By: Kebba AF Touray
The Minister of Information, Communication and Technology Hon. Ebrima Sillah has stressed that the ICT sector paid D900 million on taxes last year.
He urged the youth to take ownership of the sector, adding that the world is in a digital age.
Minister Sillah made these statements at the inaugural opening of the Indian Institute of Hardware Technology over the weekend.
The Information Minister stressed that there is no country that can develop meaningfully without an ICT sector. He added that considering the important role the ICT sector plays in the world, there is need for the youths to be more innovative and creative to better drive poverty in this country.
According to Minister Sillah, the ICT sector is the biggest taxpayer in this country, considering that this sector paid over D900M through taxation which was a big boost to the Gambian Economy.
The information minister further emphasized that currently the ICT sector is one of the fastest growing sectors and the biggest taxpayer in this country.
“The sector last year paid over D900M to the government through taxation; this excludes the direct or indirect employment that the sector generated. We believe that we are not exploiting our potential, having institutions that will train young people; not only mass training but quality training will go a long way in enhancing our digital agenda, and we will continue to work with institutions like IIHT, so that at the end of the day, we can have a field of young people who are well trained and qualified, and are able to take up the task”, he said.
