The initiative, delivered in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) through the EU-YEP–funded Tourism and Creative Industries Project, aims to enhance market access and forge stronger partnerships for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating within the tourism and creative sectors.
It seeks to spur business growth, scale up operations, and promote Made-in-The-Gambia products.
The event brought together 30 entrepreneurs for a day-long exhibition and networking session, showcasing a diverse array of local goods and services. Cultural performances and poetry enlivened the day, adding a vibrant touch to the atmosphere.
Speaking at the occasion, Mrs Beatrice A. Mboge, CEO of GWCC, described the twin events - the hosting of GGM and the formal launch of the second edition of the Banjul International Trade Fair as a significant milestone, claiming that “the forthcoming trade fair is expected to attract over 400 businesses from across the African continent.”
She further highlighted that the event aims to tackle common business challenges while providing a platform for entrepreneurs to learn from one another.
Calling on business leaders to champion inclusive economic growth, she emphasised the importance of innovation and creating sustainable trade and investment opportunities.
Representing the Mayor of Kanifing Municipality, Deputy Mayor Binta Jagne Jallow underscored that GGM is more than a marketplace. Backed by the EU-YEP programme and the Gambian government, she described it as “an investment in our greatest assets: the talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Gambian youth and women.”
“For too long, barriers have prevented our youth and women from fully engaging in the economy. Today, Gambia’s Good Market tears down those barriers,” she said. “It offers a respected platform for our skilled entrepreneurs and women producers to showcase quality Gambian products to both locals and tourists. This isn’t charity. It’s a launchpad for sustainable businesses,” she postulated.
She noted that through EU-YEP and SheTrades, participants gained not only production skills, but also proficiency in branding, pricing, and customer engagement, adding: “This market transforms training into income. Every sale validates their talent and fuels their ambitions.”
“When a tourist buys handcrafted jewellery, organic baobab juice, or colourful tie-dye textiles, it’s more than a keepsake. They’re celebrating Gambian culture and supporting local families,” she emphasised
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minister for Trade, Principal Economist Kemo Janka thanked development partners particularly ITC for their steadfast collaboration with GSCC and GWCC.
“Your collective efforts have been central to the successful organisation of Gambia’s Good Market,” he said.
Mr. Janka noted that youth and women comprise the majority of the country’s economic actors brimming with energy, innovation, and resilience yet face significant socio-economic challenges. He called for targeted support to help them realise their full potential and lead lives of dignity and purpose.
Describing GGM as a landmark initiative, he said it is: “Designed to drive sustainable growth in The Gambia’s tourism and trade sectors, create economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs, and elevate ‘Made-in-The-Gambia’ products on regional and global stages.”
He reiterated the government’s belief that entrepreneurship is the most sustainable route to job creation capable of addressing the root causes of irregular migration, crime, and unemployment.
Janka urged partners to support the upcoming Banjul International Trade Fair, slated for December 2025.
