As part of the government’s ongoing efforts to transform The Gambia into a digital economy, the Hon. Minister of Information, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, who also oversees the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MoCDE), commenced a familiarization tour today of key institutions under the ministry. The tour began at Gamtel House in Banjul, followed by visits to Gamcel offices in Kairaba Avenue and Abuko.
The purpose of the tour was to gather firsthand information on the operations, infrastructure, and challenges faced by these institutions, which are critical stakeholders in the country’s digital transformation agenda. Speaking to journalists during the visit, the Hon. Minister underscored the importance of modernizing these institutions to align with President Barrow’s vision of transforming The Gambia into a digital economy.
“The President has a clear vision for the sector,” he said, “and as ministers, it is our duty to implement that vision. Gamtel and Gamcel play important roles in this sector, and our goal is to ensure that they are equipped to drive the country’s digital transformation.”
Minister Ceesay highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms within Gamtel and Gamcel, noting that both institutions were established in the 1980s and must now adapt to the demands of a new digital age.
He emphasized that his visit was not only to assess the infrastructure but also to engage with staff to better understand their realities and challenges.
“It is important to meet the staff, engage with them, and understand the realities on the ground. We want to modernize these institutions, making them commercially viable and service-oriented, so they can continue to serve the people of The Gambia effectively,” he said.
Minister Ceesay reiterated that the reform of Gamtel and Gamcel would be central to The Gambia’s efforts to harness the benefits of digitalization. He expressed the government’s commitment to supporting these institutions in their journey towards modernization, ensuring they remain competitive in the digital economy while delivering quality services to The Gambian population.
The tour marks the first step in a broader engagement by the Ministry to assess and revitalize key institutions under its purview as part of the government’s digital economy agenda.