Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents a transformative opportunity for The Gambia, but its integration must be carefully managed to mitigate potential downsides, particularly regarding job displacement and the spread of misinformation. This was the key message from Gambian tech pioneer Amran Gaye, founder of DundalAI and creator of AIDA School, during a recent insightful interview at West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time With Peter Gomez morning talk show.
Gaye, whose pro bono efforts are dedicated to The Gambia’s technological advancement, emphasized that while AI will inevitably replace certain jobs, it will also create new ones, much like the advent of digital computers.
He highlighted a historical parallel, recalling how the term “computer” originally referred to women performing complex calculations during wartime, a role largely replaced by machines that also spurred new industries and roles.
Acknowledging The Gambia’s existing unemployment challenges, Gaye proposed solutions such as Universal Basic Income (UBI) – a fixed amount for all citizens to cover basic needs, funded by the prosperity AI generates – and mass government retraining programs.
He noted that the government, as the largest employer, must proactively plan for the workforce shifts AI will bring.
Transforming Education with AI: A Path to Hope
A significant focus of Gaye’s vision is the revolutionary potential of AI in education, particularly in addressing The Gambia’s alarmingly low high school pass rates. He advocates for “mastery education,” where students progress only after achieving 100% understanding of a subject, a goal made feasible by AI.
Gaye unveiled his own system, AIDA School (named after his daughter), which leverages AI agents to support both teachers and students. These AI teachers can automate test creation, marking, and personalized study plans, freeing up educators to focus on direct teaching.
Student AI agents, meanwhile, offer 24/7 personalized tutoring, adapting to individual learning styles, providing real-time language instruction, and offering career guidance based on student interests – a service currently lacking in Gambian public schools. Such a system could also identify and support students with learning disabilities like dyslexia.
AI for National Development: Infrastructure and Governance
The impact of AI extends beyond education. Responding to a comment from Minister Ibrahim Osilla of Transport, Works and Infrastructure, Gaye affirmed that AI can revolutionize infrastructure development and maintenance.
Drones could map the entire country with unprecedented detail, feeding data to AI systems that recommend road placements and identify maintenance needs for structures like bridges.
Furthermore, AI could digitize property ownership databases, resolving long-standing conflicts and significantly reducing court cases.
Combating the Dark Side: Cybersecurity and Misinformation
Despite the immense potential, Gaye issued a stark warning about the current state of cybersecurity in The Gambia, describing it as “horrible.”
He cited constant attacks on servers and stressed the urgent need for a national cybersecurity law mandating annual audits for major organizations and government departments. Training more cybersecurity professionals is also critical as AI integration increases vulnerabilities.
Gaye expressed deep concern over the proliferation of AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation, particularly with the upcoming 2026 elections.
He highlighted the ease with which realistic fake videos and voice clones can be created, posing a severe threat to national stability given the prevalence of unverified information shared, especially on platforms like WhatsApp.
He emphasized the crucial need for public education and a government-led central information clearing house to combat this rising threat without resorting to censorship.
AI Skills for the Future Workforce
When asked about essential AI-related skills for young Gambians, Gaye asserted that AI will not replace people, but rather “people who don’t use AI.” He stressed that AI literacy will be vital across all professions. He also shared his own innovation, a daily Gambian news summary podcast generated entirely by an AI system he built, illustrating the transformative power of AI in media.
Gaye’s passionate advocacy for AI in The Gambia underscores a crucial turning point for the nation, urging a proactive approach to harness its benefits while safeguarding against its risks. His pro bono commitment to his country signals a strong belief in The Gambia’s potential to become a leader in the digital age.
