GAMTEL, SYSROAD Seal $50 Million Deal to Transform The Gambia’s Internet Network
- Gunjuronline.com
- Dec 25, 2025
- 3 min read
The Gambia Telecommunications Company (GAMTEL) has signed a US$50 million Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with SYSROAD to upgrade and modernise the country’s national broadband and digital infrastructure - an initiative expected to significantly improve internet connectivity across communities, including towns and villages in the West Coast Region.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday at the Bakadaji Hotel in Bijilo in the presence of senior government officials, regulators, ICT stakeholders, and executives of GAMTEL and SYSROAD.
The partnership represents one of the biggest network upgrade projects in GAMTEL’s history and is aimed at improving services for government institutions, businesses, and ordinary internet users across the country.
What the Deal Means for Communities
Speaking at the signing ceremony, GAMTEL Managing Director Lamin A. Tunkara said the project is designed to reach every part of the country, including underserved communities.
“This is more than a contract signing. It is a decisive step towards securing The Gambia’s digital future,” Tunkara said.
He explained that once implemented, the project will upgrade GAMTEL’s core and backbone network, increasing national internet capacity from 50Gbps to 800Gbps, while expanding fixed-line and broadband wireless services to more communities.
For residents in towns like Gunjur and other parts of the West Coast Region, the project is expected to translate into more reliable internet services, improved speeds, and stronger support for digital services in schools, health facilities, businesses, and public offices.
From Challenge to Opportunity
Tunkara recalled that challenges experienced in 2023 exposed the urgent need to overhaul the country’s telecommunications backbone. GAMTEL subsequently presented its upgrade plans to policymakers, which led to the decision to pursue a Public-Private Partnership model.
“What initially appeared to be a challenge turned out to be a blessing in disguise,” he said, noting that the PPP approach made it possible to mobilise large-scale investment without overburdening public finances.
After two years of technical and policy work, GAMTEL identified SYSROAD as a competent system integrator to partner on the project.
Supporting Development at the Local Level
GAMTEL said the expanded network will support digital financial services, online businesses, and e-commerce, while also improving access to e-learning, telemedicine, and other online public services.
According to the company, better connectivity will help small businesses, youth-led startups, content creators, and service providers - many of whom rely on stable internet access to operate and grow.
“In simple terms, connectivity is now a basic development need,” Tunkara said. “Without it, communities cannot fully participate in the modern economy.”
African Partnership
SYSROAD Project Manager and Technical Lead Maimouna Gueye described the agreement as a strong example of African-led collaboration.
“A Gambian national operator and a Senegalese technology company have chosen to trust each other and build together,” she said, adding that African companies will lead the technical direction and implementation of the project.
She outlined plans for site assessments, technical workshops, public engagement, and training programmes to build the capacity of GAMTEL staff and ensure long-term sustainability.
Strong Institutional Support
The signing ceremony was witnessed by GAMTEL and GAMCEL senior management, officials from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, members of the PPP technical team, sector regulators, and GAMTEL board members led by Salieu Jack.
In closing, Tunkara thanked all stakeholders and acknowledged the support of President Adama Barrow.
“Mr President, thank you for not giving up on us,” he said.
As implementation begins, the GAMTEL–SYSROAD partnership is expected to improve internet reliability nationwide, strengthen The Gambia’s digital independence, and open new opportunities for communities across the country.