Persistent power outages are currently affecting many people in Gambia. In some areas, supplies were cut for very long periods. This led to protests in several places during the night leading into 8 September. The situation shows how directly an unstable energy supply affects everyday life, livelihoods and essential services.
Persistent power outages have caused growing frustration in various parts of Gambia in recent days. According to reports by the Reuters news agency, protests took place in several locations during the night of 7–8 September. Roads were blocked and tyres burned; police used tear gas in some places. Reuters also reports that outages in some areas lasted up to 48 hours.
According to the government and the energy supplier, the causes include exceptionally high electricity demand, technical problems and restrictions on available generation capacity. NAWEC had previously acknowledged that the ongoing outages were having significant effects on the population and the economy, and that additional emergency power capacity had become necessary.
A power outage means more than a lack of light
In a country with high temperatures, prolonged power outages have very concrete consequences. Refrigerators and freezers no longer work reliably. Food can spoil and frozen supplies thaw – causing immediate financial losses for families and small businesses.
Shops, restaurants, workshops and other businesses are also affected. At the same time, many other areas depend on a stable energy supply: health centres, water pumping and distribution, communication, digital services and the operation of technical equipment.
In a public address, President Adama Barrow himself referred to the strain caused by heat, electricity shortages and spoiled food. At the same time, the government announced additional generation capacity. This includes new generators, around 24 additional megawatts of capacity and, in the longer term, more solar energy.
Reliable infrastructure is part of development
For Helping Hands Academy, the current situation is above all an example of how closely basic infrastructure is connected with other areas of development.
Healthcare can only function reliably when medical facilities have power. Water projects need pumps, technology and maintenance. Schools and training centres need electricity for digital learning. Small businesses can only create stable jobs when basic services work.
The current power crisis in Gambia is therefore not just a technical issue. It directly affects many people’s everyday lives and shows how important reliable, resilient and affordable long-term infrastructure is for social and economic development.
Source: Reuters, NAWEC
As of: 8 September 2026