Gambia Records D22.93 Billion in Public Expenditure by Q3 2025

The Gambia government’s total expenditure reached D22.93 billion by the end of September 2025, highlighting the country’s fiscal performance during the period.

The Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MoFEA) disclosed this in its Budget Performance Report for January – September 2025.

The report focuses on key fiscal indicators, including revenue collection, expenditure patterns, and ongoing efforts toward fiscal consolidation.

Key highlights of the report include:

Revenue Performance:
Total revenue reached GMD 21.70 billion by end-September 2025. Tax revenue stood at GMD 18.15 billion, representing 86 percent of the annual target and a 37 percent increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was driven mainly by higher collections from profit, property, and trade taxes.

Non-tax revenue declined by 19 percent year-on-year to GMD 3.56 billion. At just 45 percent of its annual target, the shortfall in non-tax revenue significantly constrained the government’s overall fiscal space.

Expenditure Performance:
On the expenditure side, the report shows that total government expenditure and net lending amounted to GMD 22.93 billion, representing 71 percent of the approved 2025 budget.

Personnel emoluments, domestic interest payments, and subsidies and transfers accounted for the bulk of spending. Personnel emoluments alone increased by 37 percent year-on-year, reflecting recent salary reforms.

Budget Deficit:
Regarding the budget deficit, the report indicates that the government recorded a gross deficit of GMD 1.22 billion, largely financed through domestic borrowing.

Debt Interest Payments:
Debt interest expenditures totaled GMD 4.69 billion, underscoring the country’s significant debt-servicing burden.

Total debt interest payments rose by 31 percent, or GMD 1.12 billion, compared to the previous year. This increase was mainly driven by a 34 percent year-on-year rise in domestic debt interest payments, according to the report.

International Trade and Transport Taxes:
Revenue from international trade and transport taxes amounted to GMD 4.92 billion, achieving 84 percent of the annual target.

This represents a notable 51 percent increase compared to the previous year, an additional GMD 1.66 billion, attributed to higher customs duties, import tariffs, improved customs administration, and increased trade volumes.

By Bakary Touray Jr