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We live in a digital world with most of our lives embedded in technology. As many countries embrace technology, there is a need to ensure that people, most especially vulnerable groups such as women, children, persons with disabilities and people from lower income backgrounds, are not left behind in the development. The Gambia is no exception and with the implementation of the AfCFTA, must ensure that everyone is involved in internet development and that all our sectors and the digital economy thrive. 

On Wednesday November 22nd 2023, UNESCO’s Dakar Office supported the validation of the assessment of internet development in The Gambia. The Assessment was done by the Information Technology Association of The Gambia (ITAG) and used various research methods including desk reviews and data collection. The assessment takes stock of The Gambia has made over the years and makes recommendations for best practices using UNESCO’s Internet Universality Index ROAM X principles as a guide. 

The validation was attended by major stakeholders from government, civil society, internet service providers and members of the established multistakeholder advisory board in line with the recommendations of the IUI. Beran Dondeh Gillen, President of ITAG expressed gratitude to UNESCO for their support throughout the process. “This research will go a long way in tracking internet development in The Gambia and helping the sector make well informed decision in the future” she added. Ms. Beatrice, representing the members of the Multistakeholder Advisory Board expounded on the complexities of the research. “This is a comprehensive piece of work as we took our time to question the consultants and make sure that complex issues were included in the document. What we are trying to achieve is a country where no one is left behind in terms internet and digital technology.” 

UNESCO’s Ngenarr Yassin Jeng reiterated the position and support of the organisation for internet development and stakeholder partnerships. “We are happy to have supported this endeavor and look forward to its contribution towards accessible internet access and digital rights which are in line with our priority areas at UNESCO and SDGs 4 and 9 on Education, Industry and Innovation” she mentioned. She further asked participants to take the time to critically analyse the document and make recommendations as it will only make the research more reliable.

The consultants’ representative, Ms. Therese Keita, led the facilitation by taking participants through the different chapters. Each chapter focussed on one of the ROAMX principles and was followed by discussions, questions and recommendations by participants. At the end of the session, participants expressed their excitement about the report and urged ITAG and UNESCO to finalize and publish it for wide use by stakeholders.