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Gambia Telecoms Market Report

Telecoms, Mobile and Broadband - Statistics and Analyses

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Last updated: 11 Jun 2024 Update History

Report Status: Current

Report Pages: 114

Lead Analyst: Henry Lancaster

Contributing Analyst: Peter Lange

Gambia makes progress with digital transformation program

Gambia’s telecom market has become considerably stronger and better managed since the country emerged from the 22 year rule of the autocratic President Jammeh. The government has set in train a raft of policies aimed at developing a digital economy, improving e-government services, and delivering upgraded infrastructure to the rural areas of the east of the country.

The telecom regulator was also reformed in 2022, with a separate Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy being set up to establish a second submarine cable and associated landing station, select a partner to build a national data centre, and improve last-mile internet connectivity. The second submarine cable, which is expected to be lit in 2025, will provide much needed redundancy for the existing ACE cable and will go far to help reduce the high cost of telecom services, which is one of the main barriers to the adoption of internet across the country.

The incumbent telco Gamtel retains a monopoly on fixed-line telephony services, and its control of the national broadband network has also impeded access to this infrastructure for other providers. Nevertheless, the government has renewed its interest in selling its stake in the telco, which continues to lose money and lacks the finances to invest in its networks. In February 2024 the government approved the sale of a 60% stake in the subsidiary Gamcel to private investors.

Although the mobile sector is dominated by Africell and QCell, there is there is effective competition. Although there are few user cases for 5G, the two dominant providers have launched services in support of the government digital transformation ambitions, which require mobile networks based on LTE and 5G to be more widely available.

Key developments:

  • Africell and QCell gaining dominance in the mobile market.
  • Gamtel contracts Huawei to upgrade and expand its core network.
  • Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy is set up to take on the non-ICT responsibilities of the Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure.
  • Africell and QCell launch 5G in support of the government’s digital transformation ambitions.
  • Gambia to benefit from World Bank’s $266.5 million loan aimed at improving internet access and promoting a single digital market in West Africa.
  • Gambia joins the Smart Africa Alliance to promote its digital transformation strategy.
  • Gambian government approves sale of 60% interest in Gamcel.
  • Government adopts a National Fibre Protection Policy to guard against vandalism and minimise the risk of damage to telecom infrastructure.
  • SpaceX receives a licence to operate its Starlink satellite broadband service, with a launch expected later in 2024.
  • Government launches The Gambian Stock Exchange to provide finance to local businesses.
  • Report update includes Gamtel’s financial data, updated Telecom Maturity Index charts and analyses, regulator’s annual report for 2021, recent market developments.

Companies mentioned in this report:

Gambia Telecommunications (Gamtel), Gamcel, Africell, Comium, QCell, Globacom, Thuraya, GamNet, QuantumNet, Netpage, Airtip

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