MOICI engages regional authorities on formulation of digital roadmap

By: Haruna Kuyateh

Ministry of Information Communication and Infrastructure in partnership with Lasting Solutions Tech Company held workshop with stakeholders on 2020 -2024 ICT4D plan that aimed to engage and undertake consultations with key stakeholders to support the policy and strategy plan development process, for broadband, cyber security, Digital Economy funding mechanism. The synergy was held in Kerewan north bank region.

Abdoulie Sowe CEO of Lasting Solutions and team leader of consultants for the ICT4D Masterplan 2020-2024 consultancy through the Ministry of Information Communication & Infrastructure. He dilated on the overview of ICT4D pillars and status of IT in the Gambia

He disclosed that Lasting Solutions is a 100% Gambian own company which was started by three young Gambians in 2005, ICT was relatively new in The Gambia and most of the ICT training and service companies where been run by foreigners.

Lasting Solutions offer many ICT services ranging from Training, Computer sales and services, CCTV installation, Software development and of recent started a Solar Energy company called Lasting Energy Solutions that offers Solar backup installations.

“We all know by now that ICT brings opportunities for economic and social development, and the Government of The Gambia has recognized them through a nationwide strategic plan. He noted that as consultant and MOICI will undertake the following Stage 1 – review and enhancement of existing policy statements and development of strategies and action plans for National Broadband,” he said.

He acknowledged that Government of The Gambia has recognized the potentials and opportunities that ICT offers and it’s acting to leverage on these potentials and opportunities through its National Development Plan (NDP, Enabler 5), which recognizes ICT as a critical enabler.

Making The Gambia a Digital Nation and creating a modern information society, Government will strive to harness the benefits of ICT in all sectors of the economy for equitable development.

Measures during the plan period will include: improving regulatory services and polices; establishing a National ICT Agency; establishing a National Data Centre to strengthen e-government; upgrading the Telecoms Access Network (Last Mile Connectivity); establishing a National Technology Park to spur research and development; increasing roll out of regional ICT centres to enhance connectivity to schools and communities; achieving digital switch over and analogue switch off; strengthening cyber-security and enhancing postal service delivery.”

Promoting and raising awareness, but most importantly building consensus from all stakeholders and enhancing ownership of the development process by stakeholders and relevant institutions.

Momodou Alieu Jallo, principal ICT Officer at Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure said fourth industrial revolution which is characterized by the increasing digitization of economic activity it is important to note that any nation or community or individual or sector that wants to develop cannot do so without fully embracing ICTs.

For Instance, through Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence, traffic is optimized, waste disposal and management and City management and administration is enhanced.

Also, criminal activity is better controlled and averted. It has become common knowledge that developing countries need better management of resources rather than increased funding and ICTs represent the best opportunity to harness our meager resources for national development.