The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), convened a Validation Workshop on the Assessment Report of Lumos (Local Farmers Markets) in The Gambia at the Bakadaji Hotel on the 1st October 2025.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders from local government authorities, area councils, market committees, and development partners to validate the findings of a comprehensive national study that assessed the state of Lumos across the country. The study forms part of ongoing efforts under the Strengthening Capacities for Green, Inclusive, and Economic Growth Project, which seeks to modernize rural markets, strengthen governance, and promote inclusive economic development.
DPS Dampha delivered a welcoming remark by emphasizing the importance of Lumos, which strengthens the social fabric of our country.
Director Omar Badjie expressed appreciation to the UNDP and the consulting firm for their commitment and professionalism in conducting the study. He emphasized that the findings will directly inform MoTIE’s Lumo Modernization Plan for 2026, which will pilot interventions across selected regions while maintaining the traditional structure of local markets.
“We are committed to modernizing our rural markets without losing their cultural and social essence.
This report provides the evidence base we need to design interventions that are both inclusive and sustainable,” he stated.
Deputy Director Aziz Bala-Gaye, speaking virtually, commended the assessment for capturing the social, gender, and environmental dynamics of Lumos. He highlighted the potential to leverage climate financing mechanisms such as the Green Climate Fund to implement the proposed interventions. He also underscored the importance of digitalizing trade and revenue collection, noting that many vendors are already interested in adopting mobile money and digital platforms for business transactions.
“Digitalization is key to formalizing trade and improving transparency. By connecting Lumos to digital payment systems, we can create smarter, more efficient, and accountable markets,” he noted.
The session concluded with several recommendations from the VDCs and area councils in attendance.
