Important trade shows
Gambia, officially known as the Republic of The Gambia, is a small West African country with a population of approximately 2 million people. Despite its size, Gambia offers various avenues for international trade and business development. Some important international procurement channels and trade fairs in Gambia are as follows:
1. International Procurement Channels:
- Chamber of Commerce: The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) serves as an essential platform for international businesses to connect with local traders and explore potential partnerships.
- Online Marketplaces: Various online platforms like Alibaba, TradeKey, and ExportHub facilitate trade between Gambian exporters and international buyers across different industries.
- Government Agencies: The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration & Employment works to enhance foreign market access for Gambian businesses by facilitating export-oriented activities.
2. Trade Fairs:
- International Trade Fair Gambia: This annual event brings together both domestic and foreign companies showcasing their products/services in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, construction, etc.
- Food + Hotel West Africa Exhibition: It is a leading exhibition in the region focusing on food & beverage products along with hotel equipment and services. This fair provides an excellent opportunity for suppliers seeking involvement in the hospitality industry.
- Buildexpo Africa-Gambia: This exhibition concentrates on showcasing building materials, construction equipment & machinery needed for infrastructure development projects.
3. Tourism Sector:
- The tourism sector has considerable potential because of Gambia's sandy beaches along the Atlantic coastline. Tour operators often collaborate with international travel agencies to offer comprehensive packages encompassing accommodation facilities & local attractions.
4. Agricultural Sector:
- Opportunities to engage agricultural export firms exist due to fertile land conducive for cultivating peanuts (a major export item), fruits such as mangoes & cashews which have high demand globally.
5. Fisheries Sector:
- Given its proximity to coastal waters rich in fish and seafood resources, Gambia's fisheries sector offers prospects for international buyers seeking raw or processed marine products such as shrimp, fish fillets, etc.
6. Handicrafts & Artifacts:
- Gambian artisans produce unique handmade crafts, including baskets, fabrics, jewelry made from local materials like wood and beads. These products have market potential among international buyers interested in culturally rich handicraft items.
It is important for international buyers to conduct business research on relevant regulations, import procedures, certifications required by their home countries before finalizing any purchases or partnerships with Gambian businesses. Additionally, establishing strong communication channels with local trade bodies and utilizing online platforms can facilitate effective engagement with Gambian suppliers.
Common search engines
In Gambia, the commonly used search engines are:
1. Google (www.google.gm): Google is the most widely used search engine globally, including in Gambia. It provides comprehensive search results from various sources and offers services such as email and maps.
2. Bing (www.bing.com): Bing is another popular search engine used in Gambia that delivers search results similar to Google's but with a different interface. It also includes features like image and video searches.
3. Yahoo (www.yahoo.com): Yahoo is a well-known search engine that offers web-based services such as email, news, and finance along with its search function. Although not as popular as Google or Bing, some Gambians still use Yahoo for their online searches.
4. DuckDuckGo (duckduckgo.com): DuckDuckGo is an alternative search engine that emphasizes user privacy by not tracking personal information or displaying personalized ads. Some individuals in Gambia may prefer this option for enhanced privacy protection.
5. Yandex (yandex.com): Yandex is a widely-used Russian-based search engine that provides localized results tailored to specific regions, including Gambia. It includes various web services such as maps, images, videos, and emails.
6.Baidu: Though not commonly adopted in Gambia, Baidu remains one of China's most significant domestic internet companies - serving primarily Chinese users under strict censorship regulations.
These are some of the commonly used search engines in Gambia; however, it should be noted that Google tends to be overwhelmingly dominant among them due to its popularity worldwide and comprehensive functionality across multiple languages.
Major yellow pages
The Gambia, a small West African country, doesn't have a specific Yellow Pages directory. However, there are several reliable online sources where you can find essential contact information for various businesses and services in the country. Here are some of the main sources:
1. GambiaYP: This is an online business directory for The Gambia. It provides comprehensive listings of companies and services across different sectors in the country. You can access their website at www.gambiayp.com.
2. HelloGambia: Another popular online directory focused on showcasing Gambian businesses is HelloGambia. They offer listings for various industries such as hotels, restaurants, legal services, healthcare facilities, and more. Their website is www.hellogambia.com.
3. Africa Business Directory: Although not exclusive to The Gambia only, this continent-wide business directory includes listings for many Gambian companies as well. You can find it at www.africa2trust.com.
