President Adama Barrow has renewed his administration’s push for industrial expansion following a visit to the GACH Manufacturing and Processing Hub currently under construction in Banjulinding, West Coast Region.
The visit to the emerging industrial complex forms part of the government’s broader agenda to strengthen The Gambia’s manufacturing base and promote value addition for locally produced goods.
Although construction works are still ongoing, the GACH Hub is designed as a multipurpose, integrated centre for agro processing and light manufacturing.
Once completed, the facility is expected to house 12 dedicated manufacturing and agro processing units, each measuring 500 square metres. Plans also include on site showrooms and outlet stores, administrative offices, shared solar power systems, fire suppression infrastructure, accommodation units and essential service amenities.
The project is structured within an Export Processing Zone enabled framework aimed at improving access to regional and international markets.
Officials say the hub will cluster production, services and distribution within a coordinated environment to reduce operational bottlenecks and strengthen linkages between farmers, processors and consumers. The model is expected to support import substitution, job creation and improved supply chain efficiency, while helping scale up production for both domestic and export markets.
Speaking during the visit, the President of the Confederation of Gambian Industry, Hon. Sir Farimang Saho, expressed optimism about the prospects of the country’s manufacturing sector.
He commended President Barrow for prioritising industrial development and urged the government to expand similar hubs nationwide.
In response, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding industrial infrastructure across the country. He acknowledged the need for additional industrial hubs to drive economic diversification and sustainable growth.
Economic figures highlight the scale of the challenge. In 2020, The Gambia’s total merchandise trade stood at GMD 36.4 billion, with a trade deficit of GMD 33.5 billion, reflecting a narrow manufacturing base and heavy reliance on imports. Exports have remained largely stagnant for decades.
Industry leaders argue that investments in manufacturing and agro processing are critical to reversing that trend. The Confederation of Gambian Industry says it stands ready to collaborate with the government in managing and expanding industrial hubs, with a focus on skills development, technical training, employment opportunities and support for women farmers and agro processors.
As construction continues at the GACH Manufacturing and Processing Hub, stakeholders say its eventual completion could mark an important step toward strengthening The Gambia’s productive capacity and reducing its dependence on imports.
