The release of the latest labour market report by the government of The Gambia presents encouraging signs for the country’s economic future. The findings, published through the collaboration of Gambia Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, the International Labour Organization, and the World Bank-supported HISWACA project, suggest that the nation is gradually strengthening its labour market after years of economic difficulties and post-pandemic disruptions.
The report highlights substantial improvements between 2023 and 2026. Labour force participation increased from 43.6 percent to 54.5 percent, while the employment-to-population ratio rose from 40.3 percent to 51.1 percent. Most notably, employment expanded by more than 163,000 jobs. These figures point to renewed economic activity and growing opportunities for Gambians across different sectors.
Equally significant is the decline in unemployment from 7.6 percent to 6.2 percent, alongside the reduction in labour underutilisation from 31.6 percent to 23.6 percent. Such progress demonstrates that more citizens are not only finding jobs but are also becoming meaningfully engaged in productive work. This development is especially important for a country where youth unemployment and underemployment have long been major national concerns.
The report also carries political significance. President Adama Barrow had pledged to create 150,000 jobs during his administration. The creation of over 163,000 jobs therefore represents more than just a statistical achievement; it signals progress toward fulfilling a major national promise. While numbers alone do not tell the full story, they provide measurable evidence that government policies and economic reforms may be producing tangible results.
However, the government must avoid complacency. Employment growth is meaningful only if the jobs created are sustainable, fairly paid, and capable of improving living standards. Many Gambians, particularly young people and women in rural communities, still face economic hardship, limited access to quality education, and inadequate opportunities for professional advancement. Policymakers must therefore focus not only on the quantity of jobs but also on the quality of employment being generated.
The government’s stated commitment to industrialisation, skills development, women’s empowerment, rural development, and social protection is a step in the right direction. Continued investment in these areas can help ensure that economic gains are inclusive and long-lasting. Strengthening vocational training, supporting small businesses, and encouraging private sector growth will be essential in sustaining this momentum.
Ultimately, the labour market report offers a hopeful picture of economic recovery in The Gambia. While challenges remain, the improvements recorded should encourage both policymakers and citizens to continue working toward a more productive, inclusive, and resilient economy.