UK and The Gambia Strengthen Trade Ties at Fourth Trade Policy Review
During the recent Fourth Trade Policy Review (TPR) of The Gambia, UK officials reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade relations with the West African nation. With significant increases in trade and investment opportunities, both countries expressed optimism about future collaborations.
Welcoming Remarks
The chair of the meeting began by extending a warm welcome to the Gambian delegation, headed by Minister Mod K. Ceesay. Acknowledging the critical reports from both The Gambia’s government and the WTO Secretariat, he also expressed gratitude for the leadership of Ambassador Torebayev from Kazakhstan and Ambassador Çakil from Türkiye, whose contributions facilitated vital discussions.
Bilateral Relations Flourishing
The historical ties between the UK and The Gambia continue to evolve positively, with significant collaboration in areas such as justice, defence, and governance. Recent statistics indicate that UK imports from The Gambia surged to £143 million in the year leading up to the third quarter of 2025, reflecting a £51 million increase compared to the previous year. British tourists have also shown a growing interest in visiting The Gambia, underscoring the strength of these connections.
Additionally, the UK is recognised as a major investor in The Gambia, highlighting the close economic relationship between the two nations. The Gambian government is poised to benefit from UK-led investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, and tourism. Recently, a UK trade mission visited Banjul, a hub for re-exporting goods, to explore and expand these opportunities.
Focus on African Growth
West Africa is increasingly seen as a region with immense economic potential, and the UK is seeking to foster deeper trade and investment partnerships to enhance growth. Baroness Chapman’s Africa Approach aims to establish long-term partnerships that tackle shared challenges, including climate change and migration while promoting African voices in global decision-making.
Support for MSMEs
The UK praised The Gambia’s commitment to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, particularly through its National Policy for MSMEs and the Digital Trade and E-Commerce Strategy. Further discussion is anticipated regarding how this strategy can boost MSMEs’ integration into both domestic and international markets.
Promoting Gender Equality
The UK also commended The Gambia for its initiatives aimed at fostering gender equality within the economic landscape. Notable policies have been implemented to encourage women’s empowerment and participation in the economy, and the UK looks forward to further discussions on tackling the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the informal economy.
WTO Involvement and Development Focus
The Gambia plays a crucial role as the coordinator of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group within the WTO, ensuring that LDC perspectives are represented in vital discussions. The UK acknowledged The Gambia’s contributions to various initiatives, including the EIF Taskforce, which aims to promote women entrepreneurs and sustainable development practices.
Conclusion
As The Gambia approaches its 61st Independence Day on February 18, the UK’s commitment to supporting its growth as an independent trading entity remains steadfast. Officials expressed their best wishes for a prosperous future for all Gambians, reiterating the importance of the ongoing relationship between the two nations.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/the-gambias-wto-trade-policy-review-uk-statement-february-2026
