Discusses the distribution network within the country from how products enter to final destination, including reliability and condition of distribution mechanisms, major distribution centers, ports, etc.
Last Published: 4/12/2019

The main entry point for goods coming to The Gambia is the capital city, Banjul, which is also where the only seaport in the country is located.  The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal on its northern, southern, and Eastern borders, which can also act as entry points.  There is a somewhat competitive logistics industry, but with few major importers.  These importers distribute to a network of wholesalers, who then supply retailers.  The Gambian-Lebanese community controls most of the top end of the market.  However, Mauritanian and Indian businesses have also started to become major players in the market.

Customs duties are almost always collected for entering goods, given concerted efforts by the government to maximize revenue collection.  It is a common practice for many importers to undervalue goods declared in order to reduce customs duties.  However, the government has been cracking down on this practice and violators have been known to face stiff fines.  This practice is expected to be continued by the new administration under President Adama Barrow.

Trade finance or trade credit is not common.  This is a reflection of the generally limited access to finance in The Gambia, largely as a result of high interest rates.  However, large importers and exporters with longstanding relationships with banks are able to get financing through letters of credit or overdraft facilities.  Interest rates have dropped significantly since the change in government, from in excess of 25 percent, to the current rate of 18 percent.
 

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