4. Komboodle: This platform provides various resources including a business directory specifically targeting tourism-related establishments in The Gambia such as hotels, lodges, tour operators and guides that might be helpful if you're planning to visit or require related services during your stay there – check out their website at www.komboodle.com.
5. Facebook Marketplace Groups: Many local businesses in The Gambia utilize Facebook groups dedicated to commerce as an online marketplace platform where they advertise products or services offered within certain communities or regions.
Remember that these websites often rely on user-generated content; therefore it's advisable to cross-reference the information with other sources when necessary or validate through official platforms if required by contacting relevant government offices or chambers of commerce directly.
Although these platforms provide valuable access to numerous contacts in The Gambia's business landscape, keep in mind that this list isn't exhaustive given the dynamic nature of emerging directories and changing digital landscape – exploration and adaptation are advised while navigating local contacts.
Major commerce platforms
In Gambia, the main e-commerce platforms include:
1. Gambiageek: This is one of the leading e-commerce platforms in Gambia. It offers a wide range of products including electronics, clothing, household items, and more. Website: www.gambiageek.com
2. Jumia Gambia: Jumia is a popular e-commerce platform operating in several African countries including Gambia. It offers various products ranging from electronics to fashion and beauty items. Website: www.jumia.gm
3. Gamcel Mall: Gamcel Mall is an online shopping platform operated by the national telecom provider, Gamtel/Gamcel. It provides a range of products including smartphones, accessories, and other electronic gadgets. Website: www.shop.gamcell.gm
4. NAWEC Market Online Store: This online store belongs to NAWEC (National Water and Electricity Company) in Gambia offering various electrical appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, washers, etc., for sale online.
Website: www.nawecmarket.com
5. Kairaba Shopping Center Online Store: Kairaba Shopping Center is a well-known retail outlet in Gambia that also operates an e-commerce website offering a range of products from clothing to household items and electronics.
Website: www.kairabashoppingcenter.com
It's important to note that while these are some of the major e-commerce platforms in Gambia currently available at the time of writing this response, new platforms may emerge or existing ones may change their services over time.
Please ensure to check the credibility and safety measures provided by each platform before making any purchases or sharing personal information online
Major social media platforms
Gambia is a small West African country with a growing digital presence. Here are some social media platforms commonly used in Gambia along with their respective websites:
1. Facebook - The most popular social media platform in Gambia, where people connect and share updates, photos, and videos: www.facebook.com
2. Instagram - A visual-based platform where individuals can share their pictures and videos: www.instagram.com
3. Twitter - A microblogging platform used by Gambians to share short updates, news, opinions, and engage in conversations: www.twitter.com
4. LinkedIn - A professional networking site that allows individuals to connect with other professionals within Gambia and globally: www.linkedin.com
5. Snapchat - A multimedia messaging app that enables users to send photos and videos with self-deleting content: www.snapchat.com
6. WhatsApp - An instant messaging app widely used in Gambia for both individual chats and group conversations: www.whatsapp.com
7. Pinterest – A visual discovery platform where users can find inspiration for various topics including fashion, food recipes, travel ideas, etc.: www.pinterest.com
8.TikTok – A popular video-sharing social networking service for creating short dance & lip-sync videos; https://www.tiktok.com/
9.YouTube – This video-sharing website amasses millions of hours of content created by users from around the world; https://www.youtube.com/
Major industry associations
Gambia is a small West African country known for its diverse economy. Here are some of the major industry associations in Gambia along with their websites:
1. The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) - www.gcci.gm
The GCCI represents various sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and services. It promotes trade and business development in the country.
2. Gambia Bankers Association (GBA) - www.gbafinancing.gm
The GBA represents commercial banks operating in Gambia. It works towards promoting cooperation among banks and maintaining sound banking practices.
3. Association of Gambian Travel Agents (AGTA) - www.agtagr.org
AGTA is an association that brings together travel agents in Gambia to promote tourism activities within the country.
4. National Farmers' Platform (NFP) - www.nfp.gm
NFP represents agricultural farmers and organizations working towards improving agricultural productivity, land use, and rural development.
5. Association of Small Scale Enterprises in Tourism-Gambia (ASSET-Gambia) - No official website available.
ASSET-Gambia focuses on promoting small-scale enterprises within the tourism sector by providing training opportunities and advocacy for members' interests.
6. Gambia Horticultural Enterprises Federation (GHEF) - No official website available.
This federation promotes horticulture businesses by offering technical support, market access facilitation, and value addition services to its members.
