An Assessment of External Price Competitiveness for the Gambia

Abstract

This paper assesses The Gambia’s competitiveness. A variety of econometrics techniques and survey based indicators suggest that recently, The Gambia has lost its competitiveness compared to the comparator countries. The econometrics techniques employed shows that the dalasi appreciated by 3 to 6 percentage points in real terms. However, these rates are broadly inline with fundamentals and there is zero misalignment. Survey based indicators suggested that The Gambia lagged behind in access to credit, tax rates, and protect investors and national work ethnics. The Gambian authorities need to implement serious reform on tax policies; introduce legislation to promote public private partnership and revamp the public sector.