The Gambia’s Economic Renaissance: Tourism Boom and Digital Innovation Shape Future Growth

Economic Resilience and Tourism Revival

The Gambian economy has demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025, achieving a robust 5.7% real GDP growth in 2024. This impressive performance reflects the country’s successful recovery from the pandemic and its ability to navigate global economic challenges, supported by strong activity in the services sector and increased public and private investment.

The nation now ranks among the top 10 African countries for tourism export shares, with tourism accounting for an impressive 49% of the country’s exports, establishing itself as a key player in Africa’s tourism industry.

Tourism Sector Transformation

The 2024/2025 tourist season has begun promisingly, with The Gambia Experience’s maiden flight bringing 176 tourists from the United Kingdom. The season is expected to be particularly successful, with the notable addition of tourists from the Scandinavian market after an extended hiatus.

Significant improvements have been made to enhance the country’s appeal, including beach maintenance, extensive coconut tree planting, and new hospitality projects such as Ngala Lodge and Metze Hotel. The country is actively diversifying beyond traditional sun-and-sea tourism, expanding into eco-tourism, cultural tourism, and river-based experiences.

Digital Transformation and Economic Initiatives

In a significant move toward modernization, The Gambia has launched several digital platforms designed to transform its trade, tourism, and investment sectors. The initiative, unveiled at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, includes the new Gambia E-Market Platform (Gamlumo), alongside export promotion and tourism destination videos, all part of the National Export Strategy (2021-2025).

Future Outlook and Challenges

Looking ahead, The Gambia’s medium-term outlook remains positive, with growth projected to average 5.6% through 2027, supported by broad-based sectoral activity and continued focus on fiscal and macroeconomic stability. However, to maintain this trajectory, the country must address remaining structural gaps and enhance resilience to external shocks.

The World Travel & Tourism Council projects that the African travel and tourism sector could contribute $168 billion to the continent’s economy by 2030, with The Gambia well-positioned to benefit from this growth through its continued focus on enhancing tourism infrastructure.