Both the government and private investors drive construction projects in The Gambia. The government funds essential infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, and ports through its own finance and through international partnerships, often in the form of grants, to fund larger projects.
Since the change of government in The Gambia, construction has flourished. Though China and India produce most manufactured goods available in The Gambia, an increasing demand for high-quality materials and equipment creates market opportunities for other more specialized industrial exporters. Following Jammeh’s departure, The Gambia’s large diaspora community has expressed a desire to return and have been involved in the construction industry, developing projects for both residential and commercial clients. Because of the low purchasing power of most Gambians, private investors have been constructing commercial estates attractive to foreign investment. Following the construction of the OIC Conference Center, the country’s largest indoor meeting space, Chinese laborers have remained in the country and make up an increasingly large share of construction workers for both residential and commercial projects.
Leading Sub-Sectors
Repairs and expansion of the Banjul Port are intended help The Gambia meet present and future traffic demand at the congested port of Banjul.
Road Construction: The NDP also seeks to increase the percentage of the primary road network that is paved from 80 percent to 100 percent.
Market Opportunities
The Ministry of Finance has announced that it will work with the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank to develop the Banjul Port which will further reinforce Banjul’s significance as a major logistical hub in West Africa. The GoTG’ s initial plans would cost more than $100 million. The plan now is to upgrade the ports to the point where they can be appealing by securing finance from development partners. To support the jetty expansion, the first phase of the project will see the expansion of the present jetty, digitalization of the port, and the development of new container terminals. This would lengthen the docks and enlarge the canal to accommodate even longer container ships. The project’s second step involves inviting interested parties to participate in a fair and open bidding process.
Under the National Development Plan, the GoTG plans to construct several road projects around The Gambia through the Ministry of Works. The goal of this effort is to ensure private sector participation.
Due to their competitive advantage in terms of quality, reliability, and durability over other suppliers, U.S companies are welcome to engage in bidding for and cooperating with key stakeholders on these projects.
A budget of $100 million has been set aside for the transport and infrastructure sector. Some of the activities to be executed by the transport sector include Continuation of the Banjul Rehabilitation Project, which aims to rehabilitate roads, sewage, and drainage systems of the city.
Resources
Ministry of Transport Works and Infrastructure (MOTWI)