The Central Bank of The Gambia has ordered all commercial banks to replace non-Gambian employees with qualified Gambian nationals by year-end.
In a directive dated 16 September 2026 and signed by Second Deputy Governor Dr Paul J. Mendy, the regulator said a recent industry study found “a relatively high number of non-Gambians” working in banks beyond recognized expatriate staff. The Bank said this breached the Labor Act 2023 and Guideline 9 on expatriate staff.
The letter follows a meeting with managing directors on 27 August. Banks must now take a phased approach, making “appropriate arrangements for skills transfer and continuity of operations.” The transition must be completed by 31 December 2026.
“You are hereby directed to ensure full compliance with the law and strict compliance with CBG’s guidelines,” the letter states.
The Gambia’s Labor Act 2023 created an Expatriate Quota Allocation Board to limit foreign workers to roles where local skills are scarce. Official guidance has previously aimed for workforces that are predominantly Gambian.
Banks now have just over three months to identify replacements, train Gambian staff, and wind down non-compliant contracts while keeping operations running.
