2. Gambia- Country Profile
Location: West Africa
Capital: Banjul
Official Language: English
Area: 11,000 km²
Climate:Tropical climate (18-38°)
Population: 2 million
Currency: Dalasi
Ethnic Groups: Aku, Fula, Jola, Mandinka, manjago, Sarahule, Serer, Wollof
GDP: $ 1 Billion
Source of Income: Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, Tourism, Re-Export Trade
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

3. Economic Indicators
The Gambian economy has started to grow again after the political change that was effected in December More local and international inverstors have started opening businesses in the Country after the new Government gave guarantees and promises to support the Private sector.
The GDP of the country stands at about 1 billion dollars (2016)
Agriculture= 21.4%
Industry= 15.6%
Services = 63%
GDP growth= 2.5% (2016)
Inflation = 6%
Labour force, about 500,000
Agriculture 75%, Industry 19%, Services 6%
Imports = $365 million (2016)
Exports = $120 million (2016)
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

4. Why Invest In Gambia Most stable and peaceful country in West Africa
Vibrant liberal market economy
Easy to register and operate a business
Attractive investment incentives in key priority areas
Proximity to major regional and international markets
Strong Public-Private sector partnerships
Low cost of labor
Efficient seaport and airport facilities

5. Investment incentives
The govern of the Gambia offers series of incentives to investors in the priority sectors of the economy. These incentives are geared towards helping investors to quickly set up their businesses and reach break even within a short period of time. Some of these incentives are listed below.
New investments in priority sectors ( minimum $250,000 ınvestment)
Greater banjul area
Exemption from Corporate tax ( 5 years from the signing of agreement)
Import tax waiver on plant equipment,contruction materials, spare parts and raw materials , (5 years from the date of commencement of operations)
Outside Greater banjul Area
Exemption from Corporate tax ( 8 years from the signing of agreement)
Import tax waiver on plant equipment,contruction materials, spare parts and raw materials , (8 years from the date of commencement of operations)
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

6. Investment incentives
Export incentives (firms located within Export processing zones, and exports 80% of products), are exampted from the following.
Import duty and sales tax.
Corporate tax.
Municipal tax.
Withholding tax on dividends.
İmport duties on equipment.
Others
Market research for investors
Advertisement and publicity in foreign markets.
Products design and consultancy services.
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

7. Doing business in the “new Gambia”
The new Government of The Gambia has created a conducive environment necessary for the smooth operation of businesses. The Government through the relevant agency, Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GEIPA), provides support and advice to investors planning to set up businesses in Gambia. Investors can apply to GIEPA tok qualify for the incentives prodided by the Government of The Gambia.
Business registration is very fast and simple, a typical registration is completed in a day
The Gambian constitution guarantees private businesses against Nationalization & Expropriation. Also Gambia is a signatory to international investment dispute settlement and gauranteee egencies, these include , Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and International Center For The Settlement of Investment Dısputes (ICSID)
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

8. Priority sectors Agriculture Energy Fisheries Tourism
Health and Veterinary services
Information, Communication and Technology
Manufacturing
Mining
River and Air transport
Forestry

9. Agriculture & Animal Husbandry
Agriculture is one of the key priority areas of development. The Gambia is blessed with fertile lands, and The River Gambia provides adequate water supply for agricultural production. The government of the Gambia is inviting investors to invest in the following production and processing areas.
Production
Rice, Cashew, Mango, Beans, Banana
Horticulture and floriculture( Onion, Potato, Tomato, sweet potato, )
Livestock( sheep,cattle)
Poultry
Processing
Cashew processing plants
Tomoto paste and ketchup plants
Mango pulp and Juice precessing
Processing of dairy products (milk, cheese, magarin)

10. Energy
Energy is very vital for economic development. The Government of The Gambia is eager to work with investors who are ready to invest in Electricity generation, transmission and distribution to solve the energy problems faced by the country. Investors can invest in the following areas
Wind energy (wind Turbines)
Coal fired power stations
Hydroelectric Dams
Solar energy (especially for rural communities)
The government offers investors competetive feed in tarrifs (FIT) and Power Purchase Agreements ( PPA )
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

