Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment

EID MUBARAK ✨

ECOWAS, Government Empower Women Cross-Border Traders in The Gambia

A regional workshop aimed at strengthening the capacity of women cross-border traders has opened in The Gambia, bringing together traders, government officials, legal experts, and representatives of the ECOWAS Commission to promote economic empowerment and regional trade integration.
The workshop, organized in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission and the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), focused on improving women traders’ understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing the movement of goods and persons within the ECOWAS region. Opening the event, the Coordinator of the Human Lawyers Association of The Gambia, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of empowering women traders through knowledge and legal awareness.

Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Deputy Permanent Secretary Abdoulie Jammeh described transborder trade as a vital driver of economic integration, growth, and resilience in West Africa. They noted that the free movement of goods and people remains a cornerstone of the ECOWAS mission.
“Across West Africa, informal cross-border trade accounts for a substantial share of regional commerce, supporting livelihoods, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security,” the representative stated.

The DPS further highlighted the significant contribution of women to regional trade, noting that studies across the ECOWAS region indicate that women are responsible for between 60 and 80 percent of informal cross-border trade activities. Despite their contributions, women traders continue to face major obstacles, including low literacy levels, limited access to information on legal and regulatory procedures, cumbersome administrative systems, and inadequate awareness of their rights under ECOWAS trade protocols. “These challenges not only constrain their economic potential but also perpetuate vulnerability and undermine regional integration efforts,” the official said.

Organizers explained that the workshop seeks to address these barriers by equipping participants with practical knowledge on trade procedures, legal rights, and advocacy skills necessary for successful cross-border business operations.
The Government of The Gambia reaffirmed its commitment to women’s economic empowerment, stressing that sustainable regional integration cannot be achieved without the active participation of women entrepreneurs . The DPS also highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Gambia CTRED programme, which since 2019 has supported more than 180 women entrepreneurs through capacity building, product quality improvement, packaging enhancement, and market access support.

The ECOWAS Commission was commended for its continued efforts to support small-scale women traders and strengthen awareness of regional trade opportunities and procedures. Participants were encouraged to actively engage in the training sessions and share the knowledge gained with other women traders across the country.
The workshop was officially declared open with renewed calls for stronger collaboration to promote inclusive economic development and expand opportunities for women within the ECOWAS market.

Government Assures Adequate Ram Supply Ahead of Tobaski

Government has assured Gambians that measures are being intensified to ensure adequate supply and affordability of rams ahead of Tobaski, while also unveiling plans to strengthen local livestock production to reduce dependence on imports.
Speaking during an inspection tour of livestock markets and terminal facilities on behalf of President Adama Barrow, The Honourable Minister of Trade said authorities are closely monitoring the situation as demand for rams increases across the country.

“So far, Alhamdulillah, everything is fine,” the minister stated. “We are here to inspect the state of the terminal and the markets because around this period many Gambian families become concerned about getting rams for Tobaski.” He noted that government remains highly sensitive to the welfare of citizens during the festive season and is working with both central and local authorities to ease the burden on livestock dealers and consumers.

According to him, several measures have already been introduced, including tax waivers, concessions, and logistical support aimed at reducing the cost of importing animals into the country. “We are making sure that the necessary waivers and concessions are provided to ease business supply in this country,” he explained. “This includes support in transportation, reductions in taxes, and other incentives to make the cost of rams more affordable.”

The HM acknowledged widespread complaints about the rising prices of rams, attributing the challenge largely to the country’s heavy dependence on imported livestock. “The cost of rams is high because for a very long time we have depended heavily on importation,” he said. “It is now time to introduce programmes that will significantly reduce import dependence through local production.” During consultations with livestock stakeholders, authorities were informed about a proposed “one family, one sheep” initiative aimed at encouraging households to rear their own animals. Describing the proposal as “a brilliant initiative,” the HM said government would further explore ways of supporting and scaling up the programme.

“If support and capital are provided, families will eventually be able to produce the required number of animals themselves,” he added.
The inspection exercise also revealed concerns from villagers and livestock dealers over the lack of land for animal rearing and the increasing cost of maintaining livestock. In response, the HM stressed that government’s long-term strategy would focus on supporting domestic animal production to stabilize prices and improve availability. “When we produce locally, we reduce the impact of exchange rates and transportation costs,” he said. “That is the policy direction government will pursue going forward.”
He also appealed to security services and customs authorities to support livestock dealers transporting animals into the country, saying their cooperation is vital in ensuring steady supply during the festive period. “I want to encourage the police and customs services to provide support and encouragement to dealers to ease transportation of rams into the country,” he said.

Despite current challenges, the HM expressed optimism that additional livestock shipments are expected before Tobaski, adding that government remains committed to ensuring Gambian families have access to healthy and affordable rams.

He concluded by thanking local authorities, the Ministry of Finance, and all stakeholders involved in the process, while extending festive greetings and well wishes to Gambians on behalf of President Barrow and the First Family.

Visit at the Birikama Daral

Abuko Daral

The Honourable Minister’s site visits of ram selling points
Kanifing around the Ministry of Transport