Since Nenneh Cheyassin Secka, the vice-presidential candidate for the Golden Era Party (GEP), began engaging more actively with the media, she has discussed various issues of national development. She has appeared on several platforms to share her party’s policies, programmes, and perspectives on matters of national concern.

Claim:

In an appearance on the popular Kerr Fatou show, The Grand Bantaba (26:34 mins), Nenneh stated that “Diaspora contributes between $750 million to $1 billion every year to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).” She was speaking in the context of the importance of diaspora voting.

However, she did not cite any source to support this claim.

Fact-check:

The latest data from the Central Bank of The Gambia shows that as of 2024, diaspora remittances amounted to $775.6 million, representing 31.5% of the country’s GDP. 

Historical data compiled by Malagen also indicates the contribution of diaspora remittances over previous years.

While diaspora remittances are indeed a significant part of the Gambian economy, no official data confirms that the amount reaches $1 billion annually, as claimed by Nenneh Secka.

Though the final diaspora remittance figures for 2025 are yet to be released, the Central Bank of The Gambia has already recorded inflows from January to September. The total remittance for the year will be finalized after December 31, 2025.

Verdict:

Diaspora remittances contribute millions of dollars each year to The Gambia’s GDP, but the claim that they contribute between $750 million and $1 billion annually is not supported by available data. Therefore, Nenneh’s statement is inaccurate.