By Nelson Manneh
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Ousman Bah on Friday 19 January 2024 informed the press that the price of mobile internet data in the Gambia has dropped by 64%.
Minister Bah made this statement during a press conference organised by the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, to inform the public about his Ministry’s achievement during the year ended, 2023.
In 2022, the Barrow Government created the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy to streamline the responsibilities of the Ministry of Information, by giving specific attention to the Digital Economy sector.
The new Ministry is now responsible for the operationalization of the Gambia’s Information and Communication Technology Agency, symbolizing a commitment to harness the power of digital technology for national development.
Minister Bah said in 2023, his Ministry has not only undergone structural changes but has also achieved noteworthy milestones. These achievements include advancements in digital infrastructure, the promotion of digital literacy, the implementation of policies fostering a thriving digital economy, and collaborations with the private sector to drive innovation.
“The Gambia is ranked at 174th out of 193 countries in the United Nations’ E-Governance Development Index in 2022 by rising seven places, following a prior survey conducted in 2020. The Gambia has also been ranked 143th in the world among 193 countries, placing it behind many African states,” he said.
Minister Bah said the digital economy sector plays a pivotal role in socio-economic transformation and development, adding that this is why his Ministry focuses on leveraging technology as a catalyst for inclusive sustainable growth and development, job creation and the creation of a conducive environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship, and improved service delivery.
“Recognizing the critical importance of accessibility and affordability, my ministry is actively working on policies to ensure that internet and ICT services are within the reach of all citizens,” he said.
Minister Bah said in 2023, his Ministry submitted papers to the cabinet, documenting his ministry’s 2023 achievements which include securing a twenty-five million US Dollars fund from the World Bank, as part of WARDIP’s funding and mobile internet penetration rate from 103% in 2022, to 322% in 2023.
