawatt power unit at Brikama Power Station.
Barrow said the added supply should improve electricity availability by the end of October 2025. He described the outages as an emergency and a national security issue.
The presidency also said a 50-megawatt solar power plant in Soma has been contracted and will start construction soon. The statement did not provide further details on the contract.
AFP reported that protests over the power cuts turned violent in Banjul and nearby areas on Sept. 8, with protesters burning tyres, erecting barricades and police using tear gas. Reuters reported that the demonstrations spread to multiple locations, including near Barrow's residence, and that some residents said blackouts had lasted up to 48 hours.
The timing matters because Barrow's promise comes ahead of a December 2025 presidential election. Businesses, schools and households are now watching whether the grid improves before the vote.
By the numbers
- 24 megawatts - the size of the added unit at Brikama Power Station.
- 50 megawatts - the planned solar plant in Soma.
- End of October 2025 - Barrow's target for improved electricity supply.
Yes, but: The promised relief is still months away, and the solar project remains a future build rather than immediate capacity.
What's next: Barrow said supply should improve by the end of October 2025. The presidential election is due in December 2025.