The Gambia’s Trade Policy: Is It Helping or Hurting Local Entrepreneurs
TRADEINSIGHTS
The big question is this: does The Gambia’s trade policy empower local businesses, or does it unintentionally hold them back?
Why Trade Policy Matters
Trade policy may sound like something reserved for government officials and economists, but its impact is felt every day by business owners across The Gambia — from the tailor in Sukuta to the shopkeeper in Bakau, the poultry farmer in New Jeshwang, and the fish processor in Manjai. The way The Gambia manages trade directly shapes whether local entrepreneurs can thrive or whether they’re left struggling against global competition.
The Promise of Trade
On paper, The Gambia is well-positioned. Its membership in ECOWAS allows goods to move more freely across West Africa. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens access to one of the largest single markets in the world. In addition, trade deals with the European Union and the United States provide preferential entry for Gambian exports. In theory, these agreements mean Gambian entrepreneurs should have more opportunities than ever to access regional and international markets, create jobs, and integrate into global value chains.
The Reality for Small Businesses
In practice, the story is different. While trade agreements look promising on paper, most small businesses in The Gambia face daily hurdles that limit their growth. Markets are flooded with low-cost imported goods, which makes it difficult for local producers in industries like textiles, processed foods, and household goods to compete. Exporting also remains a challenge, as accessing markets under AfCFTA or EU trade deals requires packaging, labeling, and certification standards that many small and medium-sized enterprises cannot afford to meet.
Beyond these barriers, logistical bottlenecks like delays at the Port of Banjul and complex customs procedures increase costs and discourage small exporters from scaling. Support systems remain limited, leaving many entrepreneurs without access to financing, infrastructure, or training to help them take advantage of trade opportunities.
Economist Dr. Foday Joof captured the dilemma by noting that “Over 90 percent of what people use in the country is imported. Without producing and exporting goods, the dalasi cannot remain stable. Sectors like farming, fishing, and small-scale industries hold significant untapped potential to boost exports.”
Stories Behind the Policy
The real impact of trade policy is best understood through the stories of business owners. Mariama, a small-scale poultry farmer in Serrekunda, has loyal customers and is determined to grow her business. Yet, despite her hard work, the low cost of imported frozen chicken makes it difficult for her to sell at a profit or expand her production. Open trade has given her access to cheaper chicken feed and foreign breeds, but it has not helped her achieve sustainable growth.
By contrast, Lamin, a small-scale fish processor in Kololi, has benefited from trade. Through a cooperative and with the help of certification, he has been able to export smoked fish to Senegal under ECOWAS rules. For him, trade policy opened new doors and created opportunities to increase his income. These two cases highlight the dual reality of trade in The Gambia: for some, it offers growth and opportunity, while for many others, it represents more challenges than solutions.
What Needs to Change
For trade policy to truly support Gambian entrepreneurs, it must go beyond opening borders; it must open doors. One way to achieve this is through selective protection for key industries such as textiles, agriculture, and light manufacturing, giving them time to grow before competing with global players. Another priority should be capacity building, equipping small businesses with training and resources to meet export standards in packaging, labeling, and certification.
Trade will also become more beneficial if customs procedures are simplified to reduce delays and costs at the Port of Banjul. At the same time, trade policies should be integrated with SME development goals so that entrepreneurs have a real voice in shaping them and are positioned to take advantage of new opportunities. Stronger “Made in The Gambia” campaigns could also encourage domestic consumption and create pride in local goods, boosting demand for Gambian products at home and abroad.
Final Insight
Trade policy is not just about international agreements; it is about livelihoods. At present, it often benefits larger businesses and foreign players while leaving many local entrepreneurs behind. However, if The Gambia aligns its trade policy more closely with the needs of small businesses, it can turn trade from a source of frustration into a driver of inclusive growth. The real success of trade will not be measured by the number of agreements signed, but by the number of Gambian entrepreneurs who grow stronger because of them.