Importance
1. Importance of IC
The Information and Communications (IC) sector in The Gambia plays a critical role in national development and democratic consolidation. Encompassing state and private media, government communications, regulatory institutions, and access to information mechanisms, the sector serves as both a foundation and enabler for social inclusion and transparency.
Emerging from 22 years of authoritarian rule in 2016, The Gambia's IC sector has embarked on a transitional journey toward democracy and openness. During the dictatorship, the sector was heavily suppressed—characterized by widespread censorship, state monopolies, legal intimidation, and physical attacks.
In the post-2016 period, significant strides have been made. The liberalization of the media landscape and the passage of the Access to Information Act (2021) are among the most notable milestones. However, critical challenges persist: media laws remain outdated and punitive, and public communication mechanisms are underdeveloped.
The IC sector is central to democratic governance, development, national identity, and serves as a cornerstone of socio-economic development in The Gambia. The sector contributes to national development through:
- Economic Contribution: While exact GDP contribution breakdowns for media are limited, the ICT-media cluster (including telecoms, broadband, media, and digital services) contributed approximately 2.4% of GDP over the past decade, consistent with regional peers. The sector also supports thousands of jobs directly in telecommunications, broadcasting, and ICT services, and indirectly through digital platforms.
- Diverse Media Landscape: In the post-Jammeh era, the media landscape has diversified. As of 2024, The Gambia had approximately 45 radio stations, 5 TV channels (1 state, 4 private), 7 newspapers, and about 20 online news platforms.
- Governance and Transparency: The creation of the Office of the Spokesperson and increased use of digital tools have enhanced government service delivery, improved public access to information, and fostered transparency through e-governance initiatives.
2. Status Quo in Information and Communication
Despite notable progress, the IC sector in The Gambia faces structural and systemic challenges, including:
a. Regulatory Challenges: Although a regulatory body exists (PURA), the frameworks need modernization to address emerging challenges such as data protection, cybersecurity, digital taxation, and media monitoring mechanisms.
b. Access to Information Act: Historic legal development occurred with the enactment of legislation guaranteeing public access to information in 2021. However, full implementation is still pending, though a coordinated roadmap was developed in early 2025.
c. Stalled Media Law Reforms: A Media Law Review Committee (2018) recommended revisions to draconian statutes including the Information & Communications Act, Criminal Code provisions (e.g., sedition and false publication), Official Secrets Act, and colonial-era Press law. However, the government has yet to act on these recommendations.
d. Defamation & False Publication: Criminal defamation and internet offenses were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2018; however, sedition remains in the Criminal Code. The new Criminal Offences Bill reinstates provisions on false publication and broadcasting punishable by up to one year in jail or fines exceeding US$3,000.
e. Excessive Surveillance Powers: The Information & Communications Act (2009) allows national security agencies and PURA to intercept communications without judicial oversight, which is concerning in a democratic country. Attempted reforms in 2019 were rejected, leaving unregulated surveillance in place.
f. Continued Repression: While press freedom has improved, disturbing incidents persist. Journalists face arbitrary arrests, defamation suits, and intimidation. Between 2017–2024, more than 15 physical assaults occurred with no accountability.
current state
Intervention
3. Government Initiatives and activities
The current government has attempted various reforms and initiatives in this sector:
a. Policy and Legislative Reforms: Following successful lobbying by civil society organizations, the Access to Information Act (2021) was enacted. However, the government has not fully complied with this legislation, as numerous pending information requests remain unfulfilled. The Supreme Court nullified Criminal Defamation and Online Offences provisions (2018). The Media Law Review Committee was established in 2018, but its recommended reforms await government adoption.
b. E-Government Initiatives: Programs such as the e-Government Data Center and the government portal have the potential to enhance public service delivery and inter-agency data sharing.
c. Failing to fully address past Abuse: The Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) investigated human rights abuses committed by the Yahya Jammeh regime, including the targeting of journalists. The Commission uncovered significant crimes resulting in deaths, exile, and other abuses. However, full implementation of the TRRC's recommendations has been lacking.
d. Selective and politicized funding of media houses: The current government paid D40 million to a select number of media houses in a highly dubious scheme. The selection was not done on system to help develop the media landscape but as a ploy for government propaganda.
4. Solutions
Following decades of repression and isolation under dictatorship (1994–2016), The Gambia has taken meaningful steps toward media freedom, transparency, and democratization. However, the work remains incomplete. Legal remnants of dictatorship—sedition laws, surveillance without oversight, and outdated press regulations—still exist. Therefore, reforms remain fragile and largely aspirational. The future of the IC sector lies at the intersection of governance, technology, and public empowerment.
a. Operationalize Access to Information (ATI): Despite the passage of the ATI Act, effective citizen access to vital information is still lacking in The Gambia. The PPA-led government will ensure all public bodies appoint ATI officers, publish information proactively online, and diligently honor information requests. Our government will build accessible government websites and online portals, and establish e-records systems across ministries to respond efficiently to ATI requests. We will conduct nationwide campaigns—including training for public officials and citizens—to promote use of ATI rights.
b. Enact Media Law Reform: Our government will fully repeal or significantly amend colonial-era laws (Information & Communications Act, Criminal Code clauses on sedition and false publication, Official Secrets Act, Telegraph Act, etc.) in line with the Media Law Review Committee's recommendations.
c. Independent Broadcasting Media Regulatory Authority: PURA, which regulates the utilities and mobile technology sectors, also regulates media. To ensure effective regulation of broadcasting media, content, and standards—requiring strong legal frameworks, independent oversight bodies, transparent processes, public accountability, and ongoing adaptation to technological changes—media regulation must be independent with credible experts leading the way.
d. Whistleblower Protection: The PPA leadership understands that it is the responsibility of every citizen to be vigilant about abuse, wrongdoing and other forms of misconduct in public offices. Therefore, citizens that reveal such misconduct deserve protection. The PPA-led government will advance legislation and regulations for whistleblower protection.
solutions
e. Legal Protections for Journalists: The harassment and intimidation of journalists and media personalities will end under our government. We will enact shield laws protecting journalists’ sources and implement protections against Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP), such as defamation suits that have been used to target journalists under the Adama Barrow regime.
f. Media subventions: The PPA leadership recognizes the importance that media plays in a democratic society. And in order for the media to play it well, it needs some support. The PPA-led government will therefore institute a subvention system, which will have transparent criteria that will be developed through consultation and cooperation with the National Assembly, Gambia Press Union and civil society. To ensure integrity in the process and that resources are used for the intended purposes (e.g. capacity building and supporting reporters), strict and transparent processes will be put in place, as well as regular auditing.
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