Gambia: public finances

What is The Gambia's budget deficit?

The government's overall deficit, including grants, was D3.8 billion, or 1.7% of GDP, in the first half of 2026, according to preliminary estimates in the Central Bank of The Gambia's August 2026 MPC statement. In the first half of 2025 it was D6.1 billion, or 3.1% of GDP.

Excluding grants from donors, the deficit was D10.2 billion (4.5% of GDP), down from D12.8 billion (6.4%). The gap between the two measures shows how much the budget relies on grants. The bank attributes the improvement to stronger revenue collection and spending restraint. The full budget is prepared by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs and approved by the National Assembly.

Official sources: CBG: MPC Press Release, 20 August 2026 (PDF)

How much domestic debt does The Gambia have?

Government domestic debt was D55.43 billion, or 24.4% of GDP, at the end of June 2026, up from D51.99 billion at the end of 2025, according to the Central Bank of The Gambia's August 2026 MPC statement.

The bank says the rise reflects more issuance of government securities. Short-term instruments made up 56.2% of the domestic debt, up from 53.8%, which the bank says points to refinancing and rollover risks because the debt has to be renewed often. Domestic debt is only part of the total, because The Gambia also owes money to external creditors such as multilateral lenders, which this figure does not include.

Official sources: CBG: MPC Press Release, 20 August 2026 (PDF)

How much tax does The Gambia collect?

The Gambia Revenue Authority collects about 20% of GDP and 80% of government revenue, according to the Gambia Revenue Authority.

The authority was set up by an Act of the National Assembly in 2004, merging the Customs and Excise Department with the Domestic Taxes Department. It collects domestic and import VAT, corporate and personal income tax, rental income tax and customs duties, and its website has calculators for each. The Central Bank of The Gambia's MPC statements credit improved tax administration for the narrowing of the deficit in the first half of 2026.

Official sources: Gambia Revenue Authority

What is the Gambia's government debt?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 73.7% of GDP. Since 2005 it has ranged from 38.0% of GDP (2007) to 87.3% of GDP (2006). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 53.0% of GDP, and the Gambia placed 12th highest of 46. Worldwide: 50th of 185.

What is the Gambia's fiscal deficit?

The IMF puts general government net lending or borrowing in the Gambia at -4.7% of GDP in 2025 (a deficit). Its high point since 2005 was 2007, at 0.3% of GDP; its low point was 2016, at -6.2% of GDP. Sub-Saharan Africa median: -3.0% of GDP; the Gambia is 35th highest of 47. World rank, highest first: 141st of 188.

How much revenue does the Gambia's government raise?

According to the IMF, general government revenue in the Gambia was 22.9% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 23.0% of GDP in 2020 and the low 9.6% of GDP in 2005. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 18.4% of GDP; the Gambia is 13th highest of 47. Of 187 countries with 2025 data, 115th highest.

What is the Gambia's government spending?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is 27.6% of GDP. It is the top of the series, which starts in 2005. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 20.8% of GDP, and the Gambia placed 12th highest of 46. Of 186 countries with 2025 data, 108th highest.

How much does the Gambia spend on its military?

According to SIPRI, military spending in the Gambia was 0.6% of GDP in 2025. The peak was 1.2% of GDP in 2014 and the low 0.3% of GDP in 2006. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 1.3% of GDP; the Gambia is 39th highest of 44. Worldwide: 132nd of 149.