Gambia orders banks to replace non-Gambian staff by 2026
The Central Bank of The Gambia has directed commercial banks, including Nigerian lenders GTB and Access Bank, to phase out foreign employees, a move that has drawn criticism.
What happened
The Central Bank of The Gambia has ordered commercial banks operating in the country to phase out non-Gambian employees and replace them with Gambian workers by 2026.123
The directive names banks including GTB and Access Bank, both Nigerian institutions, among those affected.32
The Central Bank of The Gambia said the move follows an industry study it conducted that found many banks employ foreigners.3
The policy has sparked criticism over its impact.1
Key points
What the coverage leaves out
- None of the outlets reviewed reported a response from the affected banks, such as GTB or Access Bank.
- None of the outlets reviewed detailed the specific findings or methodology of the Central Bank of The Gambia's industry study.
- None of the outlets reviewed reported how many foreign employees would be affected or the total workforce size involved.
- None of the outlets reviewed described the nature of the criticism the policy has faced or who has voiced it.
Why it matters
The directive affects Nigeria's top banks, which operate subsidiaries in The Gambia.2
Sources (3)
Every outlet we drew on, grouped by where it is based. Read the originals for the full reporting.
Africa
- 1PunchNGPrivate
Gambia’s central bank faces criticism over foreign worker order
- 2BusinessDayNGPrivate
Nigeria’s top banks hit as Gambia orders 100% local staffing
- 3Premium TimesNGIndependent
Gambia asks GTB, Access Bank, others to dismiss non-Gambian employees