The collaboration is set to transform Gambia’s core network, increasing its capacity from 50 Gbps to 800 Gbps — a staggering 1,500% boost. This upgrade is expected to eliminate existing connectivity bottlenecks and establish a high-performance, reliable infrastructure critical for fostering a modern, competitive digital environment. Gamtel’s Director General, Lamin A. Tunkara, emphasized that the investment is not only about expanding capacity but also about securing national sovereignty, resilience, and future economic growth. He underscored the importance of connectivity as a vital development infrastructure and expressed confidence that the partnership positions Gambia as a significant player in the global digital economy.
A 2021 report by the World Bank highlighted that while Gambia’s fiber optic backbone, which spans approximately 1,367 kilometers, is relatively well-developed and covers areas where over 90% of the population lives within 10 kilometers of a fiber node, the infrastructure remains underutilized. The report noted that only 27% of radio access network sites — primarily in urban regions — and about 5% of the population are connected. Rural areas face challenges such as fiber cuts, maintenance issues, and high tariffs, largely due to poor management, limited service marketing, and quality concerns.
To address these issues, the World Bank recommends increasing private sector involvement in both wholesale and retail segments of the network. Greater private participation could improve utilization of the fiber infrastructure and reduce the financial strain on the public sector, helping to expand connectivity and improve service quality across the country.
