FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sare Demba Toro, Upper River Region, 24 June 2026 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today officially handed over a 120 kWp solar mini-grid facility in Sare Demba Toro to the Government of The Gambia, marking a significant milestone in the country's efforts to expand access to clean, affordable, and reliable energy in rural communities.

Constructed by UNDP through its Climate Promise initiative, the green mini-grid facility serves the cluster communities of Sare Demba Toro, Sare Yerorie, and Jamu Mballow. The facility is helping extend sustainable energy access to the last mile, ensuring that remote and underserved communities are not left behind in The Gambia's energy transition. The facility currently provides electricity to 375 households, benefiting an estimated 5,000 people, as well as more than 75 small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in productive economic activities, including welding, tailoring, cold storage, milling, and agro-processing.

The partnership between UNDP, the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines (MoPEM), the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC), regional and local authorities, and the beneficiary communities has been instrumental to the success of the initiative. Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Petroleum and Energy reaffirmed the Government's commitment to expanding energy access and ensuring the long-term sustainability of renewable energy investments.

“The Green Mini-Grid Project is a significant milestone in our pursuit of universal electricity access. Through our partnership with UNDP, we are ensuring that rural communities are not left behind and that access to clean, reliable energy becomes a driver of sustainable development and economic opportunity.” — Hon. Nani Juwara, Minister of Petroleum, Energy and Mines

The UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Mandisa Mashologu underscored the transformative impact of sustainable energy investments on communities. "This solar mini grid represents far more than a technical solution. It represents opportunity, progress, and transformation. For the communities of Sare Demba Toro, Jamu Mballow, and Sare Yerorie, access to reliable electricity is helping unlock new opportunities in education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and local economic development."

The mini grid is already contributing to improved livelihoods and economic empowerment. Reliable electricity is enabling small businesses to expand operations, supporting value addition in agriculture, strengthening local markets, and creating new employment opportunities, particularly for young people and women. The project also contributes to national efforts to increase the share of renewable energy in The Gambia's energy mix, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

The ceremony comes at a critical time as The Gambia continues to advance its renewable energy agenda and pursue universal energy access. Through investments such as the Sare Demba Toro mini-grid, sustainable energy is reaching the last-mile communities that have historically remained beyond the reach of the national grid, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that the benefits of development reach all Gambians and advancing the promise of leaving no one behind. UNDP reaffirmed its commitment to supporting The Gambia's transition toward a green, inclusive, and resilient economy and highlighted ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum, Energy and Mines to scale sustainable energy solutions, including the completion of the solar mini grid currently under development in Jinack.

The Sare Demba Toro solar mini grid stands as a testament to what can be achieved when national institutions, local communities, and development partners work together to expand opportunity, strengthen resilience, and leave no one behind.

#Partners@Core 

For media enquiries please contact:

• Mariam Njai, Communications Analyst, UNDP The Gambia | mariam.njai@undp.org | +220 3303180

About UNDP

UNDP is the leading United Nations organization fighting to end the injustice of poverty, inequality, and climate change. Working with our broad network of experts and partners in 170 countries, we help nations build integrated, lasting solutions for people and the planet. 

Learn more at https://www.undp.org/gambia