Gambia

Market Overview

Total Population

2.7M

Muslim Population

2.5M (96%)

Market Growth (CAGR)

5.0%

GDP (USD)

$2B

Per Capita Halal Spend

$50-90

Ease of Business Rank

#155

Regulatory Framework

Halal Authority

Gambia Halal Certification Authority (GHCA)

Certification Required

No — Voluntary

Key Legislation

No mandatory national halal law; Gambia Halal Certification Authority (GHCA) established to support halal export sector; Gambia is 96% Muslim with strong Islamic governance tradition; formerly declared Islamic Republic (Jammeh era, 2016 reversed)

Import Requirements

GHCA halal certificate or recognized international body accepted for halal food imports

Labeling Requirements

English language labeling; voluntary halal mark; GHCA certification for export products

Industry

Trade Intelligence

Top Halal Exports

Groundnuts and groundnut products, fish, sesame to EU, India, China

Top Halal Imports

Rice, petroleum products, manufactured goods from Senegal, China, EU

Government Incentives

Tourism development (The Gambia is a popular UK and European winter sun destination); GIEPA (Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency) supports FDI; groundnut processing modernization

FDI Rules

Investment welcome; GIEPA provides one-stop-shop; small market limits scale

Consumer Insights

Halal Awareness

Very High — 96% Muslim; Islam central to national identity

E-Commerce Adoption

Very low

Cold Chain Maturity

Low

Per Capita Halal Spend

$50-90

Dining Scene

Predominantly halal; traditional Gambian cuisine (benachin — jollof rice, domoda); halal restaurants along tourist belt

Halal Food Availability

Widespread — 96% Muslim country

Tourism Infrastructure

Good halal tourism infrastructure in tourist belt (Senegambia); prayer facilities available; beach resorts accommodating Muslim guests

Halal Certifiers in Gambia

Market Statistics

Official Authority

Gambia Halal Certification Authority (GHCA)