11. Tourism
The Gambia’s rich Culture, wild life, coupled with its beautiful climate and beaches, makes her a perfect place for year round Tourism. The sector continues to grow but there is need for more investment in the following areas.
Hotel and motel development and management- The number of tourist visiting Gambia continues to grow every year, new hotels need to be built to meet the increasing demand. The government of the Gambia offers hotels developers various incentives including, Free land allocation, and corporate tax holidays.
Eco-Tourism lodge development and management – Ecotourism is another subsector of the tourism industry that is suitable for investment. Investors can develop tourist lodges along the river Gambia; which offers tourist to explore the rich flora and fauna of the river Gambia.
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

12. Tourism
River Sports & Cruise- Investors can also invest in river sport and cruise equipment which will operate on the Atlantic coastline and along the River Gambia
Tour Operations- Tour operations is another area where investors can invest in. Operators can organize holiday trips for tourists to gambia. Also operators can organize trips for tourists, to historical sites, nature reserves, and to rural Gambian villages.
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

13. Fisheries
Gambia has abundant fish stock, found both in the River Gambia and in the Atlantic Ocean.
Over 500 marine fish species have been recorded in Gambian waters. Some of the common species include; Groupers, Tilapia, Mackerel , Sardinella, Shrimp, Lobster, Bonga shad, ect
The Government of the Gambia is keen on further developing the fisheries sector to meet local fish demands and for export markets through partneships with investors. Investors can invest in the following areas
Trawler fishing- Gambia has about 11,000 square kilometers as exclusive economic zone in the Atlantic ocean,. This area is a perfect hunting ground for big catches.
Fish processing- The local population has experience on fish processing, investors in fish processing can easily recruit locals in their processing plants. Due tok the low labor cost, and abundant inputs, fish can be affordably processed in Gambia and sold in the nearby markets of Europe, and Turkey.
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

14. Manufacturing & Processing
The manufacturing sector offers huge potentials for investment. The Government of The Gambia has identified this potential and offers special incentives to investors in this sector. İnvestors can engage in the following manufacturing operations
Chemical manufacturing- soap and detergent, cosmetic products, fertilizer
Processsing- Processing of agricultural products (Mango, Tomato, Cashew), Fish processing ( Shrimp, Tuna, )Dairy processing (cheese, milk, magarin)
Furniture- Home and office furniture,
Textile- Fiber and yarn, woven fabric, knitted fabric,
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

15. Manufacturing & Processing
Assembling and packaging- Agricultural and irrigation equipment,
Ceramics- Productions of floor and roof tiles, bricks, tableware, cookware, and porcelain,
Leather and Apparel- Hand bags, footware, wallets, belts,
Metal Casting and fabrication- Architectural and structural metal fabrication, cutlery and and tools, cast iron products, machining,
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

16. Mining & Mineral Resources
The discovery of oil off the West African coast line has increased the prospect of striking oil in Gambian waters. Oil companies have started conducting seismic research of the coast of Gambia in the Atlantic ocean.
Gambia has very rich clay deposits, which can be used as input in ceramic industries in the making of Bricks, tiles, cookware, and tableware.
Other minerals found in The Gambia include Zircon, Titanium, laterite, and Silica Sand.
Gambia Embassy, Ankara

17. Services
The services sector contribues about 63% of GDP and provides employment for many Gambians. There is still potential for investment in this sector, especialy in areas like Logistics, Healthcare, and Real Estate. Investors can invest in the following sub sectors
Banking, insurance and finance
Housing finance/ Mortgages
Healthcare delivery
Education (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary)
Land, Air, and River Transport
Cargo and logistics services
Construction and housing development
Waste management and treatment
Trade- Import, export and retail
Information Communication & Technology

18. Important Business Contacts
Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration & Employment
Independence Drive,
Banjul
Tel no:  (switchboard) ,                   
Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Kerr Jula, Bertil Harding Highway, Bijilo,
P.O. Box 3382 Serrekunda,
Telephone:
Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency
GIEPA House, 48 Kairaba Avenue Serrekunda, P.O. Box 757 Banjul Tel: / , Fax: Website: 
Gambia Embassy, Ankara