Includes historical data for The Gambia’s Gross Domestic Product growth, debt-to-GDP ratio and more, as well as information on trade, banking and financial sector leadership.
Political Stability Does Not Translate Into Economic Growth
Located in Western Africa and completely surrounded by Senegal, The Gambia is the smallest country in the continent of Africa after Seychelles. Unlike many of its neighbors, this multiparty republic has mostly enjoyed political stability since gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. However, stability has not significantly translated into economic development and prosperity for its 2.7 million citizens. The economy heavily relies on agriculture, tourism and remittances, while poverty and food insecurity remain widespread.
Through the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), the government aims to attract foreign capital with incentives and tax breaks. Nevertheless, the business environment faces significant challenges. The pace of economic reforms has been sluggish, corruption and lack of transparency stifle private sector initiatives, and high unemployment and lack of skilled labor undermine economic progress. Infrastructure deficiencies and limited access to credit represent additional barriers for both local and international investors.
Macroeconomy & Sovereign Data
Type of Government | Presidential republic |
---|---|
Capital | Banjul |
Sovereign Ratings |
S&P: Not rated Moody’s: Not rated Fitch: Not rated |
Total Population | 2.7 million |
Median Age | 17.4 |
Adult Per Capita Income (PPP) | 5,055.99 |
Total GDP (2023) | 2.7 billion |
The Gambia GDP & Economic Overview
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The Gambia
Banking & Finance
Trade & Investment
Total Exports | USD 2.3 billion (2023) |
---|---|
Leading Exports |
Cashews Lumber Refined Petroleum Shellfish Scrap Iron Fish |
Total Imports | USD 0.2 billion (2022) |
Leading Imports |
Clothing And Apparel Refined Petroleum Rice Raw Sugar Palm Oil |
Source: | World Integrated Trade Solution |
The Gambia Leading Companies
GamPetroleum | Integrated Oil & Gas |
---|---|
GamTel | Telecommunication Services |
Nawec | Utilities |
Gacem | Materials, Building Products |
Gambia Milling Co. | Consumer Staples, Food Products |
National Food Security Processing and Marketing Co. | Consumer Staples, Food Products |
Gambia Ports Authority | Transportation Infrastructure Services |
Major Trade Partners — Import
Togo | 25% |
---|---|
Côte d'Ivoire | 12% |
China | 8% |
Denmark | 6% |
India | 6% |
Source: World Integrated Trade Solution
Major Trade Partners — Export
Mali | 45% |
---|---|
China | 29% |
Senegal | 11% |
Guinea-Bissau | 4% |
India | 4% |
Source: World Integrated Trade Solution
Global Finance Rankings & Awards
Data Sources:
UN World Population Prospects
World Inequality Report
S&P Global Ratings
Moody’s
Fitch Ratings
IMF Direction of Trade Statistics (DOTS)
UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
CIA The World Factbook
World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solution
Forbes Global 2000