News from the office
2026
The Gambia Advances Social Protection as New In-House System Targets Informal Workers
The Gambia's Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation reports savings of D51.8 million through the in-house development of a new social security system aimed at extending coverage to informal sector workers.
The Gambia Strengthens Airport Coordination Ahead of the 2026/27 Tourism Season
The Gambia Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture have brought together airport, aviation, immigration, security and hospitality stakeholders to strengthen preparations for the 2026/27 tourism season, with a focus on coordination and the visitor experience.
Hungary Expands Renewable Energy Plans to Strengthen Energy Security
Hungary's government has outlined plans to expand wind and solar power as part of a wider strategy to reduce energy-import dependence and improve electricity affordability. The development highlights the connection between energy security, economic competitiveness and international relations.
The Gambia Strengthens Emergency Response Capacity as 277 New Firefighters Graduate
The Gambia has strengthened its emergency response capacity with the graduation of 277 new firefighters from The Gambia Fire and Rescue Service. The milestone reflects continued investment in public safety, professional training and stronger institutions as the country develops.
Gambia Press Review: Energy, Tourism, Regional Relations and National Development
From efforts to strengthen electricity generation and develop historic tourism sites to regional diplomacy, agriculture and youth participation, this edition of the Gambia Press Review looks at some of the issues shaping national discussion and development.
Education, Skills and the Institutions Behind National Development
A review of selected stories appearing in the Gambian press on 6 October 2026, highlighting developments in heritage tourism, electricity generation and education three issues that offer a useful snapshot of a country balancing immediate development needs with longer-term ambitions.
A Weekend in Budapest
Only have a weekend in Budapest? This two-day guide combines some of the Hungarian capital’s essential landmarks, food, thermal-bath culture and evening atmosphere without trying to squeeze the entire city into 48 hours.
.6xDhHOiG_Z2oFUWe.webp)
Hungary Explained: More Than the Budapest You See in Photographs
What is Hungary really like for a first-time visitor? Drawing on our own experience of Budapest from its remarkably clean streets and welcoming people to Hungarian food, public transport, architecture and everyday life we introduce Hungary from a Gambian perspective.
.CHu0TrUj_ZjMHmk.webp)
Planet Budapest 2023: Hungarian Innovation Through Gambian Eyes
There is a difference between hearing about sustainability and actually seeing what it can look like in practice. In 2023, our delegation from The Gambia had the opportunity to visit Planet Budapest, Hungary’s major sustainability exhibition. The delegation included the Honorary Consul of Hungary to The Gambia, his Assistant and Gambian business representatives. For us, it was not simply another exhibition. We were visiting from a country where questions around agriculture, waste, water, energy and development are part of everyday conversations. So naturally, as we walked around, we were looking at many of the solutions through Gambian eyes.
Budapest After Dark: An Evening at St. Stephen’s Basilica
Some cities leave a different impression after sunset, and Budapest was certainly one of them for me. During my visit to Hungary, I had the opportunity to spend an evening exploring Budapest with fellow Gambian Lamin Colley, a professional footballer who was playing for Puskás Akadémia in Hungary's top division. Born in Banjul, Lamin had established himself in Hungarian football after joining the club in 2022. Puskás Akadémia Away from the formal meetings and engagements of my visit, it was an opportunity to experience Budapest differently—with a Gambian who had already made Hungary part of his professional life.
Hungary This Week: Economy, Regional Diplomacy and European Relations
Hungary entered October with significant developments in economic policy and regional diplomacy. Plans for eventual euro adoption attracted attention from financial markets, Ukraine proposed new protections for its Hungarian minority, and Hungary and Croatia advanced cooperation in energy and cross-border infrastructure.
A Day in the Life: The Everyday Gambia
From the morning commute and breakfast from a roadside vendor to work, university and the journey home, everyday life offers another way to discover The Gambia through the routines of the people who keep the country moving.
Currency Risk Explained: Why Exchange Rates Matter from Budapest to Banjul
When currencies change value, the effects can reach businesses, students, travellers, governments and ordinary households. Using Hungary and The Gambia as practical examples, we explain currency risk, why it matters in international relations and how businesses can manage it.
Diplomatic Community Gathers at SDKJ-ICC for China's National Day Reception
The Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre welcomed members of The Gambia's diplomatic community, government officials and invited guests for a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.
Gambia Update: Education, Infrastructure and Development Opportunities
Recent developments in The Gambia highlight opportunities in higher education, infrastructure, public-sector development, healthcare and professional services, providing useful information for international institutions, businesses and professionals interested in the country.
Developments from The Gambia — 28 September 2026
A selection of developments from The Gambia covering public finance, international relations, professional opportunities, governance and regional cooperation.
Developments from The Gambia – 25 September 2026
A selection of developments from 25 September 2026 highlighting innovation, opportunities, environmental action and institutional progress across The Gambia.
The Gambia Hosted the 2026 African Caucus
The Gambia hosted the 2026 African Caucus Meeting at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, bringing together senior African policymakers and international development partners\.
