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Research and consulting in The Gambia

Country overview:

IOA has provided research and consulting services into many aspects of The Gambia’s economy, politics and society and have acquired wide but in-depth understanding of the country. Gambia’s small size and a lack of natural resources limits the country’s economic potential. The agricultural base is also limited. The business environment is undermined by over-regulation and constrained economic freedom. Social services like healthcare are underdeveloped, further retarding national growth.

Further growth of the tourism sector is a viable economic path forwards, IOA analysts conclude, with investors using the country’s tropical locale and beautiful beaches to build resorts and attractions aimed at hard currency revenue from international visitors. Groundnuts have proved a successful export, and investment in this commodity can be enhanced with value-added manufacturing from this product.

Key opportunities in The Gambia:

Tourism is an established sector and has high growth potential
Select agricultural products like groundnuts have proved successful exports and production can increase
Trade links have potential to grow through The Gambia’s membership with regional and continental trade blocs

Key concerns/risks in The Gambia:

One of the world’s poorest countries, with poor infrastructure and social service provision
IOA consultants note that ease of doing business in the country must be improved
Over-fishing threatens fisheries that, if properly managed, can provide a sustainable export product while meeting domestic needs

Find out about how IOA can help you with research and consulting services in The Gambia

Tips on doing business in The Gambia:

Starting a business:

Gambia is unique in that there are no legal restrictions on foreign land ownership of either residential, commercial, industrial or agricultural properties. The same lack of restriction holds true for business ownership more generally
Foreign investors can initiate the investment process by sending a letter to The Gambia Investment and Import Agency, which can be completed via email
(Read more at: https://www.giepa.gm/invest-in-gambia/how-to-invest/)

Doing business:

Gambia positions itself as a uniquely stable and liberalised economy that can offer investors access to the broader West African market
Economically, the country is limited by its small size, though this is counterbalanced by a host of opportunities in the construction and service sectors. The country’s courts are based on English common law but are hamstrung by limited capacity and organisational shortcomings

Culture and society:

Visitors should avoid discussing politics and note the fact that criticising the government is considered a criminal offense. Showing one’s thumb in the air is considered an obscene gesture
Visitors should take care when travelling along the southern border close to the border of the Casamance region of Senegal, as armed separatists have been known to operate in the area