GAMTEL and SYSROAD SA HOLDING Signs US$50 Million PPP to Transform The Gambia’s National Broadband Network

Bijilo, The Gambia | Wednesday, 24 December 2025

The Gambia Telecommunications Company Ltd (GAMTEL) has signed a US$50 million Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with SYSROAD SA HOLDING to upgrade, expand, and modernize The Gambia’s national broadband and telecommunications infrastructure.

The signing ceremony, held at the Bakadaji Hotel in Bijilo, marks a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation agenda and represents one of the most significant network investments in GAMTEL’s history.

In a decisive move to strengthen national digital infrastructure and secure The Gambia’s digital sovereignty, The landmark Public–Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with SYSROAD SA HOLDING, a leading African system integrator, to execute a comprehensive modernization of the national internet backbone.

The project represents a transformational leap in technological capacity, upgrading the national core network from 40Gbps to 800Gbps, marking a 1900% increase in capacity. This major expansion is designed to eliminate existing connectivity bottlenecks and provide the resilient, high-performance infrastructure required to support a modern, competitive digital economy.

Born out of a strategic policy shift initiated in 2023 to address critical infrastructure gaps, the GAMTEL–SYSROAD SA HOLDING partnership moves beyond routine maintenance toward a full national network overhaul. The project will deliver:

* Massive Scalability: An 800Gbps national backbone capable of supporting rapidly growing demand for high-speed data and digital services.

* Nationwide Expansion: Extended fixed-line and broadband wireless connectivity reaching the length and breadth of The Gambia.

* Economic Enablement: Reduced operational costs and improved reliability for SMEs, startups, local content creators, and enterprise users.

A Foundation for National Development

The initiative is positioned as a national development intervention, providing the digital foundation required to accelerate socio-economic transformation. World-class connectivity under this project will enable:

* Digital Financial Services: Supporting fintech innovation, secure e-commerce, and financial inclusion.

* Public Service Delivery: Enhancing access to e-learning, telemedicine, and digital government services.

* Investment Attraction: Strengthening The Gambia’s position as a connected, credible destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

Speaking at the official signing ceremony, Mr. Lamin A. Tunkara, Managing Director of GAMTEL, stated:

“Today, we are not just upgrading capacity; we are investing in sovereignty, resilience, and the economic future of generations yet to come. Connectivity is the new infrastructure of development, and this partnership ensures The Gambia is an active participant in the global digital economy.”

A Model of African Collaboration

Commenting on the significance of the partnership, Mr. Mouhamad Fall Director General of SYSROAD SA HOLDING, described the initiative as “more than a contractual engagement, but a shared commitment to The Gambia’s digital future and Africa’s transformation.” He emphasized that the project stands as “a powerful example of South–South cooperation, where African expertise, trust, and shared purpose converge to deliver world-class infrastructure.”

Mr. Fall further noted that “Africa does not lack talent or capability; what it requires is unity of force and confidence in its own capacity.” Reaffirming SYSROAD’s commitment, he stated that “this project will be delivered with professionalism, transparency, and excellence, solely in the interest of the Gambian people,” adding that “no major transformation is achieved alone—it is achieved together.”

This landmark project positions the GamTel–SYSROAD partnership as a strategic pillar for digital sovereignty, regional integration, and sustainable economic growth, reinforcing The Gambia’s role in Africa’s evolving digital landscape.

Institutional Support

The initiative has received full endorsement from His Excellency President Adama Barrow, alongside the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MOCDE), the State-Owned Enterprises Commission, The regulatory body Public Utility and Regulatory Authority (PURA), and the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MOFEA).

The ceremony was witnessed by senior officials from GAMTEL and GAMCEL, representatives from MOCDE, SOE, MOFEA-Public Private Partnership technical team, sector regulators, and GAMTEL’s Board of Directors led by Mr Salieu Jack.

In closing, GAMTEL MD expressed appreciation to all stakeholders and acknowledged the unwavering support of H.E Adama Barrow for the initiative.

About GAMTEL

The Gambia Telecommunications Company (GAMTEL) is the national telecommunications operator of The Gambia, providing fixed-line, broadband, and international connectivity services and playing a central role in the country’s digital development.

About SYSROAD SA HOLDING

SYSROAD is a Senegal-based technology and systems integration group with extensive experience in large-scale digital infrastructure projects across.

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