Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy

Minister Says Gambia Will Favor Local Firms in Digital Economy Push Lamin Jabbi, Minister of Communications and Digital EconomyBy Fatou SillahThe Gambian government is moving to recalibrate its digital economy strategy to favor domestic technology firms, the minister of communication and digital economy, Lamin Jabbi,

MoCDE Launches a validation workshop for phases 3 & 4 of the consultancy to identify and strengthen Cyber Security Management and Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure of The Gambia.

The Directorate of Cyber Security under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is currently hosting a five-day Validation at the NAQAA Conference Hall in Bakau to review and validate key deliverables under the national consultancy on Cybersecurity Management and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII).

The workshop focuses on the development of a National Cyber Contingency Plan, including the identification of emergency response priorities and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), as well as the establishment of mandatory minimum cybersecurity standards and security requirements for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and critical sectors such as banking.

Supported under the World Bank-funded WARDIP Programme, the initiative forms part of The Gambia’s National Cybersecurity Policy, Strategy and Action Plan 2022–2026, aimed at strengthening the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of essential national critical systems and services.

The opening ceremony was graced by the Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Lamin Jabbi, who highlighted the importance of the instruments as critical tools for effectively responding to cyber crises.

“The success of these phases depends on collective will. The government must lead, but it cannot secure the nation alone. The private sector, regulators, standards bodies, academia, and civil society must commit to a sustained partnership.
He added, We must resource the institutions, enforce the standards, and participate in the exercises that make plans real.”

The Director of Cybersecurity at the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Sanusi Drammeh, noted that the exercise aligns with the fundamental pillars of the National Cybersecurity Policy 2022–2026 and emphasized that strong stakeholder collaboration remains essential to achieving the country’s cybersecurity objectives.

Representing WARDIP, the Project Coordinator, Mr. Sering Omar Lowe, emphasized the importance of stakeholder participation to ensure the documents effectively reflect sectoral needs and national priorities.

The validation process seeks to institutionalize a structured review mechanism for all Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIIP)-related contingency plans and SOPs, ensuring they remain aligned with evolving cyber threats, emerging technologies, and national risk assessments.

The framework further establishes a national system for the continuous review, update, and improvement of contingency plans developed under the CIIP Programme of the Republic of The Gambia, thereby enhancing national resilience, coordination, and crisis preparedness against cyber and physical threats affecting Critical Information Infrastructure.

GICTA Advances Government Interoperability Efforts through Deep-Dive Review of the National Enterprise Architecture Framework and Roadmap

The Government of The Gambia has intensified efforts to establish a modern national interoperability and digital governance framework through the development of a comprehensive National Enterprise Architecture (EA), a foundational pillar of the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The initiative, led by the Gambia Information and Communications Technology Agency (GICTA) under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MoCDE), in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and GovStack, is being implemented with support from the Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Programme (WARDIP).

Technical experts from Government, ITU, GovStack, and key stakeholders recently conducted an extensive deep-dive review of the draft National Enterprise Architecture Framework and Implementation Roadmap.

The review focused on strengthening governance structures, interoperability standards, institutional arrangements, implementation sequencing, and sustainability mechanisms ahead of the final national validation session scheduled for later this month.

The government noted that the Enterprise Architecture initiative is not merely an ICT project, but a national governance and institutional transformation programme designed to ensure that all future digital investments are aligned, interoperable, secure, and sustainable.

The upcoming national validation workshop is expected to bring together senior government officials, technical experts, development partners, and sector stakeholders to finalize and endorse the framework before implementation commences.

Once validated and adopted, the National Enterprise Architecture will become the authoritative framework guiding digital transformation and interoperability initiatives across Government, laying the foundation for a digitally integrated, citizen-centric, and data-driven public sector in The Gambia.

Technical experts from Government, ITU, GovStack, and key stakeholders recently conducted an extensive deep-dive review of the draft National Enterprise Architecture Framework and Implementation Roadmap.

