Among the many challenges include high tariffs put in place by the Senegalese customs or border agents.
This has and continues to pose challenges on the free movement of goods and services between the two countries.
When the two countries earlier signed a trade agreement fostering bilateral relations, many were optimistic that numerous barriers hindering trade development at the border would be a thing of the past.
In fact, when the AFCFTA came into force in May 2019, following the deposition of Instruments of Ratification by 24 Member States, after a series of continuous continental engagements spanning since 2012, many were hopeful.
Under this initiative, it was envisaged that African countries would open up their markets under the continental free trade agreement and duty-free trading of goods and services across borders.
But till today, these lofty goals are still proving a far-fetched dream, as countries in the region continue to narrow and create more barriers than ever before.
It is in the news that some drivers and businesspeople trading along the Senegambia cross-borders have been lamenting some of the challenges they encountered on a daily basis.
We need to promote both inter and Intra-Africa trade to boost businesses on the continent. Promoting trade between our countries would have a trickledown effect on our local economy, thereby improving the livelihoods of citizens.
In a bid to promote cross border trade, authorities need to open up and ensure smooth movement of goods and services across the border. No country is an Island and no county stands alone. Therefore, nations need each other to boost development.
With all fairness, Gambians especially businesspeople and travellers constantly face routine challenges at the border. We cannot treat or accord our Senegese brothers and sisters with utmost professionalism and warm reception in our country, while Gambians face numerous challenges in Senegal. It must be reciprocal.
It is high time authorities in the two countries reason and create a borderless zone to promote trade relations.
The Gambia and Senegal share similar cultures, traditions and even linguistics in view of our ethnic groups. It is just that the two countries were divided by our colonial masters.
In fact, there is no Gambian who doesn't have a relative in Senegal and vice-versa. We must eliminate trade barriers or else, it would be difficult to make any meaningful progress as a nation.
