The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has issued a strongly worded statement expressing deep concern over the ongoing cement shortage that continues to disrupt the nation’s economy, drive up prices, and erode consumer confidence.
Describing cement as a “strategic commodity” vital to the construction sector—the largest contributor to industrial output—the GCCI warned that persistent supply disruptions pose serious risks to infrastructural development, industrial production, employment, and overall economic stability.
Following extensive consultations with key stakeholders, the Chamber identified three primary challenges fueling the crisis: infrastructural bottlenecks at Banjul Ports, exorbitant transport tariffs charged by truck owners, and retailers’ pursuit of excessive profit margins that inflate final consumer prices.
While acknowledging recent government measures—particularly the decision to permit cement imports via land borders for Special Import Certificate (SIC) holders—as helpful short-term relief, the GCCI stressed that these steps fall short of addressing the root causes of recurring shortages.
To achieve a sustainable resolution, the Chamber proposed four key recommendations, including accelerating infrastructure upgrades at Banjul Ports to improve handling capacity and efficiency, liberalizing the cement market on reciprocal terms with neighboring Senegal to enhance competition and supply options, introducing and strictly enforcing regulated transport and logistics tariffs, and imposing controls on retailer margins to prevent exploitative pricing.
As the leading voice of Gambia’s private sector, the GCCI reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a competitive, predictable, and fair market environment. The Chamber called for greater regulatory transparency, effective monitoring of industrial policies, and ongoing dialogue with government, importers, transporters, and retailers to ensure smooth industry operations.
Industry observers note that construction activity has slowed in recent months due to erratic supply and soaring prices, affecting everything from housing projects to public infrastructure. The GCCI’s intervention underscores growing private-sector frustration and adds pressure on authorities to implement lasting structural reforms.
