Africa50 Launches $100m Asset Recycling Programme with The Gambia for Senegambia Bridge Upgrades

Samuel Mobolaji

Africa50, the pan-African infrastructure investor and asset manager, has commenced operations on the Senegambia Bridge after disbursing the first $15.5 million tranche of a $100 million Asset Recycling Programme in partnership with the Government of The Gambia.

The project will be managed by the newly established Transgambia Bridge Company Ltd., marking a significant step in Africa50’s initiative to mobilize private capital for critical infrastructure projects across Africa.

The asset recycling programme allows governments to concession infrastructure assets to private investors, freeing up public funds for other development priorities. In this case, the Senegambia Bridge—an essential link on the Trans-Gambia road corridor connecting Dakar, Senegal, to Banjul, The Gambia—will undergo extensive upgrades to improve operational efficiency and promote regional trade.

The upgrades, set to begin following a recent groundbreaking ceremony, will include the construction of a new administrative block and operations centre, the modernization of toll plazas with new IT systems and surveillance equipment, and the installation of weighing stations on both sides of the bridge. These improvements aim to enhance the bridge’s efficiency, safety, and long-term sustainability.

The Gambia’s Minister of Finance, Seedy K. M. Keita, praised the partnership with Africa50, highlighting the programme’s potential to unlock economic growth and create jobs. The project is expected to generate 235 direct jobs during the construction and operational phases, further contributing to regional development.

Demba Diallo, Managing Director and Head of Project Development at Africa50, emphasized the broader impact of asset recycling, noting that the initiative would boost regional trade and connectivity without adding to public debt. Additionally, the introduction of automatic tolling lanes and advanced traffic management systems is expected to significantly reduce transit times and improve user safety.

As Managing Director of Transgambia Bridge Company Ltd., Kader Hassane assured that best-in-class management practices will ensure the bridge remains in optimal condition throughout the concession period, maximizing its economic value for The Gambia.

This partnership signals a new chapter in African infrastructure development, where private investment plays a pivotal role in accelerating growth and connectivity across the continent.