By: Fatou Krubally
The National Assembly on Thursday considered proposed reforms aimed at strengthening The Gambia’s investment and export promotion framework.
This came up as lawmakers examined the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) Amendment Bill, 2025.
The report of the Select Committee on Trade and Regional Integration, presented before the House, outlined changes intended to modernize the legal framework governing investment promotion, improve institutional coordination and enhance investor confidence.
A key focus of the proposed amendments is the streamlining of investor services, particularly land acquisition and zoning processes, which stakeholders have identified as a major constraint to investment inflows.
During consideration, lawmakers noted that delays in accessing land have in some cases slowed investment projects, with investors facing prolonged administrative procedures before securing development sites.
The Assembly therefore examined proposals aimed at improving coordination among agencies involved in investment facilitation, including enhanced collaboration between GIEPA and relevant government institutions.
The bill also proposes revised investment thresholds, adjustments to fiscal incentives and clearer definitions of capital goods for duty exemption purposes. The committee said these measures are intended to attract higher-value investments while discouraging speculative ventures.
Other proposals include clearer rules on investment incentives, improved trade facilitation measures and expanded functions for GIEPA to support cross-border trade and industrial development.
The committee further highlighted plans to strengthen industrial and economic zones and increase private sector participation in investment governance structures.
Members of the committee said the reforms align with national development priorities and are expected to support job creation, export growth and private sector expansion.
The report was adopted by the Assembly without objection, clearing the bill to proceed to its next stage of consideration under parliamentary procedures.