MoFEA, BADEA Amend USD 16m Loan to Equip UTG Phase II. By Raymond Enoch
In a strategic move to fast-track the full operationalisation of The University of The Gambia (UTG) Phase II, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) and the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) have signed Amendment No. (1) to an existing USD 16 million loan agreement, specifically targeting the supply of furniture and essential academic equipment for the project.
The amendment refines the original financing framework to ensure that the newly completed UTG Phase II infrastructure is fully furnished and equipped to meet modern teaching, learning, and research standards. It is designed to bridge the critical gap between physical construction and functional readiness, guaranteeing that lecture halls, laboratories, offices, and support facilities are adequately resourced ahead of the facility’s official opening.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy K.M. Keita, underscored the strategic importance of the amendment, describing BADEA as a dependable development partner whose interventions continue to align with The Gambia’s human capital development priorities. He noted that the revised loan agreement reflects government’s commitment to ensuring value for money and maximising the impact of investments in the education sector.
The Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology highlighted that the amendment directly supports the delivery of a conducive academic environment at UTG Phase II, enabling the institution to expand access, improve learning conditions, and enhance academic productivity. He expressed appreciation to BADEA for its sustained support to higher education development in the country.
On his part, the President of BADEA, H.E. Abdullah K.H. Al-Musaibeeh, reaffirmed the Bank’s confidence in The Gambia as a strategic partner. He commended the government’s clear focus on education as a driver of national development and confirmed BADEA’s readiness to support future priority projects that contribute to sustainable growth.
The contract amendment comes at a critical moment, preceding the official commissioning of UTG Phase II, and represents a decisive step towards translating infrastructure investment into tangible educational outcomes. By focusing on equipping the facility, the agreement strengthens UTG’s capacity to deliver quality higher education and reinforces The Gambia’s broader agenda for skills development and long-term socio-economic transformation.
