Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and key national stakeholders, has concluded a pivotal two-day workshop on the development of a National Emergency Telecommunications Plan (NETP) for The Gambia.

The event, held from November 20 to 21, 2024, marks a significant step forward in enhancing the country’s disaster preparedness and response framework.

The workshop drew participants from diverse sectors, including the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), the Gambia Cybersecurity Alliance (GCSA), and the National Early Warning and Response Mechanism Coordinating Centre (NCCRM).

Together, they collaborated to design a comprehensive strategy for leveraging telecommunications to mitigate and manage emergencies effectively.

Key discussions revolved around assessing the readiness of the telecommunications sector to support disaster response initiatives. Participants also provided insights to enhance the draft NETP framework, integrating modern solutions like Telecommunication Cell Broadcast, Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), and Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS).

These technologies are expected to revolutionize early warning capabilities and improve the nation’s response to potential hazards.

Critical governance issues, including policies, legal frameworks, and regulatory gaps in emergency telecommunications and early warning systems, were also addressed. Participants highlighted the need for capacity-building initiatives and the adoption of international best practices to establish a resilient emergency communication ecosystem in The Gambia.

The ITU team emphasized opportunities to provide specialized training for Gambian stakeholders on implementing CAP and Telecommunication Cell Broadcast systems. These technologies are expected to modernize the country’s emergency communication framework and improve real-time response capabilities.

This initiative marks a significant step toward improving disaster preparedness and safeguarding lives and property in The Gambia. As the country builds its NETP, the collaboration between local and international stakeholders demonstrates a shared commitment to resilience and technological advancement in emergency management.