UK Trade Mission to The Gambia – 2nd – 3rd February 2026

The UK Trade Mission to The Gambia was held on 2nd and 3rd February 2026 at the prestigious Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center  in Bijilo. The first-ever UK Trade Mission brought together high‑level government officials, UK businesses, and Gambian private‑sector leaders for two days of strategic engagement, collaboration, and investment exploration.

The event was graced by the Vice President of The Republic of The Gambia, His Excellency, Muhammed B.S Jallow accompanied by ministers, senior policymakers, and dignitaries from key national institutions. Supported by GIEPA, the Ministry of Trade, Industry Regional Integration and Employment, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Petroleum and Energy and Mines, and the Ministry of Health, the mission successfully created a platform for impactful discussions and long‑term partnership opportunities.

A Strategic Gateway for UK–Gambia Collaboration

As West Africa’s smallest yet vibrant economic hub, The Gambia offers promising opportunities for foreign investment, and the two‑day convergence provided UK businesses with critical insights and access to four economic priority sectors:

• Agriculture – agribusiness, processing, and export expansion
• Tourism – hospitality development and sustainable tourism ventures
• Health – medical infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and digital health
• Energy – renewable solutions, power generation, and efficiency projects

The Gambia shared with delegates the country’s evolving regulatory systems, investment incentives, and sector‑specific growth areas through presentations and panel discussions by distinguished personalities from both public and private sectors.

Program Highlights

High‑Level Government Engagement

Throughout the sessions at the International Conference Center, UK delegates met with the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, the Ministers of Trade Industry Regional Integration and Employment and Agriculture and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

• Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture, Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and the CEO and staff of the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency.

These meetings elaborated on investment pathways, regulatory frameworks, and government priorities for sustainable development.

Business Networking & B2B Engagements

The mission featured:

• One‑on‑one meetings between UK companies and Gambian private‑sector leaders
• Networking dinners and cocktail receptions organized by the British High Commissioner to The Gambia, H.E Harriet King at her Residence.
• Panel discussions on the local business climate and market-entry strategies

On‑Site Sector Visits

Delegates were given the opportunity to visit tourist attraction sites such as the famous Monkey Park and Kachikally Museum and Crocodile Pool in Bijilo and Bakau respectively. 

These immersive visits showcased real-world opportunities and partnership potential in the country.

Cultural Immersion

Participants also enjoyed The Gambia’s renowned hospitality, vibrant culture, and local attractions — reinforcing people-to-people connections essential for long‑term cooperation.

Key Outcomes

The successful trade mission resulted in:

• New strategic partnerships and investment interest across key sectors
• Greater recognition of The Gambia as a competitive destination for UK investment
• Practical roadmaps for UK companies seeking market entry
• Strengthened diplomatic and economic ties between the UK and The Gambia

A New Chapter for Bilateral Economic Cooperation

The Trade Mission stands as a major milestone in advancing mutual economic growth between the two nations. With strong government support and meaningful private‑sector engagement, the mission has set the stage for innovative partnerships, impactful investments, and long-term collaboration that will contribute to The Gambia’s sustainable development journey.