A public-private partnership between Rlg Communications, Unique Solutions and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment has led to the birth of a state-of-the-art rural ICT technology center in Basse, URR equipped with a first class solar power system and high speed broadband Internet. The main aim of this public private partnership is to curb the rates of rural urban migration by extending the popular Mobile Phone Repair Training Program to the young men and women resident in URR. The second phase of this project has taken on board a pilot group of 30 young Gambians, with the aim of equipping them with the necessary ICT skills that will enable them to engage in successful self-employment ventures.
The center was inaugurated on March 10th 2014 by the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Abdou Colley, who gave the keynote address at the event. He said the government of The Gambia under the leadership of PresidentJammeh is committed to cutting the country›s unemployment rate through new opportunities as manifested in the number of projects and programmes it successfully craftedover the years. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Papa Yusupha CEO of Unique Solutions and the Executive Director of Rlg Communications, said both Unique Solutions and Rlg Communications have corporate social responsibilities targeting important sectors like sports, education and the entertainment industry. He disclosed that Rlg has created employment for over 100 young people as technicians and agents in its assembling plant and sales channels.
Having been in existence for more than a decade during which time operations have expanded beyond the borders of Ghana to Nigeria, Kenya, China and Dubai, Mr. Njie said the technology giant’s objective is to use The Gambia’s strategic advantage as a sub-regional trade gateway and as hub to enter into other countries. “In addition to our mandate of job creation for the well-deserving youth of The Gambia, Rlg Communications Gambia Ltd will focus on the assembling of mobile phone, laptops, desktops, led TV screens and internet routers that will surpass all measurements of dependability and reliability. It is time to show the world that with a new generation of African entrepreneurs, we can really compete with the best and make a difference in the lives of the people we serve,”
The entrepreneur concluded by commenting on the critical role the private sector plays in the economic development of any country in terms of investment, job creation, transfer of skills, taxes and so on.
As part of events marking the inauguration of the center, Rlg Communications also launched 10 kiosks equipped with solar charging stations to be used as sales and repair points for its products.The kiosks are expected to be in the following locations around the country. Banjul Albert Market, Kairaba Avenue, Serrekunda Market, Brusubi, Tanji, Brikama, Barra, Westfield, Farafenni, and Basse.
The Minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Alieu K. Jammeh who also inaugurated the solar powered sales and repair kiosks gave a brief statement during the event and urged the students to take maximum advantage of the benefits that will be accorded to them by the training program. Also in attendance were The Permanent Secretary MOTIE, Mrs. Naffie Barry, Deputy Governor URR, Chairman BAC, Alkalos, religious leaders, Management and staff of RLG and Unique Solutions, Focus Energy MD, Sulayman Njie, and a cross section of the local business community and civil society. Local Cultural troupes entertained the audience during the inauguration ceremony.
Thank you
