Amanze Chinonye
The Central Bank of The Gambia has directed commercial banks to phase out non-Gambian employees and replace them with suitably qualified Gambian nationals by Dec. 31, as the regulator tightens enforcement of rules governing expatriate employment in the banking sector.
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The directive was contained in a Sept. 16 circular signed by Second Deputy Governor Paul J. Mendy and addressed to managing directors of commercial banks. It followed an Aug. 27 meeting between the central bank and bank executives and a subsequent review of foreign employment across the industry.
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The regulator said its review found a “relatively high number” of non-Gambians employed by banks in addition to formally recognised expatriate staff. It said the arrangements were inconsistent with the Labour Act 2023 and its Guideline 9 on expatriate staff.
Banks were instructed to develop succession plans, identify qualified Gambian replacements and transfer skills and institutional knowledge to local employees. The central bank also directed lenders to ensure the transition does not disrupt banking operations.
The directive applies across The Gambia’s 11 licensed commercial banks, including Nigerian-owned subsidiaries such as Access Bank Gambia, First Bank Gambia, Guaranty Trust Bank Gambia and Zenith Bank Gambia, as well as Ecobank Gambia and other lenders.
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The Labour Act provides for expatriate employment through an approved quota system and requires employers to provide Gambian counterparts to understudy expatriate positions and facilitate skills transfer.
The stated basis for the directive is in compliance with labour legislation and expatriate-staffing rules, rather than rising unemployment, although the measure comes amid broader efforts to increase employment opportunities for Gambians.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