Technical experts from Government, ITU, GovStack, and key stakeholders recently conducted an extensive deep-dive review of the draft National Enterprise Architecture Framework and Implementation Roadmap.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy extends warm wishes to all workers on this International Workers’ Day.

We celebrate your dedication, resilience, and invaluable contributions to national development. Happy Workers’ Day!

WARDIP Steering Committee Holds Retreat to Advance Gambia’s Digital Transformation

The WARDIP Project under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, led by Hon. Minister Lamin Jabbie, Esq., is currently convening a two-day Project Steering Committee Retreat at Halahin Eco Lodge in Kartong.

The retreat brings together key stakeholders across the ICT sector to assess ongoing progress and strengthen coordination efforts as The Gambia continues to advance its digital transformation agenda.

In his statement, the Hon. Minister for Communications and Digital Economy emphasized that central to the discussions is the strategic preparation for the landing of a second submarine cable, an initiative expected to significantly boost broadband capacity, enhance nationwide connectivity, and accelerate the country’s digitalisation drive.

The WARDIP Project Coordinator Mr Serign Omar Lowe also addressed that , the retreat preparations for the upcoming Mid-Term Review and Self-Assessment with the World Bank. This process will be critical in evaluating progress and informing the next phase of the project.

Participants are also engaging in discussions on proposed additional financing activities across the seven institutions within the sector, with a focus on ensuring alignment and effective implementation.

The ongoing engagement underscores the Government’s strong commitment to expanding digital infrastructure, improving access to reliable internet services, and promoting inclusive growth within The Gambia’s digital economy.

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy proudly joined the National commemoration of International Women’s Day, held in Kerewan, North Bank Region, organized by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare.

We were honored to be represented by a team of dedicated female staff who actively participated in this significant celebration, showcasing the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across The Gambia

The gathering brought together women from diverse backgrounds, marching side by side in a powerful display of unity, solidarity, and shared purpose.

Under the theme “Rights, Justice, and Access for All Women and Girls”.

The Gambia Advances Digital Transformation with ICT Data Deep Dive Workshop

The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, in partnership with WARDIP, is hosting a two-day ICT Sector Data Deep Dive Workshop aimed at strengthening data systems across the country’s ICT sector.

The workshop focuses on strengthening ICT data collection, management, and reporting while promoting participatory approaches to data generation.

This initiative underscores the Government’s commitment to expanding connectivity, strengthening digital infrastructure, and promoting inclusive access to digital services.

Supported by the World Bank under the WARDIP Gambia Project, the workshop brings together key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), WARDIP, the Gambia Bureau of Statistics, and the private sector(MNOs and ISPs)

Aligned with the ICT sector outcome and the Recovery Focus National Development Plan (2023–2027) and the Digital Economy Master Plan (2024–2034), the initiative emphasizes the crucial role of high-quality, timely, and disaggregated data in attaining national development objectives.

Over the two days, participants will engage in technical discussions, peer learning, and collaborative sessions to:
🔹 Review existing data systems
🔹 Identify key gaps
🔹 Harmonize ICT indicators
🔹 Develop a coordinated framework for data collection and reporting.

The expected outcomes include stronger data governance, improved ICT statistics, and enhanced capacity for evidence-based policy and planning.

at GITEX Africa 2026

The Gambia is participating in GITEX Africa 2026 at the invitation and support of the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco through Minister in charge of Digital Transition and Administration Reform. GITEX is the largest Technology gathering and exhibition show in Africa taking place in Marrakech, Morocco. Hon. Lamin Jabbi, Esq., Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Hon. Hon. Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay led the Gambian delegation to deepen partnerships and accelerate our national digital transformation agenda.

At the summit, the delegation engaged in a series of strategic bilateral meetings and high-level panel discussions focused on key national priorities, including digital infrastructure, e-government, digital identity, payment systems, and cybersecurity.
Discussions on fintech and payments systems (Digital Economy) highlighted critical challenges facing developing digital economies, particularly infrastructure gaps, fragmented systems, regulatory misalignment, and currency-related frictions. Emphasis was placed on the urgent need for harmonised regulatory frameworks, interoperable systems, and inclusive digital solutions to drive financial inclusion and efficiency across Africa.

