Gambia’s Banjul Breweries on Verge of Closure

The Sales and Marketing Manager of Banjul Breweries has suggested that the recently increased tax levy imposed on them might leave them with no choice but to close their doors.

"This tax issue has been affecting the company, this is why we are thinking of closing if the government does not listen to us," he said.

In 2017 they had to pay 120 million Dalasis in tax, in 2018 they paid 132 million and by 2019 they had paid 97 million just from January to April.

Banjul have argued that increasing tax from 10% to 75% is totally unreasonable, especially if VAT is added on top of the 75%, leaving Banjul with 90% tax bill – simply untenable

"Squeeze the company, forcing it to shut down should not be a priority to anybody. The earlier they revise it downward the better because shareholders have been waiting for so long. They believe in the country despite after not making profit for ten years. The investors just realised their first significant profit in 2018," he said.

The company have argued that the government must consider the impact its closure would have on society, not least the number of jobs lost.

Today they closed the production plant and they will sell what stock is left, following this they will decide whether or not to close the company for good.