Bilateral relations between South Africa and The Gambia were established in 1994 and are cordial. On 30 September 2004, South Africa and The Gambia signed a General Agreement of a Framework for Co-operation which identified the areas of trade and industry; agriculture and livestock; air and maritime transport and infrastructure; fisheries and environmental affairs; arts, crafts and culture; tourism; education and training; defence and security; and energy for possible cooperation. Although this agreement has lapsed, both countries are working diligently towards its restoration or revival through another bilateral mechanism.

Trade/Economic Relations

However, trade relations between the Republic of South Africa and The Gambia are valued at R62 Million and R3 Million respectively.  South Africa’s main exports to The Gambia are Machinery, mechanical appliances, nuclear reactors, boilers; parts thereof, electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television, vehicles other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof etc, while The Gambia’s exports to South Africa mainly consist of fish and crustaceans, molluscs and other aquatic invertebrates.