Gambia Inaugurates New Groundnut Processing Plant to Boost Agriculture and Economy

The Gambia has launched a modern groundnut processing plant aimed at enhancing value addition to one of the country’s most important crops.

The project, titled “Enhancing Value Addition in the Groundnut Sector,” aligns with the country’s National Development Plan and underscores the government’s commitment to economic diversification and food self-sufficiency.

President Adama Barrow personally inspected the new facility, describing it as a “timely intervention” in the face of current economic challenges.

The president emphasized that the plant is expected to create employment opportunities, strengthen the local economy, and provide farmers with greater income security.

The plant represents more than just industrial progress—it is a symbol of our dedication to empowering Gambian farmers and increasing our national productivity.

The facility will produce crude groundnut oil and groundnut cake. The oil will undergo further refining for domestic use, a move expected to reduce the nation’s dependency on imported cooking oil. Officials believe this will help control inflation and ease pressure on foreign currency reserves.

Agricultural experts and development partners have praised the initiative for its focus on local processing and market expansion, which could significantly improve the competitiveness of Gambian groundnuts on both local and international markets.

It is a game-changer for the agricultural value chain in The Gambia,” said one project consultant. “It links production directly to industrial output and commercial use, offering better prices and more consistent demand for farmers.

The project is part of broader efforts to modernize The Gambia’s agricultural infrastructure and to strengthen food systems across the country. The government also aims to use such initiatives to build resilience against global supply chain disruptions and economic shocks.