By: Isatou Sarr
Scores of international participants at the ongoing Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) 2025 Trade Fair have expressed dissatisfaction over low sales compared to previous editions.
Speaking to this reporter on Tuesday, Famoroti Adebola, a Nigerian vendor selling handmade Ankara fabrics commonly referred to as “wax” in The Gambia said this was her second year attending the trade fair, but business had been disappointing.
“Compared to last year, this year is very slow, but we still believe in God that maybe in the few days remaining, we could still meet up. Last year, I made good sales, and that’s why I came back,” she said.
Despite the drop in business, Adebola noted that vendors were accepting whatever customers offered, provided it did not lead to a loss. “You just collect the money, even if it’s a small profit, just not to go home empty-handed,” she added.
However, she criticized the high participation fees charged by the GCCI, especially for international vendors. “For internationals, we are paying D40,000, while nationals are paying D15,000. That’s a huge difference. This is supposed to be an international event. They should have created equal opportunities, even in the food sector,” she stated.
Adebola also lamented the lack of culinary diversity, saying most food vendors were Gambians, offering the same dishes daily. “They should allow Nigerians, Ghanaians, and others to have a space. I ended up eating outside,” she said.
She further called for financial support for small vendors. “Some stalls are sponsored. That’s how businesses grow. I think The Gambia should do the same,” she suggested.
Tapsoba Seini, a vendor from Burkina Faso and owner of Tap Style, echoed similar concerns. Having attended the fair since 2009, he sells handmade African wear for men and women. “This year is slow. By this time in previous years, all my stock would be finished. But that’s business you win some, you lose some,” he said.
Seini also highlighted difficulties crossing into The Gambia. “When we reached Senegal, they charged us about D20,000 to enter The Gambia. That’s too much. Authorities should consider reducing the costs.”
Sheitu Abdula, a Ghanaian vendor attending for the fifth year, attributed the low turnout to the timing change. “The fair is usually in February, but now it’s in May. That might be why customers are not coming like before,” she noted, urging Gambians to visit and support the trade fair.