IfG.CC - The Potsdam eGovernment Competence Center

The Ministry of Information and Communication Infrastructure in conjunction with various stakeholders Thursday met at a local hotel in Kololi, to validate the Feasibility Report and the Network Security Policy on the Scaling-up of e-Government Data Centre. The reports were prepared by an international consultant that carried out in-depth assessment and analysis of the existing computing and network environment in government and studied the feasibility of integrating e-government infrastructure and services in a more cost-effective and efficient manner.

The consultancy was carried out under the 'Support to National e-Governance Strategy Project" by the United Nations Development Project (UNDP).

Read more: GM: Report On Scaling-Up E-Government Data Centre, Others Validated

Delegates at the ongoing 13th Africa Network Operators' Group (AfNOG) and the 16th African Regional Internet Registry (AfriNIC), currently underway at the Kairaba Beach Hotel, have lauded the Gambian leader for prioritising Information Technology in his ongoing development agenda.

Speaking at a press conference, Professor Muhammedou Kah, the vice chancellor of the University of The Gambia (UTG) said: "His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr. Alhaji Yahya AJJ Jammeh, Chancellor of the University of The Gambia gives priority to science technology innovation specifically ICT."

Read more: GM: Govt Lauded for Prioritising IT

Gambia will introduce the biometric passport to discourage forgery and easy access to passports in the West African nation, the immigration department told Xinhua on Monday.

The new passport will cost 100 U. S. dollars and will serve for five years before expiry.

If all goes well, it will be the second time for the West African nation to introduce biometric documentation after the national identity card, which was put to use in 2011.

Read more: Gambia to introduce biometric passport

Officials from both the government and the international community have validated the proposed document on e-government project. The stakeholders converged Monday at the Paradise Suite Hotel for a two day forum to critically scrutinize the e-Government project proposal documents.

Speaking through Ms Sirra Ndow, the UNDP resident coordinator, Ms Chinwe Dike noted that The Gambia has experienced significant development in the IT sector, a situation which has prepared the adequate and necessary environment for the launch of the e-Government project. According to her, “the enabling environment has been created through the provision of necessary legal and policy framework, and the implementation of various innovative initiatives and programs.”

Read more: GM: Stakeholders validate proposal document on e-Government