Banjul, Saturday, March 2, 2024 AD    
In the presence of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Gambia Mr. Adama Barrow, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), represented by Deputy CEO Engineer Faisal bin Muhammad Al-Kahtani, participated in the inauguration of the University of the Gambia Faraba Banta Campus. The SFD contributes to financing the university through a soft development loan worth $10 million. The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Vice Chancellor of University of The Gambia (UTG), Prof. Herbert Robinson, in addition to other officials and international development partners.  

The project aims to develop and enhance the higher education sector in the Republic of Gambia, and prepare specialized Gambian competencies by establishing the permanent academic complex of the University of the Gambia on an area of 34 thousand square meters, and qualifying appropriate capabilities for higher education and scientific research for students and faculty members. The project also contributes to enabling beneficiaries to join engineering, technical, administrative and economic colleges, in addition to equipping the library building and providing student housing for 4500 students. The project falls within the framework of the close developmental relationship between the SFD and the Republic of Gambia that has spanned over 5 decades.    

Since 1977, SFD has financed 12 development projects and programs in Gambia, worth over $171 million USD. These initiatives have supported the country's key developmental sectors, including social infrastructure, transportation and communication, energy, and rural development.  In addition, the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has allocated five grants to Gambia through the SFD worth more than $43 million. This significant contribution underscores the Kingdom's commitment to fostering Gambia's economic prosperity and long-term development.