Barrow’s Final SoNA: Growth, Reforms and a Push for Inclusive Development
When President Adama Barrow delivered his final State of the Nation Address (SoNA) of the current term on Thursday, March 26, 2026, he did more than present statistics—he offered a broad narrative of a country in transition, balancing economic growth with social reforms aimed at inclusion and long-term resilience. From digital transformation and agriculture to health, education and social protection, the address painted a picture of a government attempting to modernise while responding to everyday realities faced by citizens across The Gambia. A Digital Shift Driving Growth At the heart of the President’s message is the growing role of technology. With mobile subscriptions surpassing 3.4 million and ICT sector employment rising by nearly 20 per cent, the digital economy is increasingly shaping national development. “In 2025, digital transformation acted as a key driver of growth, jobs, and efficient governance,” Barrow said. The sector’s contribution—exceeding D3.9 billion—reflects a w...