Focus on Africa, Gambia in crisis as blackouts persist

Focus on Africa

Gambia in crisis as blackouts persist

21 September 2026

Available for over a year

For months now, power blackouts have been disrupting life and business for thousands of people in Gambia. The crisis has recently sparked protests in the capital Banjul and surrounding areas and at least 20 people have been arrested. The country's main power provider, NAWEC, says the outage is the result of rising demand, limits on electricity imports, and technical challenges. As public frustration grows, President Adama Barrow who is seeking a controversial third term in the December elections, has pledged improvements in coming months. We hear from those affected.

And a new study suggests most women in five African countries prefer cash over digital payment methods.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Ayuba Iliya and Bella Twine

Technical Producer: Davis Mwasaru

Senior Producer: Charles Gitonga

Editors: Daniel Dadzie and Maryam Abdalla