The Executive's Guide to Serekunda: Business Travel in Gambia's Commercial Hub

Serekunda operates on what locals call 'Gambia Maybe Time' – a rhythm distinctly different from Western business environments. Meetings scheduled for 9 AM might begin at 10:30, and this isn't considered unprofessional but rather part of the natural flow of life. Tranquilo, as we'd say back in Mexico – patience is essential.

The city serves as Gambia's commercial nerve center despite not being the capital. Most business activities happen in modest office buildings around the Serekunda Market area and along Kairaba Avenue, where you'll find banks, telecom companies, and government satellite offices.

For productive work between meetings, I found the portable laptop stand indispensable when working from cafés or hotel lobbies. When paired with my noise-canceling earbuds, I could transform any space into a functional office, blocking out the constant symphony of street vendors and traffic that defines Serekunda's soundscape.

My background straddling two cultures prepared me well for Serekunda, where business success hinges on cultural awareness. The Gambian approach to business is relationship-first – expect to spend time discussing family, health, and general wellbeing before addressing agenda items. This isn't small talk; it's essential relationship building.

Dress codes lean conservative despite the heat. Men typically wear business suits or traditional attire like the kaftan for meetings, while women opt for modest business wear or colorful traditional dresses. I packed my lightweight travel blazer which proved perfect for formal meetings while remaining comfortable in the heat.

Hierarchy matters tremendously. Address the most senior person first, using titles like 'Doctor' or 'Director' where applicable. During my healthcare conference, I noticed how decisions always deferred to the eldest or highest-ranking person, regardless of who might have technical expertise.

Negotiations move slowly and rarely conclude in a single meeting. The concept of baraka (blessing or good fortune) influences business dealings – rushing appears disrespectful and suggests you're only interested in profit, not relationship.

While Serekunda isn't known for luxury business hotels, several properties cater well to business travelers. The Kairaba Beach Hotel and Senegambia Beach Hotel offer reliable business centers, consistent Wi-Fi, and meeting facilities. For longer stays, I recommend the travel router to strengthen inconsistent hotel connections.

Mobile connectivity is surprisingly good throughout Serekunda. I purchased a Gamcel SIM card at the airport (bring your passport for registration) and maintained reliable 4G coverage throughout my stay. For important video calls, however, I scheduled them early morning or late evening when network traffic was lighter.

Power outages remain common despite recent infrastructure improvements. After losing progress on a presentation during my first day, I made sure to carry my portable power bank everywhere. Most business-oriented accommodations have generators, but they sometimes take a minute to kick in.

For transportation between meetings, avoid the crowded gelli-gellis (minibuses) and instead use the Green Taxi service, which offers fixed rates and more professional service. I arranged a dedicated driver through my hotel for the week, which proved invaluable for navigating Serekunda's unmarked streets and staying on schedule.

My work as a midwife has taught me that understanding a community's cultural context is essential to providing effective healthcare. The same principle applies to business in Serekunda – your success depends on engaging with the culture beyond conference rooms and hotels.

Albert Market, while chaotic, offers unparalleled insight into local commerce and negotiation styles. I spent a Saturday morning observing transactions, noting how price discussions were less about haggling and more about establishing relationship and respect. These observations later helped me navigate procurement discussions for medical supplies.

Business meals are opportunities for deeper connection. The Butcher's Shop on Kairaba Avenue and Scala Restaurant near the Senegambia strip offer excellent environments for business discussions. Be prepared for lengthy meals where conversation flows from personal to professional and back again.

I found my pocket translator device invaluable during these cultural immersions. While English is widely spoken in business settings, showing effort to communicate in Wolof or Mandinka builds tremendous goodwill. Even my limited phrases opened doors that remained closed to colleagues who stayed within their linguistic comfort zones.

For weekend team-building, consider organizing a trip to the sacred Kachikally Crocodile Pool in nearby Bakau or a sunset cruise on the River Gambia. These experiences provide natural settings for the relationship-building that underpins Gambian business culture.