7. Association of Gambian Petroleum Importers (AGPI) - www.agpigmb.org
AGPI aims to protect the interests of petroleum importers through cooperation among members as well as ensuring compliance with regulations.
These associations play crucial roles in fostering growth, collaboration, advocacy for industry-specific concerns, resource-sharing among stakeholders across various sectors within the Gambian economy. Kindly note that some associations might not have official websites listed; however, they are still active in their respective domains.
Business and trade websites
There are several economic and trade websites in Gambia that provide information and resources related to the country's business environment. Below are some of these websites:
1. Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) - This website serves as a comprehensive resource for investment opportunities and export promotion in Gambia.
Website: http://www.giepa.gm/
2. Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration & Employment - The official website of the Ministry provides information on trade policies, regulations, and investment opportunities.
Website: http://motie.gov.gm/
3. Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) - GCCI's website offers various services including business directory, trade events, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
Website: https://www.gambiachamber.org/
4. Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) - GRA's website provides important information about taxation policies, customs regulations, and other related services for businesses operating in or trading with Gambia.
Website: https://www.gra.gm/
5. Central Bank of The Gambia - The official website of the central bank offers economic data, monetary policies, financial sector information that can be useful for businesses operating or planning to invest in the country.
Website: https://www.cbg.gm/
6. National Environment Agency (NEA) - NEA's website provides guidance on environmental regulations for businesses operating within the country.
Website: http://nea-gam.com/
7. Gambian Talents Promotion Corporation (GAMTAPRO) - This platform aims to promote Gambian talents globally by providing business matching opportunities between local companies with international partners
Website: https://gamtapro.com
These websites offer a wide range of information such as investment opportunities, business regulations legal framework transparency procedures , custom duties , export promotion initiatives , tax incentives etc., which can assist local businesses as well as potential investors who want to explore economic and trade opportunities in Gambia. It is recommended to visit these websites for the most up-to-date and detailed information relevant to your specific interests or needs.
Trade data query websites
There are several trade data query websites available for Gambia. Here are a few:
1. Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBOS): This website provides comprehensive trade statistics related to imports, exports, and re-exports. It also includes information on top trading partners, commodity classification, and other relevant data.
Website: http://www.gbosdata.org/
2. Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA): This platform offers trade-related information, including import and export data, investment opportunities, sector-specific reports, and market research.
Website: https://www.giepa.gm/
3. World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS): WITS is a global trade database that provides access to various trade indicators for countries worldwide. Users can search for Gambia's specific trade statistics within this platform.
Website: https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/GMB/Year/2019
4. ITC Trade Map Database: The International Trade Centre (ITC) maintains a comprehensive database offering detailed import/export metrics for various countries worldwide. Users can access Gambia's trade data through this platform.
Website: https://www.trademap.org/Bilateral_TS_Selection.aspx?nvpm=1%7c270%7c68%7c0%7c0%7cTOTAL_ALL_USD
It is important to note that some of these websites may require registration or specific subscriptions to gain full access to their features and detailed statistics on Gambian trades.
B2b platforms
There are several B2B platforms available in Gambia. Here are some of the prominent ones along with their website URLs:
1. Ghana Business Directory - A comprehensive platform that connects businesses in Gambia and provides a directory of companies across various industries.
Website: www.ghanayello.com
2. ExportHub - An online marketplace that allows Gambian businesses to connect with international buyers and explore trade opportunities.
Website: www.exporthub.com
3. Afrimarket - This platform focuses on promoting African products and services, including those from Gambia, to potential buyers worldwide.
Website: www.afrimarket.fr
4. Global Trade Village - A dedicated B2B platform for African countries, including Gambia, connecting local suppliers with global buyers.
Website: www.globaltradevillage.com
5. Yellow Pages Gambia - Offers a specialized business directory featuring various companies in Gambia for both local and international business connections.
Website: yellowpages.gm
6. Africa-tradefair.net - Provides a virtual exhibition space for Gambian businesses to showcase their products/services to an international audience.
Website: africa-tradefair.net/gm/
7. ConnectGambians Marketplace - A locally-focused online marketplace connecting Gambian businesses with customers within the country and abroad.
Website: connectgambians.com/marketplace.php
These platforms provide a range of features such as company listings, product catalogs, messaging systems, trade leads, and more to facilitate B2B interactions in Gambia's business landscape.
Please note that it is advisable to conduct independent research or seek expert advice before engaging or making any commitments on these platforms as their reliability may vary over time.