Digital transformation is rapidly gaining momentum across Africa, and The Gambia is actively embracing this shift, implementing initiatives to harness the transformative power of technology and reap the benefits of the digital economy

After nine months of collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), The Gambia is preparing to launch a comprehensive "twin-pronged" digital strategy: one for transformation, the other for identification. This plan aims to propel the country into a new era of innovation, fostering economic growth, social inclusion, and government efficiency, as the UNECA says in a statement.

The strategy will be validated at a workshop to be held in the Gambia from Wednesday, December 19 to Thursday, December 20. Among other things, its digital transformation component envisions robust e-government services, streamlined administrative processes, and seamless interactions between citizens and the state. It also calls for the development of high-quality digital infrastructures and the empowerment of citizens in digital skills.

Meanwhile, the digital identification component calls for a standardized, interoperable system, seamlessly connecting citizens to a vast array of government and private sector services. It also defines the means that will be deployed to protect citizens' privacy, in line with best practices and international standards in digital identity management.

The comprehensive strategy is designed to tackle the digital divide, ensuring equitable access for all. According to studies carried out in the country, digital identification could contribute between 1% and 3% to real GDP in the years following its implementation.

Samira Njoya