On the sidelines, the Minister Jabbi held productive engagements with partners including UNECA, where he strongly advocated for long-term and specialized capacity building support for the Ministry to strengthen institutional capabilities in driving digital transformation.

Further engagements with PRESIGHT and NVIDIA underscored the importance of data-driven governance, smart solutions, and AI-enabled public services, with emphasis on advancing The Gambia’s e-government programme, national data centre development, and second submarine cable project as well as implementation of the signed MoU.

The delegation also held discussions with regional counterparts, including the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications of Liberia, where both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation on submarine cable development, policy alignment, and regional connectivity, including initiating processes towards free roaming.
In addition, engagements with investors and global technology firms focused on opportunities in telecommunications infrastructure, cybersecurity systems, and digital innovation ecosystems, with the Minister positioning The Gambia as a strategic digital hub for West Africa, open to investment and public-private partnerships.

The Gambia also strengthened regional collaboration through engagements with Malawi and Zambian delegates, reinforcing shared commitments to knowledge exchange, policy alignment, and leveraging digital technologies for economic growth and improved service delivery.

GITEX Africa continues to provide a valuable platform for The Gambia to showcase its vision, build strategic alliances, and mobilize investment towards a resilient and inclusive digital economy.

Link: https://mocde.gov.gm/gambia-at-gitex-africa-2026/

Driving West Africa’s Digital Future: The Gambia at the 20th ECOWAS ICT Ministers Meeting in Freetown, Sierra Leone


The Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, together with a high-level delegation comprising experts from the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MOCDE), Ministry of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services (MOIMBS), Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), and the Access to Information Commission, participated in the Twentieth (20th) Meeting of ECOWAS Ministers in charge of Telecommunications, ICT, and Digitization, held in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The high-level meeting was presided over by the Vice President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, under the regional chairmanship of H.E. President Julius Maada Bio. Convened by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI), the meeting brought together ministers, policymakers, and digital experts from across West Africa to advance the region’s digital transformation agenda.


Discussions focused on accelerating the establishment of a unified and competitive ECOWAS digital market through policy harmonization, enhanced cross-border connectivity, and strengthened digital resilience. A key highlight was the continued progress toward the ECOWAS Single Digital Market, aimed at enabling seamless digital trade and communication across member states.


The meeting commenced with an Experts Preparatory Session from 23rd–26th March 2026, followed by the Ministerial Session on 27th March 2026. Key instruments reviewed, discussed, and adopted included:

• Draft Directive Governing Electronic Communications
• Revised Supplementary Act on the Protection of Personal Data in the ECOWAS Region
• Revised Directive on Fighting Cybercrime within ECOWAS
• Feasibility Study on the establishment of a Regional Cybersecurity Coordination Centre
• Draft Regional e-Government Strategy
• Feasibility Study for a Regional Internet Exchange Point (IXP) for West Africa
• Updates on ECOWAS Commission activities for 2026 and beyond
• Validation and adoption of the Experts and Ministerial Meeting Reports


The Ministerial Session endorsed the Experts’ recommendations, reaffirming the region’s commitment to coordinated digital policy development and implementation.


On the sidelines, the Honourable Minister and delegation also engaged in strategic bilateral discussions with the GIZ representative, focusing on partnership opportunities in digital infrastructure development, digital transformation, and capacity building.

The meeting aims to keep Ministers informed on the progress of ECOWAS-led programmes and projects, while strengthening regional collaboration toward the harmonization and advancement of the telecommunications, ICT, and postal sectors.


A significant outcome of the engagement was the conclusion of a strategic bilateral agreement between The Gambia and the ECOWAS Commission, signalling enhanced cooperation on digital development initiatives.