The Gambia is a small densely populated country with 1.3 million inhabitants and per capita income of US$302. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of The Gambia providing employment for two thirds of its population who are involved in subsistence farming, livestock, and groundnut cultivation for export. Recently emphasis has been placed on the Services Sector especially tourism which accounts for 12% GDP.
Although agriculture is the main economic activity, The Gambia has a rapidly growing tourism industry and a well developed commercial sector, comprising primarily of import and export trade of consumer goods to the sub- region. The manufacturing sector is still very small, however with the establishment of the Gambia investment promotion and Free Zones Agency, it is envisaged that the sector will grow and become a major contributor to GDP.
Within the framework of private sector development, and in the context of its regional development and leadership goal, the Government aims to strengthen the country’s comparative advantages in key areas notably including tourism, primary resource based industry, trade and services.
