The Gambian government has proposed a significant increase in its 2026 travel budget, raising the allocation to D683,989,062 (approximately USD 10.3 million), an increase of D186,102,140 (about USD 2.8 million) compared to the D497,886,922 approved for 2025.
It remains unclear whether the proposed figure covers both domestic and international travel for government officials.
The development comes two years after President Adama Barrow announced a temporary suspension of all foreign travel for public officials, including himself, as part of efforts to curb public spending and promote more efficient use of state resources.
According to the 2026 budget estimates, allocations for fuel and lubricants have also risen sharply to D423,403,936 (around USD 6.4 million), up from D346,232,665 in the current fiscal year.
Meanwhile, vehicle maintenance costs are projected at D110,742,575 (roughly USD 1.7 million), representing only a slight increase from last year’s D110,677,883.
The proposed budget, which is currently under review by the National Assembly, has drawn attention for its rising operational expenditures at a time when fiscal discipline and efficient resource management remain key policy priorities for the Barrow administration.
