By: Nyima Sillah
The Information Technology Association of the Gambia (ITAG) has celebrated its first Open Innovation Day in Senegambia.
The celebrations created an interface for the businesses and also innovators as they met to discuss on open opportunities that are available in this country.
Speaking at the celebrations, Hon Ebrima Sillah, Minister of Information, Communication and Infrastructure said “they have realized the importance of ITAG in its contribution to the economy, also the effort they are doing to create jobs.
“We are predicting that in the next 15 years or so, more than fifteen thousand young people will be graduated from the University of The Gambia, and most of these people are graduating with degrees, not skills that they can use to employ themselves. So, this sector will play a critical role in helping The Gambia reduce unemployment also dependability on the government to create their own jobs and also earn their own decent incomes without having to rely on anyone,” he disclosed.
He said this is why they value their relationship with ITAG to ensure they put in place robust policies that will support the sector in helping to achieve the digital economic development agenda and goals. He added that his Ministry if fully in support of this and will continue to work with ITAG in particular to advance and expand this.
Olimatou Deen Sarr, GCCI Rep, also said the forum is timely as digital services are increasingly becoming important in all works of life due to its reliability and mostly its convenience. Adding that building a digital economy is essential towards achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
She also said that over the past 2 to 3years, people will see a drastic rise in the number of Tech start-ups in the Gambia. Noting that, this increase can be attributed to gaps that have been identified in the digital economy.
“As part of our efforts to encourage and promote digital inclusion for entrepreneurs, GCCI launched the ‘Digital Jula’ initiative in 2020 for 75 MSME’s which facilitated an exhibition opportunity for youth and women businesses to showcase and sell online to enhance their access to market through e-commerce,” she said.