By Haddy Touray
The government of The Gambia has acknowledged the findings of a new national labour market report indicating significant improvements in employment levels, labour force participation, and overall economic recovery across the country.
The report, titled “The Gambia Labour Market: Progress and Trends, GLFS 2022-23 (Q1) to GLFS 2026 (Q1)”, was produced by the Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Bank-funded HISWACA project.
According to the findings, The Gambia recorded a marked improvement in labour market performance over the period under review. Labour force participation rose from 43.6 percent in 2023 to 54.5 percent in 2026, while the employment-to-population ratio increased from 40.3 percent to 51.1 percent.
In absolute terms, employment grew by more than 163,000 persons, reflecting increased economic activity and stronger absorption of labour across key sectors.
The report also shows that unemployment declined from 7.6 percent to 6.2 percent, while overall labour underutilisation fell from 31.6 percent to 23.6 percent.
The gains are attributed to continued post-pandemic recovery, sustained investment in key sectors, and structural changes in the economy.
The findings come against the backdrop of President Adama Barrow’s pledge to create 150,000 jobs during his administration. The latest data, indicating the creation of over 163,000 jobs, is viewed as a significant milestone in relation to this national commitment.
The government says it remains committed to advancing inclusive growth through industrialisation, skills development, women’s economic empowerment, rural development, and strengthened social protection systems under the national development agenda.