Mod K Ceesay, Minister Of Trade
By Makutu Manneh
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment announced on Saturday that it will impose a temporary ban on the importation of onions and potatoes, effective March 1, 2026, as part of a broader effort to support domestic agriculture.
According to a ministry press release, the ban on onions will remain in effect until June 2026, while the restriction on potatoes will continue until July 2026. The ministry indicated that these timelines could be extended if necessary, and warned that shipments arriving without prior exemption after March 1 would not be cleared.
“This measure aligns with the National Trade Policy, which seeks to strengthen domestic agricultural production, enhance food security, and support local farmers in accessing the domestic market during peak harvest periods to minimize post-harvest losses,” the statement said.
The ministry said it would coordinate closely with the Gambia Revenue Authority and other security agencies to ensure strict enforcement of the moratorium. It also urged stakeholders to cooperate to ensure the initiative’s success.
Analysts say the move reflects the government’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on imported produce and bolster the local farming sector, although some traders have expressed concern over potential price increases and supply shortages.
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