Ministry of Petroleum and Energy (MoPE), The Gambia - Energy Transaction Advisory

Challenge:

The Gambia’s power sector faced critical challenges: 

• Only 35% of the population had access to electricity (6% in rural areas). 
• Frequent blackouts due to limited generation capacity (only 54 MW available vs. 70 MW demand in GBA). 
• High transmission losses (24%) and a heavily indebted utility (NAWEC). 
• 100% reliance on liquid fuel-based generation, increasing costs and emissions. 

Solution:

In 2017, IBS Gambia was appointed as the Energy Transaction Advisor (ETA) to MoPE. Our role included: 

• Feasibility Study Update - Reviewed and updated the 2006 feasibility study for the 6MW Wind Plant in Tujereng. 
• Financial Modeling - Developed a robust financial model showing: Net Present Value (NPV): $314,000, Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 27.18%, and Financing structure: 80% debt / 20% equity, no grants 
• Stakeholder Engagement - Coordinated with NAWEC, PURA, MoPE, EPA, and NEPAD to ensure alignment and transparency. 
• Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Structure - Proposed a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) model to attract diaspora and private investment. 
• Investor Mobilization - Hosted an Investors Roundtable in July 2018, leading to interest from: United Energy Gambia Ltd. / Corporate Energies (Germany) and Etha Wind OY (Finland) 

Impact:

• Confirmed technical and financial viability of the 6MW wind project. 
• Positioned The Gambia to attract international renewable energy investment. 
• Introduced a transparent PPP model for future infrastructure projects. 
• Enabled local and diaspora participation in national energy development.