The Gambia Takes Major Step Toward a Fully Digital Nation with Launch of NDASC
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy of The Gambia has inaugurated the National Digital Addressing Steering Committee (NDASC), a landmark move that marks a significant step in the country’s journey toward becoming a fully digital nation.
Led by Hon. Lamin Jabbi, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the launch aligns with the National Digital Addressing Policy 2023, which seeks to establish a unified, modern, and efficient digital addressing framework across The Gambia.
Digital Addressing: A Pillar for National Development
In his keynote address, Minister Jabbi underscored that digital addressing is more than a technological innovation — it is a pillar of national development. The initiative aims to drive economic growth, good governance, and social inclusion by providing accurate and accessible location data for all citizens and businesses.
The system is designed to:
- Enhance e-commerce and postal services
- Enable smarter urban planning and land administration
- Improve emergency response and navigation systems
- Strengthen tax collection, data management, and public service delivery
By integrating digital addressing into key government functions, The Gambia is laying the foundation for a connected and efficient digital economy.
The Role of the National Digital Addressing Steering Committee (NDASC)
The newly formed NDASC will serve as the advisory and oversight body for implementing the National Digital Addressing Project.
The committee includes representatives from government ministries, local authorities, academia, civil society, and the private sector, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive approach to policy execution.
Among its primary responsibilities, the NDASC will:
- Coordinate the rollout of the National Digital Addressing Plan
- Oversee project implementation and monitoring
- Support local authorities in data collection, validation, and management
- Lead nationwide awareness campaigns to promote public adoption
- Mobilise funding and partnerships for long-term sustainability
- Ensure system interoperability across sectors like telecommunications, logistics, and land management
Minister Jabbi called on the committee to go beyond bureaucratic routines and focus on tangible, citizen-centred outcomes that will directly improve lives and services across the country.
Driving The Gambia’s Digital Transformation
The launch of the NDASC is a clear demonstration of The Gambia’s commitment to digital transformation and inclusive development. Minister Jabbi reaffirmed that the digital addressing system will form the foundation for digital governance, supporting smarter decision-making and improving national data accuracy.
This initiative places The Gambia among a growing number of African nations modernising their digital infrastructure. By embracing such transformative systems, the country is paving the way for smarter governance, improved service delivery, and a sustainable digital future.
