Women entrepreneurs in The Gambia are taking bold steps to expand their businesses across the region, supported by a new government-backed empowerment initiative. The programme aims to strengthen their competitiveness and open pathways to wider West African markets.

The Gambia Standards Bureau, in partnership with the Ministry of Trade, has rolled out targeted training to help women meet ECOWAS trade requirements. The sessions focus on improving product quality, packaging, and compliance—key areas that often determine whether goods are accepted or rejected at regional borders.

For many small business owners, border rejections have long resulted in costly delays and financial losses. By equipping them with the right standards and knowledge, the programme seeks to reduce these setbacks and promote smoother trade.

This initiative marks a significant step toward boosting women-led enterprises, strengthening their role in regional commerce, and supporting inclusive economic growth across The Gambia and beyond.