By Kemo Kanyi
The World Bank resident representative to the Gambia, Ms. FeyiBoroffice, has given assurance to Gambia’s continued eligibility in the Turn Around Allocation (TAA) strategy of the World Bank.
She made the assurance during a steering committee meeting held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre on Wednesday.
TAA is one of the windows that the World Bank has under their fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) group at the bank, and the bank’s recognition is that if necessary support is given to countries that are facing either issues of fragility/conflict of violence.
Ms. Feyi Boroffice highlighted the importance of milestone achievement in helping to maintain Gambia’s eligibility status for the TAA support.
“Your excellent contribution to the Turn Around Allocation, and especially for your strong commitment to the TAA strategy as we call it. The important milestones that have been identified have actually become a model for the TAA process because the country has demonstrated the value of extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders from government agencies, civil society organizations other multilateral organizations, development partners and bilateral partners,” she said.
“The TAA strategy committee met together with several sectoral ministries, partners and key stakeholders to define the role in reviewing progress towards the achievement of the TAA milestones. This is an important role because the milestones of the Turn Around Allocation supports the Gambia’s continued eligibility for the TAA envelope for the upcoming fiscal year, and the country’s continued access to the TAA is reviewed annually,” she added.
The World Bank resident representative pointed out that since November of 2022, significant gains have been made on the government’s strategic rules centered around restoring trust between the citizens and the state, good governance, sustainable land management, and access to basic services. The roadmap to develop an inclusive and gender sensitive land policy has been completed, and the formulation of the land policy is ongoing. She continues by stating that the national health insurance bill has been enacted, and mass birth registration conducted including in rural areas.
She encouraged the government of The Gambia to work on reforms, including the TRRC recommendations, gender issues, and security, to effectively lead transition in fragility. The Turn Around Allocation strategy is a three-year programme subject to review and renewal based on the country’s performance in allocation planning.
The World Bank, through the TAA strategy, has spent over D246 million over the past two years in support of Gambia’s transition in fragility, conflict, and violence.