Transportation in The Gambia

The Gambia has a variety of Transportation Investment Opportunities 

The Gambia is strategically located along the Atlantic ocean and has access to the greater West African region, making it an ideal location for transport investment. Upgrading transport infrastructure is also a strategic national priority, as identified by the Goverment of The Gambia's National Development Plan, and significant progress has already been made across all sub-sectors.  

Air Transport

The Gambia recently completed a USD 14 million modernization project to upgrade the facilities and expand the runway of the Bajul International Airport. Increasing passenger traffic and the new July 22nd business park located near the airport represent an ideal opportunity for further investments in the airport and surrounding facilities. 

River and Bridge Transport

The River Gambia is situated in the middle of The Gambia and a variety of opportunities are present for bridge infrastructure investment as well as investments for passenger and cargo vessel operators. 

Significant achievements in this sector include the opening of the Senegambia Bridge, also known as the Trans-Gambia Bridge, in 2019. With a total cost of over USD 90 million, construction of the bridge was primarily funded by the African Development Bank (AfDb). 

Road Transport

Due to its strategic position on the Atlantic ocean and in West Africa, a variety of opportunities are present for road infrastructure investment as well as cargo transport operators. 

The Gambia has made significant progress in upgrading current road infrastructure. Recent successes include the Trans-Gambia Corridor Project which is currently being implemented with over Euro 90 million in funding from the African Development Bank (AfDb) and the European Union, among others. Once completed the corridor will connect the Northern and Southern parts of The Gambia and Senegal, and by extension, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Port Transport

The Port of Banjul, managed and operated by The Gambia Ports Authority, is located on the estuary of the River Gambia, 26 nautical miles from the Atlantic Ocean, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes to International Shipping Traffic. With a total quay length of 750 meters; 38,000 square meters of uncovered and 3,000 square meters of covered storage area and a minimum permissible draft of 8.5 meters at low water spring, Banjul Port has the capacity to handle up to 1.5 million tonnes of cargo annually. 

The port is currently being expanded and new land was acquired in April 2022 for the construction of a new container terminal. 

Due to the strategic position of the port and opportunities for further growth, investment into the port is a priority for the Government of The Gambia. 

 


Top 5 Reasons to Invest in Transport in The Gambia

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Growing Demand for Transport

The establishment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is improving the landscape to encourage further investment into new and existing logistics services.

The Gambia also has a growing population and strategic port location on the Atlantic ocean.

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Preferential market access & key trade partners

The Gambia continues to benefit from a variety of trade agreements including AfCFTA, ECOWAS, AGOA, EBA and others.

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Improving Infrastructure

Upgrading transport infrastructure is a top priority for the Government of The Gambia and significant progress has already been made.

Over the past decade, the total length of road has increased considerably and is coupled with investments in the energy arena and a $14m investment that renovated the Banjul International Airport.

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Strong Business Climate

The Gambia has strong macro-economic fundamentals and a liberal market-based economy.

The country is one of the safest and politically stable countries in Africa and has attracted over $830m in FDI since 2003.

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Skilled & Cost Effective Workforce

The Gambian workforce is one of the country’s principal assets, arousing considerable enthusiasm among businesspeople, both foreign and domestic.

The Gambia has an estimated labor force of 774,000 people, which are seen as flexible and hard working.

 

Source: GIEPA, USAID, World Bank, Knoema


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