Nestled within the African continent lies the small yet densely populated nation of e-Gambia, a country brimming with potential despite its modest size. Spanning approximately 10.7 thousand square kilometers and home to a population of 2.5 million, e-Gambia boasts a unique landscape where urban and peri-urban centres serve as focal points for its citizens.
This high population density presents both challenges and opportunities for digital development and connectivity.
Overview of e-Gambia
When it comes to e-governance, Gambia falls into the low OSI group, which suggests that there’s room for improvement in terms of online service provision.
However, it’s encouraging to note that there has been notable development and improvement in this area recently.
In terms of key indicators like Telecommunication Infrastructure (TII) and Human Capital Index (HCI), Gambia sits in the middle range. While there’s certainly progress being made, it’s also important to acknowledge that there’s still work to be done to fully harness the potential of digital technologies.
In the latest UN e-government report, Gambia ranked 174th globally, marking a jump of 7 places in just 2 years. One area where Gambia has shown significant improvement is in its E-Participation Index (EPI)…with e-Gambia jumping an impressive 46 places during the same timeframe.
That being said…e-Gambia is way behind the region or sub-region average.
National Digital ID System (DIDS) in e-Gambia
I think the Gambia’s move towards implementing a National Digital ID System (DIDS) is a significant step forward in their digital transformation journey. It’s great to see collaboration between the government, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy (MOCDE) in shaping this strategy (Digital Transformation Strategy and the Digital ID Strategy.)
What I like most about this approach is its phased implementation. Breaking down the process into five phases shows a clear roadmap, starting from approval and ending with the finalization of requirements. This structured approach ensures that each step is carefully planned and executed, reducing the chances of setbacks or confusion along the way.
It’s interesting to note the evolution of Gambia’s identity cards over the years. Over the past 15 years, Gambia has issued various versions of national identity cards, each evolving to meet the changing needs of the digital age. The latest iteration, the biometric ID card, represents a significant leap forward in terms of security and reliability.
However, what’s particularly noteworthy is that this approach doesn’t discard the existing National Identification Number (NIN). Instead, it enhances it by generating a new unique random number for digital ID, ensuring both uniqueness and preventing repeated allotment of ID numbers to citizens.
I believe the decision to retain the existing National Identification Number (NIN) while introducing a new unique random number for digital ID is a smart move. Why?
Well…It maintains continuity for citizens while also enhancing security and uniqueness in the digital realm. Plus, it aligns with practices adopted by other countries with biometric-based national IDs.
However, one thing’s for sure…From simple ID cards without chips to the latest biometric ID cards, there’s been a clear progression towards more advanced technology.
What I’d like to add is the potential impact of the National Digital Identity platform on delivering digital services. By serving as a trusted source of identity information, it can streamline processes and improve efficiency in accessing various services. This has the potential to enhance citizen experience and overall governance effectiveness.
Connectivity in e-Gambia
At the beginning of 2024, there were about 1.52 million internet users in Gambia, which means roughly 54.2% of the population had internet access. That’s a significant leap from the 18% internet penetration rate recorded back in 2019, according to an assessment by the ITU. I think it’s safe to say there’s been quite an improvement in just five years. However, there’s still work to be done.
However, despite this progress, it’s clear that there’s still work to be done. With 45.8% of the population—equivalent to 1.29 million people—remaining offline at the start of 2024, it’s evident that digital exclusion persists as a challenge.
While the increase in internet users is promising, bridging the gap for those still without access should remain a priority for e-Gambia’s digital development efforts.
Final thoughts
What I believe is important to highlight is that while e-Gambia has made some amazing progress, there’s still work to be done to ensure that digital development is inclusive and equitable. This means addressing issues like access to technology, digital literacy, and ensuring that rural areas aren’t left behind in the digital divide.
Sources:
https://publicadministration.un.org/egovkb/en-us/Data/Country-Information/id/63-Gambia