The Gambia Journal: Development, Enterprise and International Cooperation
This edition explores developments in tourism, agriculture, education, health research and regional cooperation, alongside women’s enterprise, youth climate action and public finances. It also examines international cooperation on asset recovery and selected public notices relevant to businesses and professionals, offering readers a broad view of The Gambia’s current priorities.
Beyond the Headlines: Everyday Gambia
Political headlines often dominate conversations about The Gambia, but beyond the news cycle is the quieter rhythm of everyday Gambian life — communities at work, conversations over attaya, and a country continuing with the ordinary business of the day.
The River That Gave a Country Its Name
Flowing through the heart of the country, the River Gambia has shaped communities, trade, wildlife and history for generations. Discover the waterway at the centre of Gambian life.
The Gambia Hosts Inaugural ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority Conference
The Gambia hosted the inaugural ECOWAS Regional Competition Authority (ERCA) Annual Conference from 15–17 September 2026, bringing together policymakers, regulators, businesses and experts to discuss competition policy, consumer protection and regional market integration across West Africa.
Scholarship Students Depart for Hungary
Recipients of the Hungarian Government Scholarship have departed The Gambia to begin their studies in Hungary, marking the next stage of their academic journey.
The Gambia Introduces New 9-Digit Mobile Numbering System
The Gambia has begun its transition from seven-digit to nine-digit mobile telephone numbers under the country’s new National Numbering Plan. Customers of Africell, QCell and Comium retain their existing numbers but must add a new two-digit network prefix.
Scholarship Students Receive Passports with Approved Visas
The Office of the Honorary Consul of Hungary to The Gambia handed over passports with approved visas to nine Gambian scholarship students. The students were congratulated by Hon. Sir Farimang Saho and briefed ahead of their studies in Hungary, marking another step in strengthening educational cooperation between Hungary and The Gambia.
CGI Leadership Meets EU Ambassador at the Honorary Consulate of Hungary
The leadership of the Confederation of Gambian Industries (CGI) received Her Excellency, the Ambassador of the European Union to The Gambia, at the Office of the Honorary Consul of Hungary to The Gambia for discussions on cooperation, private-sector development, investment and opportunities for Gambian industry.
Discover The Gambia: The Smiling Coast of Africa
Discover The Gambia beyond its beaches from the River Gambia and vibrant communities to local cuisine, wildlife, markets and cultural traditions that give the country its distinctive character.
Visa Guidance for Hungarian Government Scholarship Recipients
The Office of the Honorary Consul of Hungary to The Gambia held a visa guidance session for nine Hungarian Government Scholarship recipients, providing practical support on the online application process and preparations for their studies in Hungary.
Hungary Beneath the Surface: A Country of Thermal Waters
Beneath Hungary lies one of the country's most remarkable natural resources: thermal water. From Budapest's historic bathhouses to spa towns around the country, bathing culture has developed over centuries into an enduring part of Hungarian life, architecture and tourism.
Hungary Forms New Government Under Prime Minister Péter Magyar
Hungary entered a new political chapter in May 2026 with the formation of a government led by Prime Minister Péter Magyar. Sixteen ministers were appointed to the new cabinet following the April parliamentary election and the inauguration of Hungary's new National Assembly.
2025
Hungarian Medical Delegation Explores Healthcare Cooperation in The Gambia
A delegation of Hungarian medical professionals from ESZTER Wound Healing Ltd., accompanied by Ambassador-at-Large Hon. Gáspár Gulyás, visited The Gambia for a series of medical and institutional engagements aimed at exploring opportunities for professional exchange and future cooperation between Hungarian and Gambian institutions.
.48UrL2Wb_ZK9WwE.webp)
Hungarian Head of Consular Section Conducts Visa Processing in The Gambia
The Head of Consular Section from the Hungarian Embassy in Accra visited The Gambia to conduct visa processing for ten Gambian scholarship recipients, allowing the students to complete biometric registration, document verification and other procedures locally.
.vf_o2ddV_Z1XrELu.webp)
Hungary Brings Scholarship Visa Processing to The Gambia
A special arrangement between the Hungarian Embassy in Accra and the Office of the Honorary Consul enabled ten Gambian scholarship recipients to complete visa processing in The Gambia, eliminating the need for the students to travel to Ghana for the procedure.
.DjFJ6Uib_Z2c0hlg.webp)
Scholarship Recipients Prepare for Studies in Hungary
Ten Gambian recipients of Hungarian Government scholarships attended a preparatory session at the Office of the Honorary Consul of Hungary to The Gambia, where their documentation was reviewed ahead of an important consular visit from the Hungarian Embassy in Accra.
._sta3uhd_Z18tX5J.webp)
Budapest–Bamako Rally 2025 Reaches the Finish Line in The Gambia
The 2025 Budapest–Bamako Rally concluded in The Gambia with a finish-line celebration hosted by the Honorary Consul of Hungary to The Gambia, Hon. Sir Farimang Saho. The event brought together rally participants, government representatives, diplomatic guests, businesses and members of the public in a celebration of adventure, cultural exchange and Hungary–Gambia relations.
.Bcl9brHx_Z1Njsrd.webp)