The Trans-Gambia Corridor Riverfront & Integrated Urban Development Programme is a USD 152.94 million long-term development initiative designed to transform the economic potential created by the Senegambia Bridge into sustainable growth across the Lower River Region. Building on the proposed Trans-Gambia Corridor Special Economic Zone, the programme will support the development of new urban centres, tourism assets, business districts, logistics facilities and community infrastructure in Farafenni, Soma and surrounding settlements. Planned investments include riverfront markets, eco-tourism attractions, resorts, retail facilities, business incubators, mobility hubs, a river port, and supporting public infrastructure. The programme seeks to diversify the regional economy, reduce pressure on the Greater Banjul Area and create new opportunities in tourism, trade, logistics and small business development. Through a phased public-private investment model, the project is expected to generate approximately 29,100 direct and indirect jobs, improve connectivity and services, and promote more balanced and inclusive regional development along one of The Gambia’s most strategic economic corridors.
Project overview
Investment opportunity
The Trans-Gambia Corridor Riverfront & Integrated Urban Development Programme presents a diversified investment opportunity across urban development, tourism, logistics, commercial real estate and enabling infrastructure. With a total investment requirement of USD 152.94 million, the programme seeks a blend of PPP investment, private equity, foreign direct investment and joint venture partnerships to deliver a range of revenue-generating assets. Opportunities include tourism and hospitality developments, mixed-use commercial districts, retail facilities, business incubators, mobility hubs, a river port, eco-tourism attractions and supporting infrastructure. The programme is designed to build on the economic momentum created by the Senegambia Bridge and the proposed Trans-Gambia Corridor SEZ, positioning Farafenni and Soma as emerging regional growth centres. Investors can participate in a phased development programme with multiple entry points across infrastructure, tourism, real estate and service sectors, while contributing to regional economic diversification, job creation and the development of a major trade and transport corridor.
Investment types sought
Project status
Development stage
Pre-feasibility
Current status / progress to date
The corridor master plan and investment framework have been completed, with priority development zones identified on government-owned land. The programme remains at an early preparation stage, with feasibility studies, financial models, ESIAs and detailed designs still to be completed. Cabinet endorsement and the establishment of implementation arrangements are the next major milestones.
Additional project information
- Lead agency
- Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment
Expected impact
Economic & development benefits
- Establishes Farafenni and Soma as secondary economic and urban centres, diversifying the corridor economy into tourism, retail, logistics, light manufacturing and agribusiness services
- Reduces logistics costs and improves market access across the Lower River Region through river port and airstrip investments, complementing the role of the Senegambia Bridge within the Trans-West African Coastal Highway network
- Leverages a phased public-private investment model totalling USD 152.94 million across economic, social, tourism and enabling infrastructure
- Generates approximately 29,100 direct and indirect jobs across non-anchor development components, supporting balanced regional growth
- Builds on the economic momentum of the Phase 1 Special Economic Zone (SEZ) anchor project to help rebalance a national settlement pattern heavily concentrated around Banjul
Climate & resilience benefits
- Integrates renewable energy solutions to support sustainable power requirements across the development
- Implements water-sensitive urban design, including blue-green Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS)
- Incorporates disaster-resilient infrastructure standards across enabling infrastructure, including the river port and public utilities
- Protects ecologically sensitive wetlands and forests through conservation-focused master planning
- Promotes eco-tourism and recreational development while preserving natural riverine and wetland habitats
Contact
Contact team
For more information about this project, please contact the Commonwealth Investment Platform team.