The Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Seedy Keita, has announced a reduction in the price of a 50kg bag of rice from D2,150 in April 2025 to D1,700 in June 2026 in some outlets.
Delivering the Appropriation Bill,2027 before the lawmakers at the National Assembly on Friday, Minister Keita said sustained market surveillance had contributed to the price reduction, resulting in savings of D450 per bag for consumers.
He said the government continued to strengthen consumer protection, private sector development and trade promotion.
Through the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (GCCPC), consumer complaints valued at more than D1 million were resolved in the first quarter of 2026, according to the minister.
He also disclosed that new regional offices had been opened in Basse and Farafenni to extend consumer protection services to rural communities.
On investment and enterprise development, Keita said the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) had approved 10 Special Investment Certificates valued at more than US$123.9 million.
The investments are expected to create 1,698 jobs, while more than 750 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) received support in enterprise development, digital transformation and market access.
