By Fatou Gassama
The Government has launched the National Social Protection Policy (2026–2035), a comprehensive framework to strengthen social welfare systems, reduce poverty, and improve the lives of vulnerable citizens over the next decade.
Unveiled at a high-level ceremony attended by government officials, development partners, civil society, and community representatives, the policy sets a clear strategy to expand social assistance, promote inclusive economic opportunities, and build resilience among vulnerable households.
The minister responsible stated that the policy reflects the Government’s firm commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. It prioritizes children, women, older persons, persons with disabilities, unemployed youth, and households affected by economic hardship and climate shocks.
Vice President Mohammed BS Jallow described the policy as a critical milestone in the country’s development. He noted that The Gambia faces persistent social, economic, and climate-related challenges that demand a coordinated, predictable, and nationally owned response.
“The National Social Protection Policy 2026–2035 provides a clear framework for building a stronger and more inclusive system,” he said. “It marks a decisive shift from fragmented interventions to a coherent and progressive approach.”
He emphasised the Government’s commitment to expanding social protection to informal sector workers through practical, sustainable, and inclusive measures. He also underscored the central role of the National Social Protection Agency in strengthening systems, ensuring accountability, and aligning programmes with national priorities.
“Every dalasi allocated must serve the public interest. Every programme must be guided by fairness, and every institution must act responsibly,” he added.
Permanent Secretary at the Office of the Vice President, Musa Mbye, said the policy was developed through a consultative and evidence-based process involving government institutions, development partners, civil society, technical experts, and community stakeholders.
The policy builds on progress made under the previous framework, including expanded cash transfer programmes, a strengthened Social Registry, improved grievance systems, and enhanced monitoring and evaluation. It also addresses emerging priorities such as expanding coverage, strengthening social care services, improving protection for informal workers, and increasing resilience to shocks.
“This policy must drive action,” Mbye stressed. “It must guide planning, budgeting, implementation, and reporting, and deliver real improvements in people’s lives.”
Saikou Jeng, Executive Director of the National Social Protection Agency, highlighted that effective implementation will require collective effort from government, development partners, civil society, private sector, communities, and the media.
“This is not a document for the shelf,” he said. “It is a practical tool to guide coordinated and effective action over the next decade.”
Representing the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, Baboucarr Jobe reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to sustainable financing for social protection. He noted that the 2026 national budget allocates $18.6 billion—35.3% of total expenditure—to social sectors, including health, education, agriculture, and targeted protection programmes.
Government funding has supported cash transfers for vulnerable households, school feeding programmes, health insurance pilots, and food subsidies. In addition, the African Development Bank has contributed $19.96 million to strengthen livelihoods and resilience among youth and women in five regions.
Jobe emphasised that the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that social protection financing is sustainable, impactful, and aligned with long-term development goals.
United Nations Resident Coordinator Karl Frederick Paul commended the policy as a strong commitment to dignity, equity, and opportunity for all Gambians. He noted that the previous 2015–2025 policy laid a solid foundation for a more coordinated system, supported by improved data, governance, and delivery mechanisms such as the Social Registry.
He reaffirmed the UN’s continued support in strengthening institutional capacity, policy implementation, and partnerships to ensure that the policy delivers tangible improvements in people’s lives.
