Djeliba Leisure Group gets IFC backing for $20.8 million Gambia hotel expansion

Djeliba Leisure Group (DLG), a Gambian-owned hotel and hospitality operator, is set to expand its footprint after the International Finance Corporation (IFC) disclosed plans to support the group with an $11 million financing package. The investment, pending approval in July 2026, will fund a broader $20.76 million upgrade and expansion program across four beachfront hotels in Banjul.

The proposed financing marks a significant step in DLG’s strategy to reposition its assets within The Gambia’s tourism sector, shifting toward higher-value, sustainable hospitality offerings.

Blending debt financing with concessional funding, the IFC package will be deployed through Djeliba Leisure Group (DLG), a consortium of four Gambian companies, to upgrade and expand operations across key resort assets in Banjul. The initiative underscores growing investor confidence in The Gambia’s tourism recovery and long-term growth prospects.

Expansion across flagship coastal assets

The financing will support capital expenditure across four beachfront hotels: Balafon Beach Resort, Kombo Beach Resort, TUI BLUE Tamala, and Kalimba Beach Resort. Planned works include the construction of new rooms, refurbishment of existing facilities, and upgrades to staff welfare infrastructure.

A central component of the project is sustainability. DLG plans to install a 1.5MW solar photovoltaic system with battery storage across three of the hotels, aimed at reducing reliance on grid power and lowering operating costs. All four properties are also expected to receive EDGE green building certification, aligning with global environmental standards.

Ownership and financing structure

Djeliba Leisure Group is jointly owned by Gambian investors Malleh Sallah and Omar Jawara. The total project cost of $20.76 million will be financed through approximately $9.76 million in sponsor equity and the IFC-led $11 million loan package.

The IFC financing includes an A-Loan alongside concessional funding from the International Development Association’s Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility and the Concessional Capital Window. The concessional component is estimated at roughly 3% of total project cost, although this figure is approximate and may require verification from official IFC disclosures.

Driving jobs, competitiveness, and sustainability

Djeliba Leisure Group is a leading, Gambian-owned hotel and hospitality operator founded over a decade ago by Malleh Sallah and Omar Jawara, comprising four Gambian companies including Djeliba Leisure Group Ltd, Balafon Company Ltd, EON Company Ltd, and International Tourism Investment Ltd.

The project is expected to deliver broad economic benefits, including job creation within hotel operations and indirect contributions to GDP. It also aims to improve gender inclusion by increasing female participation in the workforce.

Beyond employment, the investment is designed to strengthen competitiveness in The Gambia’s mid- to upscale hospitality segment. By shifting away from a traditional “sun, sea, and sand” tourism model, Djeliba Gambia is positioning itself toward a more diversified, higher-value tourism ecosystem. As the project awaits final approval, it signals a strategic push to modernize The Gambia’s tourism infrastructure while embedding sustainability and efficiency at its core.