Johannesburg: AfricUpdate – News Desk
The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy of The Gambia has inaugurated the National Digital Addressing Steering Committee (NDASC), marking a major milestone in the nation’s digital transformation journey. The inauguration was led by Hon. Lamin Jabbi, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, in alignment with the National Digital Addressing Policy 2023, which aims to establish a unified and modern digital addressing framework across the country.
In his address, Minister Jabbi emphasized that digital addressing is far more than a technology project, it is a pillar of national development that supports economic growth, governance, and social inclusion. The system is designed to enhance e-commerce and postal services, enable smarter urban planning and land administration, improve emergency response and navigation, and strengthen tax collection, data management, and service delivery.
The newly formed NDASC serves as the advisory and oversight body for implementing the National Digital Addressing Project. The committee brings together key representatives from government ministries, local authorities, academia, civil society, and the private sector, ensuring that the initiative remains inclusive, sustainable, and consistent with international standards.
Among its core responsibilities, the NDASC will coordinate the rollout of the National Digital Addressing Plan, oversee project implementation, and support local authorities in collecting, validating, and managing data. The committee will also lead nationwide public awareness campaigns, mobilize funding, and ensure system interoperability with related sectors, including land administration, telecommunications, postal services, and logistics. Minister Jabbi called on the committee to take a proactive approach, moving beyond bureaucratic routines to deliver real, transformative solutions that impact the lives of citizens.
He reaffirmed that the digital addressing system will serve as a foundation for digital governance, helping The Gambia build a more connected, efficient, and inclusive digital economy. This initiative positions The Gambia among the growing number of African nations embracing digital infrastructure modernization, laying the groundwork for smarter governance, better public services, and a more sustainable digital future.
