The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MOTIE) has announced adjustments to the price and weight of bread in The Gambia, effective July 1, 2025. The decision follows extensive negotiations with the Gambia Bakers Union (GBU), the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), and the Consumer Consortium, aimed at ensuring bread, a staple food, remains accessible while addressing rising production costs.
In May 2025, MOTIE maintained the price of bread at D10 per loaf while engaging stakeholders to review input costs. After collecting data on bread production expenses from bakeries nationwide, meetings held on May 27 and 28, 2025, resulted in a consensus on new standards. The popular ‘Senfur’ loaf will increase from 133g to 160g, with its price rising from D10 to D12. Similarly, ‘Tapalapa’ will see its weight rise from 165g to 190g, also priced at D12 per loaf. Bakeries will offer bread at D10 per loaf or D120 per dozen, ensuring affordability for bulk purchases.
The Ministry underscored its commitment to monitoring the bread supply chain to ensure availability and compliance with the new standards. The Legal Metrology Department, under the Gambia Standard Bureau, will oversee adherence to the agreed-upon weights and launch a public education campaign on verifying the weights of fresh bread. Bakeries producing bread below the stipulated weights will face penalties for violating the agreement.
MOTIE emphasized that these changes strike a balance between the interests of consumers and bakeries, acknowledging the economic pressures faced by producers while prioritizing affordability for the public. The Ministry will continue to engage stakeholders in the bread value chain to ensure long-term solutions that benefit the wider population. Stakeholders are urged to strictly comply with the new pricing and weight standards for ‘Senfur’ and ‘Tapalapa’ to maintain trust and stability in the market.
This development reflects MOTIE’s ongoing efforts to regulate essential commodities in The Gambia, ensuring food security and fair trade practices. As the July 1 implementation date approaches, consumers and bakeries are encouraged to prepare for the changes, with the Ministry promising rigorous enforcement to uphold the agreed standards.
