Banjul,19th June 2025: The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) commenced a three-day sensitisation workshop on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Rules of Origin at Bakadaji Hotel, marking a significant step towards preparing Gambian businesses for continental trade opportunities.
The workshop, organised in collaboration with The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA), and supported by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), aims to build capacity among private sector operators on AfCFTA implementation and compliance procedures.
The initiative aligns with Gambia’s National AfCFTA Strategy, a 10-year framework designed to expand the country’s trade horizons, attract investment, and stimulate industrial growth.
The Gambia signed the AfCFTA Agreement in 2018 and ratified it in 2019, demonstrating its commitment to continental economic integration.
“This workshop is critical as it focuses on the AfCFTA Rules of Origin, a foundational component that determines which goods qualify for preferential treatment under the agreement,” said Deputy Permanent Secretary Mamadi Dampha, speaking on behalf of the Trade Minister. “As The Gambia is on the verge of participating in AfCFTA preferential trade, understanding and correctly applying these rules is essential for our private sector to benefit from duty-free access to continental markets.”
Ms. Mariko Haga, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Division at Japan’s Customs and Tariff Bureau, said AfCFTA is expected to eliminate tariffs within Africa and standardise trade rules to promote economic development and strengthen global competitiveness.
“Since 2021, WCO has been providing technical assistance in collaboration with JICA,” Haga said. “The circumstances surrounding customs are undergoing dramatic changes, and expectations are higher than ever before, not only in terms of revenue collection but also in international trade.”
Alhagie K. Mbye, Commissioner - Customs and Excise, acknowledged the importance of the meeting and commended the Ministry for the initiative.
By Mariatou Ngum
