GAMBIA: US Firms Urged to Conduct Thorough Due Diligence before Investing

The United States Embassy in Banjul has advised American companies seeking to do business in The Gambia to conduct thorough due diligence before investing. This crucial step can be achieved by supplementing information from the US Commercial Service’s International Company Profile service with data from local organizations.

Conducting Due Diligence

• Supplement information from the US Commercial Service’s International Company Profile service with data from local organizations such as:
  • Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)
  • Gambia Import and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA)

However, unlike in many other countries, commercial information brokers are not readily available in The Gambia. This presents a challenge for American companies looking to invest.

Challenges in Conducting Due Diligence

• No private credit bureaus
• Central Bank of The Gambia operates a credit reference system mainly used for banking supervision rather than sharing information among private parties

To assist American companies in their due diligence process, the US Commercial Service offers its network of 108 offices across the United States and over 75 countries.

US Commercial Service: A Valuable Resource

• Global presence with international marketing expertise
• Aims to help US firms sell their products and services worldwide
• Interested businesses can locate a US Commercial Service trade specialist in their area by visiting the website http://export.gov/usoffices

By conducting thorough due diligence, American companies can make informed decisions about investing in The Gambia and minimize risks. With the help of the US Commercial Service, they can navigate the challenges of doing business in a country with limited commercial information brokers.