The Trade Committee of the National Assembly has recommended that the relevant authorities explore measures to reduce energy and utility costs for productive sectors of the economy.
The recommendations followed its visit to Salaam Cement Company at Denton Bridge, the report of which was tabled before the plenary by the Chairperson of the Committee, Hon. Kebba Jallow.
The visit was undertaken as part of the Committee’s oversight mandate to assess developments at the company, serving as a follow-up to the previous Trade Committee of the 5th Legislature in 2018. During that earlier engagement, it was observed that Salaam Cement Company was primarily involved in the importation and re-bagging of cement. The company had, however, indicated its intention to transition into full-scale cement production in The Gambia.
The objective of this recent visit was therefore to verify the progress made towards achieving this goal and to ascertain the extent to which the company has fulfilled its commitment to establish local cement manufacturing operations. The visit also aimed to examine the cement production processes, evaluate the operational capacity of Salaam Cement, assess the company’s compliance with applicable trade, environmental, and industrial regulatory frameworks, and identify and analyze operational, logistical, and market-related challenges affecting cement production and distribution in The Gambia.
The Committee recognizes the importance of local cement production in supporting industrialization, creating employment opportunities, reducing import dependency, enhancing value addition, and contributing to the country’s economic growth agenda.
Pursuant to its oversight mandate under the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia and the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, the Trade and Regional Integration Committee conducted a site visit to the Salaam Cement Production Facility at Denton Bridge on Tuesday, 21st April 2026.
“Production began in 2022, with a capacity of 300,000 tons and gradually aiming to produce 1,000,000 tons annually. Raw materials include gypsum, clinker, and limestone sourced from Senegal and Spain. The company remains committed to quality and expansion despite challenges,” said Hon. Kebba Jallow, Chairperson of the Committee.
On production operations, he said that Salaam Cement operates a modern cement processing and packaging facility designed to meet growing domestic demand for cement products. “The facility undertakes the blending, processing, packaging, storage, and distribution of cement for the local market,” he said.
On electricity supply, he noted that according to the MD, “the power supply remains unreliable and costly. Salaam relies on 2-megawatt generators. Current tariffs are charged at commercial rates instead of industrial rates, unlike neighboring countries.”
Currently, raw materials are sourced internationally, ensuring compliance with standards. Production is automated and computerized, producing cement grades of 42.5. Bags consistently weigh 50kg, verified by Central Weights and Measures.
Employment Creation: He said, “The current staff employed by Salaam is approximately 75–90. Expansion of the company will increase staff to 275–290.”
Investment and Industrial Development: Hon. Jallow stated that, according to the MD, “expansion of the company requires approximately $110–120 million in financing. The International Finance Corporation and Afreximbank were approached by the Government, but no support has materialized yet.”
Product Distribution: He said that the Management informed the Committee that the company supplies cement products across the country through an established distribution network.
Health and Safety Measures: “The Committee observed the presence of safety signage, personal protective equipment, and basic occupational safety procedures,” said Hon. Jallow.
He cited high energy and utility costs, rising transportation and logistics expenses, fluctuations in international raw material prices, and port and supply chain constraints affecting the timely arrival of inputs as some of the operational challenges facing the company.
At the end of the visit, the Committee made several recommendations, including that “Salaam Cement should continue investing in modern technology and production equipment to improve efficiency and product quality.”
The company, he said, should strengthen occupational health and safety measures through regular staff training and compliance monitoring, and “Government agencies and the private sector should collaborate to promote local industrial production and value addition.”
He added that the Committee recommended, “Relevant authorities should explore measures to reduce energy and utility costs for productive sectors of the economy.”
He further stated that Salaam Cement should expand skills development programs aimed at building the capacity of its personnel, and the company should continue to strengthen its environmental management practices to ensure sustainable industrial operations.
Reacting to the report, lawmakers hailed the Committee for the visit, which formed part of efforts to ensure that demand and supply of cement are met. They added that the implementation of such recommendations will greatly help to address the price hike in cement, which is confronting the construction aspirations of consumers.
The report of the Trade Committee was subsequently adopted by the lawmakers.
