The Gambian government asserts it has created 163,000 jobs since 2023, a claim now facing scrutiny. This comes as a letter to the editor, dated May 18, 2026, notes concerns regarding the government's job creation initiatives. The Gambia Government stated it "created 163,000 jobs," a figure central to ongoing discussions about employment and economic development within the nation. The government's assertion is a key point of contention in public discourse and media reporting, prompting a closer look at the actual dynamics of the Gambian labour market. The claim of 163,000 jobs created since 2023 forms the cornerstone of the government's narrative on economic progress, yet its interpretation is now being questioned by various stakeholders.
The Reality of Labour Absorption
A GBoS Labour Market Report indicates that the increase of 163,660 employed persons signifies "increased labour absorption rather than a direct measure of jobs created." This critical distinction suggests that while more people are engaged in some form of work, these positions may not necessarily be new, formally established jobs. This absorption has largely manifested through a rise in self-employment, which grew significantly from 52.9% to 64.3% in three years. This substantial shift towards self-employment points to a labour market where individuals are increasingly relying on their own initiatives to generate income, rather than being absorbed into formal employment sectors. For those engaged in self-employment, the average monthly income stands at D4,609, which, while providing a livelihood, often lacks the stability and benefits associated with formal sector employment. The report's findings thus challenge the government's direct job creation narrative, suggesting a more nuanced reality of how the workforce is evolving.
Precarious Work and Low Wages
The overwhelming majority of employed Gambians, 85.8%, are engaged in the informal sector, indicating widespread precarious work conditions. This high percentage shows a significant structural challenge within the Gambian economy, where formal employment opportunities are scarce, and a large portion of the workforce operates without official contracts, social security, or regulated working conditions. Compounding this, the nation faces a significant challenge with labour underutilisation, which remains exceptionally high at 23.6%. This figure suggests that a substantial portion of the workforce is either unemployed, underemployed, or working fewer hours than desired. For instance, workers who typically require approximately 44 hours of work weekly average only 36.6 hours, further showing the underutilisation of available labour and the prevalence of inadequate working arrangements within the Gambian economy. The prevalence of precarious work in the informal sector, combined with high labour underutilisation, paints a picture of a labour market struggling to provide stable and sufficient income for its participants.
Youth Unemployment and Future Prospects
A significant challenge for The Gambia's future workforce is the high percentage of young people who are not engaged in education, employment, or training. Data indicates that 33.7% of individuals aged 15 to 35 fall into this category, commonly referred to as NEET. This demographic trend points to a substantial pool of untapped potential and shows the urgency of effective youth employment strategies. The implications of such a high NEET rate are broad, potentially leading to social instability and hindering long-term economic development. Addressing the needs of this segment is critical for maintaining social stability and fostering long-term economic growth. The ongoing scrutiny of job creation claims is particularly relevant given these statistics, as the government's ability to integrate young people into the economy remains a key concern for the nation's future prosperity and social cohesion.
Misleading Statistics
Half of all workers in The Gambia earn D3,000 or less per month, according to findings. This income level indicates significant challenges in the labour market, particularly concerning the prevalence of low-wage employment. This statistic notes economic disparities and points to the financial struggles faced by a substantial portion of the Gambian workforce, many of whom are engaged in the informal sector or self-employment. Such income figures are central to understanding the broader economic conditions and the effectiveness of job creation initiatives within the country, raising questions about the quality and sustainability of the jobs being absorbed or created. The disparity between the government's job creation claims and the reality of low wages and precarious work conditions suggests a need for more full and quality-focused employment strategies.
