The strategic visit aimed to assess business progress, identify operational challenges, and explore avenues for government and development partner support to help these enterprises scale their operations.
Minister Joof led a distinguished delegation including Permanent Secretary Mr. Mod A.K. Secka, Director of Trade Mr. Ousman Bojang, Director of Industry and Investment Mr. Omar Badjie, representatives from the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA), and other ministry officials.
Speaking to the press following the visits, Minister Joof emphasised the critical importance of aligning national startup growth strategies with the broader objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He reiterated the government's commitment to supporting Gambian businesses in formalising their operations and preparing for cross-border trade opportunities. The Minister highlighted a significant development for the local agro-industrial sector, referencing two recent protocols signed with the People's Republic of China. These agreements will enable duty-free and quota-free export of cashew nuts from The Gambia to China, representing substantial market access opportunities for local producers.
Supporting Women-Led Enterprises
At Assie's Global, led by female entrepreneur Ms. Oley Ndow, Minister Joof acknowledged the company's innovation, dedication, and strong market presence in producing vinegar, bleach, soap, and other products. However, he noted that despite the entrepreneur's competence, growth is constrained by inadequate infrastructure and machinery.
"Infrastructure support and investment in modern machinery will be pursued to enhance productivity and meet food safety standards," the Minister stated, emphasising the need for cross-ministerial collaboration involving the Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Trade to support women-owned enterprises.
Ms. Ndow expressed gratitude for the visit and called for expanded support, noting that while she has established local markets, she requires assistance to scale operations for export and create additional employment opportunities for Gambians.
Strengthening Food Security Through Local Production
At the poultry farm in Basori, Minister Joof reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting local feed production to reduce operational costs and improve competitiveness. "Once local products are competitively priced, Gambians will naturally prefer them," the Minister emphasised, outlining the government's goal to ensure locally produced chicken and eggs maintain consistent availability in supermarkets, thereby enhancing national food security and supporting job creation.
Mr. Ansumana Sambou, a staff at Gam Egg disclosed the farm currently houses over 10,000 chicks and produces approximately 250 crates of eggs daily. He identified market competition from imported eggs as a major challenge and stressed the importance of government support for youth involvement in agriculture, particularly poultry farming, to reduce import dependence.
Innovative Financing for Cashew Industry Growth
At Cashew Gam, where Mr. Musa Ceesay highlighted the company's role in job creation and recent machinery imports expected to boost production significantly, Minister Joof recommended exploring diverse financing strategies. These include Central Bank registration, stock market listing, and opening opportunities for private investment and shareholding."Not all capital needs to come from bank loans," the Minister noted. "Policy adjustments, public-private partnerships, and equity investments can provide sustainable solutions for industry growth."
Minister Joof underscored the government's commitment to serving all economic sectors and creating conducive conditions for industrial development. He highlighted ongoing efforts to encourage investments, foster competitive business environments, and implement policy reforms supporting job creation and export growth."The domestic private sector, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups, will play a key role in driving economic transformation," he stated. "Our focus is ensuring these businesses receive the support, tools, and policies they need to thrive."
Data-Driven Policy Development
Mr. Omar Badjie, Director of Industry, Investment and SMEs, identified scaling challenges as common across all visited businesses, particularly difficulties in accessing inputs due to import dependencies and delays. To address these issues, the Ministry is developing policies to strengthen backward and forward linkages within value chains, connecting businesses with local producers and reliable markets.
Regarding the poultry sector, while Cabinet has approved protective measures for local producers, immediate implementation require comprehensive data analysis. The Ministry is conducting nationwide data collection to assess: Production volumes across commercial and small backyard farms; Feed types and costs and Production methods and operational challenges
According to him, this analysis will inform policy decisions on potential import bans, quota systems, or other import substitution measures. Currently, he added, The Gambia imports approximately seven million cartons of poultry products annually.
TheTrade Minister emphasised that the Ministry remains committed to evidence-based policymaking and continuous stakeholder engagement to create an enabling environment for industrial growth, economic diversification, and job creation. Minister Joof expressed optimism that ITC and other development partners will continue supporting startups through capital investment, equipment provision, and skills development to ensure these enterprises become self-sustaining and globally competitive.
