The Banjul City Council generated D78,554,933.81 in total revenue during 2025, falling short of its projected target of D115,205,738. This performance precedes the council's ambitious D148,092,187.38 revenue estimate for 2026. The 2026 estimate represents a significant increase compared to last year's actual collections, signaling a determined effort by the council to bolster its financial standing. The proposed budget estimate for 2026 stands precisely at D148,092,187.38, reflecting a substantial upward adjustment in financial expectations.
The proposed 2026 revenue target is approximately D69.5 million higher than the D78,554,933.81 collected in 2025. This significant difference shows the council's intent to substantially improve its financial intake. This new estimate also reflects an increase of more than D32.8 million when compared to the 2025 revenue target of D115,205,738, indicating a more aggressive approach to revenue generation in the upcoming fiscal year. The D148,092,187.38 estimate for 2026 is also about D68 million higher than the total revenue generated in 2024, which stood at D80,012,655. This comparison notes a projected growth trajectory that aims to significantly surpass previous years' performances.
Revenue Performance Review
In 2025, the Banjul City Council reached 68 percent of its projected revenue target. This figure indicates a considerable gap between the council's financial aspirations and its actual collections for the year. Council documents presented in April 2026 indicated that the total revenue recorded for 2024 was D80,012,655. This figure represents a decline of approximately D1,457,721.19 in revenue between 2024 and 2025, suggesting a slight contraction in the council's financial inflows during that period. The total revenue generated in 2025 was D78,554,933.81 against a projected revenue target of D115,205,738, further illustrating the shortfall.
The License Unit emerged as the primary revenue contributor for the Banjul City Council in 2025, generating D45,232,900. This substantial contribution notes the importance of business licensing and related fees to the council's financial health. Property rates also significantly contributed to the council's income, amounting to D13,116,081.40 during the same year, making it another critical revenue stream. Additionally, the markets managed by the council produced D6,315,970 in revenue in 2025. These figures provide insight into the council's financial performance and the varying contributions of its revenue streams, emphasizing the reliance on specific sectors for income generation. The License Unit's D45,232,900 made it the highest revenue source for the council in 2025. Property rates brought in D13,116,081.40, while markets generated D6,315,970, collectively forming the backbone of the council's revenue collection for the year.
Strategies for Future Growth
The proposed budget estimate for 2026 for the Banjul City Council stands at D148,092,187.38. This estimated figure is approximately D68 million higher than the revenue generated by the council in 2024, demonstrating a clear intent to achieve substantial financial growth. The significant increase in the 2026 estimate appears linked to plans to strengthen revenue collection mechanisms. These strategic initiatives include property identification and registration, updating the valuation roll, and improving compliance with cost recovery fees and business licensing. These measures are designed to broaden the revenue base and enhance the efficiency of collection processes.
Management at the Banjul City Council intends to implement a property identification and registration addressing system alongside partners. This initiative aims to improve the council’s revenue database, enhancing its capacity for effective collection by ensuring all properties are accurately accounted for and assessed. The council's continued reliance on the outdated 2005 valuation roll has contributed to revenue losses, prompting the need for an updated system. An updated valuation roll is considered key for accurately assessing property rates and maximizing potential revenue from this source. To address this, the Finance Department has proposed establishing a Public Affairs Office. This new office would be responsible for increasing public sensitization regarding council fees, aiming to improve compliance and overall revenue generation by fostering better understanding and cooperation from residents and businesses. The establishment of this office is a direct response to the need for greater public engagement in revenue collection efforts.
Expenditure and Financial Health
The Banjul City Council's expenditure for the 2025 fiscal year reached D73,905,050.23, which accounted for 68 percent of its total budgeted spending. This indicates that while the council spent a significant portion of its allocated funds, it did not utilize its entire budget. A significant portion of this expenditure was allocated to emoluments, which totaled D35,597,057.67, representing 48 percent of the council's overall spending. This notes the substantial cost associated with employee salaries and benefits.
Administrative costs also formed a notable part of the council's financial outlay, amounting to D14,942,543.02 in 2025. This figure constituted 20 percent of the total expenditure, covering operational overheads and general administrative functions. Additionally, the council directed D23,365,449.56 towards capital expenditure during the same period. Capital projects accounted for 32 percent of the council's total spending for the year, reflecting investments in infrastructure and long-term assets. Despite these expenditures, the Banjul City Council reported a surplus of D4,649,883.58 for its 2025 fiscal year. This surplus suggests prudent financial management, even in a year where revenue targets were not fully met. The D73,905,050.23 spent by the council during the 2025 fiscal year represented 68 percent of the total expenditure budget, indicating a controlled approach to spending. Emoluments, standing at D35,597,057.67, consumed 48 percent of the total expenditure in 2025. Administrative expenditure was D14,942,543.02, accounting for 20 percent of the total. Capital expenditure amounted to D23,365,449.56, making up 32 percent of the total expenditure. The recorded surplus of D4,649,883.58 for the 2025 fiscal year provides a positive note on the council's financial health, demonstrating its ability to manage its finances effectively despite revenue challenges.
