The economic activities in the Gambia are led by services at 65.4% of GDP, followed by agriculture at 20.4% and industry at 14.2%. What are the main economic activities in the Gambia? The economy stood at roughly $2.4 billion in 2024, with groundnuts, rice, millet, and fishing anchoring rural livelihoods. Services dominate while farming sustains much of the population.
Gambia, The, with a population of about 2,759,988 (2024), is ranked among the smaller nations of the world, just behind Albania. Located in West Africa, it covers an area of 11,300 square kilometers, ranking 151st globally, just below Qatar.
The Gambia, with a GDP of approximately $2.4 billion in 2024, holds a low rank globally among small economies. In terms of GDP per capita, The Gambia stood at about $871 in 2024, reflecting its status as one of the world’s lower-income economies. (World Bank, 2024)
Despite facing challenges, The Gambia’s economy shows potential for growth and development, with opportunities for further diversification and investment to improve the standard of living for its citizens.
What are the economic activities of Gambia?
- Primary activities: 20.4% of GDP.
- Secondary activities: 14.2% of GDP.
- Tertiary activities: 65.4% of GDP.
Primary Sector of Gambia
The primary sector in The Gambia is mainly focused on agriculture due to its favorable climate and abundant natural resources. With 62.65% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops such as groundnuts, rice, millet, and vegetables, along with animal products like milk.
Despite contributing 20.4% to the GDP, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy by providing employment and sustaining livelihoods. The diverse range of agricultural products highlights the sector’s significance, showcasing the country’s agricultural potential and importance in ensuring food security and economic stability.
The country’s diverse geology provides abundant natural resources. Fish from its rivers and oceans support the fishing industry, while clay, silica sand, titanium, tin, and zircon contribute significantly to the economy through mining and export activities.
Secondary Sector of Gambia
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?
The secondary sector involves industries that transform raw materials from primary activities into finished products for consumption. In Gambia, the main industrial products include peanuts, fish, hides, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, and clothing.
Manufactures make up a small percentage of Gambia’s total exports in 2023, indicating a reliance on other sectors for economic growth and sustainability.
Tertiary sector of Gambia
What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?
The tertiary sector in Gambia encompasses services that provide knowledge and time to enhance productivity and meet needs. It involves intangible goods such as advice, attention, and expertise, catering to both consumer and business demands. Key tertiary activities in Gambia include healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, tourism and hospitality, transportation and logistics, and communication and information exchange. These services play a crucial role in driving the country’s economy and meeting the diverse needs of its population.
In particular, The Gambia’s economy heavily relies on tourism, contributing significantly to its GDP. The Gambia recorded roughly 207,000 international air tourist arrivals in 2023 (with higher figures cited when all border crossings are counted), and the industry continues to recover and grow. (Trading Economics / GTBoard, 2023) Popular destinations like the vibrant Banjul and the serene Kololi Beach attract visitors worldwide, showcasing the country’s natural beauty and rich culture.
Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 2.7 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth. This connectivity fosters innovation and enhances business operations across various industries.
International Trade of Gambia
Import Activities of Gambia
The import activities of Gambia are of high importance, with merchandise imports totaling approximately $2.45 billion in 2023 (CIF basis), a value far exceeding exports and reflecting a large structural trade deficit. (World Bank WITS, 2023)
Gambia heavily relies on imports, with key partners including Senegal, India, China, and other suppliers. Import commodities such as foodstuffs (notably rice and sugar), manufactured goods, machinery, and fuels contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
Exports Activities of Gambia
In Gambia, merchandise exports totaled approximately $83 million in 2023, a small share of GDP. With low value relative to imports, exports play a minor role in the country’s economy. (World Bank WITS, 2023)
Gambia primarily exports groundnuts (peanuts) and groundnut products, cashews, fish and shellfish, and re-exported goods. Its key export partners include Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and China.
Gambia economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, The Gambia faces economic challenges with high poverty and inflation rates. It heavily relies on foreign aid and remittances, with structural reforms tied to IMF support. The country’s agriculture-based economy struggles to sustain its population of 2.7 million.
Sources
- World Bank Data: The Gambia
- World Bank WITS: Gambia Trade Summary 2023
- IMF: The Gambia Country Page
- CIA World Factbook: The Gambia
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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