There has been a lack of cement in The Gambia in recent years due to a combination of economic, logistical, and policy-related factors. The key reasons include:
1. Import Dependency
- The Gambia does not produce cement locally and is heavily reliant on imports, mainly from countries like Senegal.
- Any disruption in regional supply chains (e.g., export restrictions, transport issues, or border closures) can cause immediate shortages.
2. High Demand in Construction
- There has been a boom in construction, both private (homes, businesses) and public (roads, infrastructure).
- This rapid growth in demand often outpaces supply, especially in the dry season, when most construction happens.
3. Port Congestion & Delays
- Cement is often imported through the Banjul Port, which has limited capacity and suffers from congestion and inefficiencies.
- Delays in offloading and clearing containers can slow the supply chain significantly.
4. Foreign Exchange Challenges
- Importers need foreign currency (especially US dollars or euros) to buy cement from abroad.
- If there’s a shortage of forex in the country, it becomes difficult to purchase and import goods like cement.
5. Government Regulations or Taxation
- In some instances, government policy changes—like increased import duties, VAT enforcement, or licensing delays—can disrupt the flow of cement.
- Disputes between importers and authorities (e.g., over price controls or taxes) have also caused supply bottlenecks in the past.
6. Regional Supply Issues
- Cement production in neighboring countries may be affected by:
- Fuel shortages
- Labor disputes
- Machinery breakdowns
- If these countries reduce exports to prioritize their domestic markets, The Gambia feels the impact quickly.
Lack of cement in The Gambia
Quick Overview Table:
| Issue | Effect |
|---|---|
| High import tariffs | Blocks cheaper regional imports, reducing supply |
| Port congestion | Delays shipments arriving by sea |
| Policy bias | Favors large companies, undermines small traders |
| Demand exceeds supply | Ongoing shortages noted in both urban & rural markets |
What This Means:
- For traders & contractors: Expect continuing disruptions until either legal or policy changes occur.
- For consumers: Prices may stay inflated as shortages persist.
- For policymakers: Restoring balance between imported volumes and domestic production is crucial.
What Happens Next?
- CITA’s lawsuit, ongoing since late 2024, aims to overturn the tariff hike and restore road-border imports.
- The Ministry of Trade, Banjul Port Authority, and GCCI are engaging stakeholders, but timelines are unclear.
- Pressure is mounting for the government to either lift road-import restrictions or improve port logistics for large shipments.
Visit our contact page for more information, or go direct to our social media.
Areas covered:
| Kombo North | Bakau, Fajara, Kotu, Bijilo, Brusubi, Brufut, Tanji, Manjai Kunda |
| Kombo South | Sanyang, Gunjur, Kartong, Batokunku, Jambanjelly |
| Kombo Central | Brikama, Busumbala, Farato, Lamin, Yundum, Mandinary, Banjulinding |
| Kombo East | Sibanor, Kafuta, Bulock, Bwiam, Kanilai |
Areas covered: Abuko Bakau Banjul Banjulunding Bansang Basse Santa Su Bijilo Brikama Brufut Brusubi Bundung Busumbala Dippa Kunda Farafenni Farato (West Coast) Gimara Bakadaji Gunjur Janjanbureh (Georgetown) Jufureh Kalagi Kanilai Kerewan Kololi Kotu Kuntaur Lamin (North Bank Division) Lamin (Western Division) Latri Kunda German Latri Kunda Sabiji Manjai Kunda Mansa Konko Nema Kunku Serekunda Soma Sukuta Tabokoto Tallinding Tanji Yundum.
If your location is not shown above do not hesitate to contact us, our coverage area is fairly expansive.