Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia’s efforts to boost its digital resilience took a significant step forward this week as updates on the deployment of the country’s second submarine cable were presented to the Special Committee on National Backup Connectivity.

The WARDIP Project team, working in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, briefed committee members on the latest progress and discussed a governance framework for a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will manage the cable.

Consulting firm TACTIS, which led the Transaction Advisory and Technical Feasibility Study, outlined several possible SPV models and highlighted the financial requirements for establishing the Cable Landing Station. The proposals are expected to guide how the project will be structured and sustained, ensuring efficiency and transparency.

Officials underscored that the initiative requires strong collaboration between the private sector—particularly Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)—and the government to deliver a successful outcome.

The project is seen as a landmark development in securing a backup to the country’s existing submarine cable, enhancing connectivity, and reducing the risk of internet disruptions.

“This initiative is a major step in strengthening our national digital resilience,” the project team emphasized, assuring the public of continued updates as the work progresses.