Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Despite the government announcing relaxed restrictions on four importations to The Gambia, the issue has sparked debate after a young entrepreneur from Denmark reportedly faced difficulties clearing her consignment due to high customs duties. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment has since issued a statement denying allegations of an embargo on flour imports while defending the country’s long-standing policy of protecting local flour mills.

According to a report by What’s On Gambia, the young woman had saved over $15,000 to start a business in The Gambia, importing 24 metric tons of wheat flour from Turkey.

However, she was informed that only Fouta Trading, a company owned by Senegalese businessman Kalilu Waggeh, was allowed to import flour into the country. As a result, she was required to pay over D800,000 in customs duties—more than the cost of the flour itself. Failure to do so, she was told, would result in the auctioning of her goods by the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA).

In response, the Ministry of Trade issued a press release refuting claims that flour imports were restricted to a single importer. The statement clarified that there was no embargo on flour imports but pointed to a 2013 amendment to The Gambia’s Customs and Excise Act, which increased the duty on flour from 20% to 47%.

The policy was introduced to protect and promote local flour milling industries, such as the Gambia Milling Corporation and Nessim Flour Mill. The ministry argued that similar protectionist policies exist for other sectors, including onions, potatoes, and cement.

The government further stated that a quota system had been established in collaboration with the National Bakers Union to import a special brand of flour to be mixed with locally produced flour. The ministry emphasized that the companies granted importation rights were not Fouta Trading but rather firms identified by the Bakers Union.

Additionally, the ministry dismissed claims that the importer’s tax bill exceeded the cost of the goods, explaining that duties are calculated at 47% of the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of the imported goods.

The Gambia government’s flour imports set up highlights the complex regulatory environment, with critics arguing that the system benefits select businesses at the expense of new market entrants. The case also raises concerns about transparency and accessibility of trade regulations for investors, prompting businesses to call for clearer guidelines.