The European Union and The Gambia

The partnership between the EU and The Gambia is guided by the principles and objectives found in the Samoa Agreement, which governs the relationship between the EU and African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries. The Agreement covers the following priority areas:

• human rights, democracy and governance in people-centred and rights-based societies;
• peace and security;
• human and social development;
• inclusive, sustainable economic growth and development;
• environmental sustainability and climate change;
• migration and mobility.

The Agreement also aims to contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Paris Agreement as overarching frameworks. Regular political talks between the EU and The Gambia for sharing information and fostering mutual understanding take place under this Agreement and also under the EU's Treaty of Lisbon. The talks aim to promote economic, cultural and social development in The Gambia with a view to promoting stable and democratic political development. 

The EU regularly discusses issues related to the political situation in the country and all aspects of governance with both the Government and civil society. The EU recognises the importance of civil society in policy-making, advocacy and promoting accountability, and therefore consults regularly on relevant issues with non-governmental organisations, the media and other interested parties. 

Support for human rights defenders is a long-established feature of the EU's external relations policy. The EU Delegation, together with EU countries, provides its support in accordance with the EU Guidelines on Human Rights Defenders. 

Economic growth in The Gambia relies on agriculture, tourism and remittances. Agriculture contributions to GDP have fallen from 35% in 2010 to 20% in 2024. Tourism contributes an estimated of 14.3% to GDP in The Gambia and is increasing annually since the pandemic. 

The real GDP in The Gambia has been steadily growing in the recent years, with an average of 5.6% growth expected in 2025 – 2027. While inflation has been on a downward trend since peaking in 2023, it remains at a double-digit level, averaging at 11.7% in 2024. External factors, such as declining global commodity prices and monetary tightening heavily influence inflation dynamics in The Gambia. 

The Gambia has high public debt, posing challenges to the country’s long-term sustainability and development financing. It maintains a heavy dependence on imports of essential goods.

Investment opportunities 

To encourage investment and business growth, useful information on investment opportunities and business support can be obtained through the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency and The Gambia Chamber of Commerce. Incentives for both local and foreign investors are outlined in the Gambia Investment Promotion Act and Gambia Free Zones Act. 

Multi-Annual Indicative Programme and areas of cooperation

Since initiating democratic change in December 2016, the European Union and its Member States have significantly invested in The Gambia’s democratic transition, green growth and human development. The European Union is a key partner in The Gambia’s sustainable development, working closely with the government, civil society, and other stakeholders to foster inclusive growth, democracy, and resilience. The EU’s cooperation is guided by the principles of ownership, partnership, and mutual accountability, ensuring alignment with The Gambia’s national priorities.

Under the bilateral Multiannual Indicative Programme 2021-2027, The Gambia benefits from €193 million in grant funding. This bilateral envelope is complemented by several multi-country /thematic EU-programmes. Both bilateral and regional thematic cooperation is funded from the Neighbourhood, Development and International Cooperation instrument – Global Europe (NDICI-Global Europe).

The EU-Gambia partnership focuses on:

• Supporting legal reforms, transitional justice, security sector reform and enhancing local governance;
• Enhancing human development through social protection initiatives and support for education;
• Supporting a green economy for sustainable growth and jobs;
• Assisting with migration management and combatting of smuggling and human trafficking.

The Gambia, as a member of ECOWAS, can also benefit from projects and programmes that are identified and implemented by the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja and/or the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) Commission in Ouagadougou. Areas of cooperation include: trade and competitiveness development, peace and security, regional infrastructure and transport facilitation. 

Global Gateway in The Gambia

Global Gateway is the European strategy to boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems across the world. Through a 'Team Europe approach', Global Gateway brings together the EU, its Member States and their financial and development institutions to mobilise the private sector to leverage investments promoting sustainable growth.

In The Gambia, there are currently two Global Gateway initiatives:

• the “Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernization Project” (GERMP), supported with EUR 105 million provided by the European Union (including a loan from the European Investment Bank) and EUR 36 million from the World Bank
• the  ”Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation in the Greater Banjul Ares” (WASIB), supported with EUR 30.1 million provided by the European Union (including a loan from the European Investment Bank) and EUR 30 million from France (Agence Française de développement)