In 2023, electricity consumption in Gambia remains a pressing concern with a total consumption of 189 kWh per person, which is dramatically lower than the global average of 3736 kWh per person. Almost all of Gambia's electricity generation relies on fossil fuels, as the current low-carbon electricity generation is close to none. This dependency on fossil energy not only contributes to air pollution and climate change but also restricts the country's potential to develop stable and clean energy supplies. The lack of substantial electricity generation gravely limits economic opportunities, industrial growth, and the improvement of living standards, thereby exacerbating the challenges posed by poverty and infrastructure deficits.

Data sources used on this page include Ember. More about data sources →

Is Electricity Growing in Gambia?

Despite the urgent need for growth, the data from 2023 presents a worrying trend. There is a small decrease in electricity consumption per person from the record high of 194 kWh in 2021 to 189 kWh in 2023, a change of -5 kWh per person. Notably, the production of low-carbon electricity remains stagnant at 0 kWh per person, identical to the year 2000. This stagnation in electricity generation and particularly in clean energy sources obstructs Gambia’s ability to embrace a sustainable and prosperous future. Without targeted efforts toward expanding electricity access, the country might fall further behind in the global shift toward greater electrification and reduced carbon footprints.

Suggestions

To significantly amplify its low-carbon electricity generation, Gambia should take cues from successful regions harnessing solar and nuclear power. Learning from countries like China, which is leading with more than 1000 TWh each in both solar and wind generation, and the United States, with impressive contributions from nuclear at 785 TWh and solar at 373 TWh, could provide Gambia a blueprint for strategic investment in these technologies. Countries such as Brazil with substantial wind and solar outputs can serve as models due to similar geographical features. Prioritizing investment in solar energy makes particular sense for Gambia due to its ample sunlight and available space, while nuclear power can offer a stable and robust supplement to meet its electricity needs sustainably.

History

Historically, Gambia’s journey with low-carbon electricity is marked by stagnation, as evidenced by the static figure of 0 kWh per person generation for decades. This enduring absence of growth in clean energy sources indicates a missed opportunity to harness the abundance of sunlight throughout the region. Without critical shifts in policy and investment focused on establishing a foundational infrastructure for solar and potentially nuclear power, Gambia risks perpetuating its dependency on fossil fuels, limiting its socioeconomic growth potential and environmental health. Embracing low-carbon electricity is not just an alternative; it’s a necessary evolution for Gambia's future prosperity.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade