CBMT strengthens Gambian CSOs’ capacity for effective budget tracking

The Centre for Budget and Macroeconomic Transparency (CBMT) on Friday launched a three-day training in Bakadaji to strengthen the capacity of Gambian civil society organizations (CSOs) in effective budget tracking.

The workshop brings together 30 participants from 25 CSOs and focuses on the national budget process, including formulation, execution reports, and audit analysis. It is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge of key budget stages and enable them to engage meaningfully and carry out informed oversight during and after implementation.

Funded by ActionAid International The Gambia and implemented in collaboration with Activista The Gambia, the initiative targets stronger civil society participation in public financial management (PFM). It also aims to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the national budget process.

CBMT Executive Lamin Dibba emphasised that a strong PFM system is critical for inclusive and sustainable development. He stressed that meaningful citizen participation and effective oversight of public spending are essential.

“An effective public financial system is what every Gambian deserves. But this requires civil society to understand public finance. That is why this training is necessary,” Dibba stated.

He urged participants to fully engage, noting that the skills acquired will enhance accountability efforts and contribute to national development. He also acknowledged the support of ActionAid and the partnership with Activista.

Representing Activista The Gambia, Cherno Gaye underscored the central role of public finance in all areas of civil society work, including governance, gender equality, climate change, and justice.

“While we may not all be experts in public finance, a basic understanding is essential to strengthen our work. This training is long overdue, but it is a critical step forward,” he said, commending CBMT’s expertise.

Gaye encouraged participants to treat the training as the start of continuous learning, stressing that effective advocacy depends on a clear understanding of how public resources are allocated and managed.

Fafa Cham of ActionAid International The Gambia described national budgets as instruments that directly impact citizens’ lives through improved services such as education and healthcare.

He highlighted The Gambia’s low performance in budget transparency and participation, citing scores of 36 out of 100 and 26 out of 100 respectively by the International Budget Partnership.

“This training is both timely and necessary. Limited access to fiscal information has weakened public understanding and oversight. This initiative aims to close that gap and empower CSOs to act as effective watchdogs,” Cham said.

He clarified that budget tracking is not adversarial but collaborative, focused on strengthening transparency, efficiency, and results in public spending.

“The knowledge gained here will strengthen organizations and help build trust between citizens and government,” he added.

The training covers key areas such as budget formulation, approval, execution, oversight, revenue sources, and the distinction between recurrent and development spending.