The day-long workshop, funded by the UNDP's Strengthening Capacities for Green Inclusive and Economic Growth programme, brought together government agencies, private sector partners, development organisations, and MSME representatives to examine draft findings and ensure the final report accurately reflects sector realities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Omar Badjie, Director of Industry and Investment at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, emphasised the critical role of MSMEs in the national economy.
"This study confirms what our markets and workshops have long told us: MSMEs are the heartbeat of our economy—contributing meaningfully to GDP, catalysing innovation, and absorbing a majority of our working-age population," Badjie stated.
The assessment, according to him, revealed both strengths and challenges within the MSME ecosystem. While the study highlighted resilient chambers and associations, relevant training and business development services, growing use of digital tools and mobile money, and strong commitment to inclusion, it also identified significant constraints hindering growth.
Mr. Badjie told the participants that the mapping exercise uncovered several binding constraints affecting MSME development such as; limited access to affordable finance remains a primary barrier for business growth; infrastructure gaps in electricity and transport systems increase operational costs; over-centralised registration and compliance processes create bureaucratic hurdles; rural enterprises, particularly in the Central River Region (CRR) and parts of Upper River Region (URR), lack adequate business support services.
Moving Forward
The validation workshop represents the fourth and final phase of the comprehensive MSME ecosystem assessment methodology. The initiative follows earlier phases including stakeholder dialogue and needs assessment that captured on-the-ground realities from entrepreneurs across the country.
"This is not a report to shelve; it is a roadmap to execute," Badjie emphasised. "If we act with focus and partnership, The Gambia's MSMEs will not only survive—they will scale, export, and create the decent jobs our young people deserve." He noted that the final report is expected to provide an actionable framework for strengthening The Gambia's MSME ecosystem, with clear commitments and timelines for implementation by government and development partners.
The workshop concluded with stakeholders committing to a solutions-oriented approach that prioritises practical implementation over lengthy deliberations, signaling a new phase of coordinated action to support the country's small business sector.
