Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, in collaboration with esteemed partners, recently launched the Digital Transformation for Africa/Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (DTfA/WARDIP). Among the key highlights was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between The Gambia and Guinea, signaling the deployment of a second submarine cable.

This groundbreaking initiative is set to revolutionize broadband connectivity, addressing redundancy issues and ushering in a new era of digital advancement for both nations.

The collaboration promises transformative benefits, including enhanced broadband capabilities that will boost the proliferation of quality and affordable ICT services across various sectors. Hon. Oumsan A. Bah reiterated the commitment to digital transformation, innovation, and integration across Africa and beyond, highlighting the WARDIP Programme’s potential to accelerate impactful digital development initiatives.

The memorandum signed by the Minister of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy for Guinea, Rose Pola Pricemou, and her Gambian counterpart, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Ousmane Bah, aims to conduct a feasibility study for the creation of a new submarine cable. The World Bank will fund the future infrastructure as part of the WARDIP.

This agreement is expected to reduce project-related costs for both countries, with Guinea potentially seeing expenses cut by more than 40%. The initiative underscores the nations’ commitment to bolstering cooperation for a more accessible and prosperous digital future.

Currently connected to the ACE cable, which is prone to frequent disruptions, the Gambia and Guinea depend on it for high-speed internet services. The new submarine cable will not only enhance the quality of these services but also broaden their reach to thousands more individuals, while lowering costs and accelerating the two countries’ digital transformation goals.