Ministry of Tourism Launches Assessment of River Jetties for Ecotourism Growth
Group photo of launch of report
By Rohey Samba and Edward Francis Dalliah
In a significant move to strengthen tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable economic development, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, through its Project Implementation Unit (PIU), launched the Assessment of River Jetties Report on 8th April 2025. The comprehensive study evaluates the capacity of existing river jetties and explores development options, forming a central part of the broader Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project.
Speaking at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, the Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Hon. Abdoulie Jobe, underscored the study’s critical importance, emphasising its potential to unlock new tourism opportunities along the River Gambia. He highlighted that the event marked the culmination of several months of detailed evaluation and strategic planning aimed at understanding jetty capacities across the country.
River jetties are structures extending from riverbanks that serve as key docking points for boats, ferries, and other vessels. For centuries, the River Gambia has played a pivotal role in transportation, trade, and cultural exchange. With improved infrastructure, these jetties could serve both tourists and local commuters, revitalising river-based transport.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Jobe explained that “by enhancing river transport infrastructure and improving access to the heart of our country, we hope to stimulate new opportunities for ecotourism, community development, and broader economic growth.” He noted that the assessment was funded by the World Bank, under the Tourism Diversification and Resilience in The Gambia Project (TDRGP), which seeks to realise the river’s vast tourism potential.
Currently, The Gambia’s tourism is largely centred around its coastline and beaches, while the River Gambia remains underutilised due to limited infrastructure. This gap restricts economic opportunities and hinders the full development of river navigation. The assessment, the Minister revealed, initially reviewed 29 potential jetty sites; however, it narrowed the list to the 10 with the highest potential for development. The selection, Hon. Jobe explained, was based on a comprehensive, data-driven approach using a rigorous scoring and weighting methodology.
The study was conducted in partnership with the international consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV and its local partner CitiScape. At the event, Royal HaskoningDHV consultant Mr. Frederik Mabesoone acknowledged the success of the project, crediting the collaboration between the ministry and communities across the country.
He noted that “looking at the results of the study, [The Gambia is] very close to promoting and bringing tourism to the next level.” Mr. Mabesoone added that the country is a tourist destination and has all the assets, the culture, and the beautiful waterways, which is what the study is about.
As the Gambia navigates towards diversifying tourism, this complete assessment lays a foundation for strategic investment and development of inland tourism, with the revitalisation of river jetties expected to catalyse economic growth, ecotourism, and enhanced connectivity across The Gambia’s heartland.
