Professional, scientific and technical activities have recorded the sharpest decline in employment in The Gambia, according to a new analysis by Briefcase PR.

The study, based on data from the Gambia Bureau of Statistics, found that employment in the sector dropped by an estimated 62.1% between 2022–2023 and 2025.

Figures show the number of people employed in professional, scientific and technical activities fell from 8,183 to about 3,100 over the period. Its share of total employment also declined from 1.5% to 0.5%.

Administrative and support service activities recorded the second-highest drop, with employment declining by 46.3%, followed by information and communication at 26.8%.

Other sectors also experienced notable contractions. Employment in other service activities fell by 17.5%, while accommodation and food services dropped by 17.2%.

Although agriculture, forestry and fishing recorded a smaller percentage decline of 7.9%, it accounted for the largest number of jobs lost overall, with an estimated reduction of about 9,400 positions.

On average, the industries analysed recorded a 29.6% decline in employment, placing professional, scientific and technical activities significantly above the overall trend.

Demba Jallow, Director, The Gambia Division
for Briefcase PR said the findings reflect uneven labour market shifts, despite overall employment growth during the period.

“The Gambia’s labour market grew overall between 2022–23 and 2025, but the gains were not spread evenly across every industry,” Demba Jallow Director, The Gambia Division Briefcase PR said.

The analysis ranked industries based on estimated percentage declines in employment, focusing on sectors with at least 5,000 workers and a minimum loss of 500 jobs to avoid distortions from smaller industries.

The findings highlight growing concerns about sector-specific job losses, particularly in knowledge-based and service-driven industries, as the country continues to navigate economic changes.

By Adama Makasuba