VP Jallow receives UNICEF delegation on groundbreaking digital initiative

The discussions centred on the GIGA initiative, a joint programme by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and UNICEF, which has traditionally focused on school connectivity and digital education. The proposal for The Gambia, however, represents a bold expansion of this mandate.

Ms Nafisa described the meeting as “very interesting and exciting,” explaining that the initiative aims to create a digital connectivity platform serving multiple sectors beyond education, including birth registration, immunisation, health services, nutrition programmes and social protection systems.

Prior to meeting the Vice President, the UNICEF delegation held consultations with key government stakeholders, including the Ministers of Communication and Digital Economy, and Basic and Secondary Education. These discussions shaped the proposal presented to Vice President Jallow, who is widely recognised as an education champion and strong advocate for digitisation. Ms Nafisa praised his response, describing his guidance and positive attitude as “phenomenal” and expressed deep appreciation for his leadership.

Tanya Accone emphasised that the initiative aligns perfectly with The Gambia’s broader vision for digital transformation and represents a critical investment in the country’s future. She noted that school connectivity is the foundation of this transformation, benefitting both learners and the education system. For students, it means access to 21st-century skills, digital literacy and entrepreneurial capabilities. For the education system, it enables effective management through real-time monitoring and digital information flows, replacing outdated paper-based systems.

What makes this initiative particularly innovative is its holistic approach to connectivity. Drawing parallels with The Gambia’s achievements in universal electrification, the GIGA team envisions a fully connected nation where the same digital infrastructure supports children across all service touchpoints. As Ms Accone explained, children who attend school also receive immunisations, visit health facilities and rely on social protection services. The platform would integrate all these touchpoints, creating a seamless digital environment for child-related services including healthcare, social protection and welfare programmes.

The mission will conclude with the presentation of a detailed investment case to the government, with implementation strategies to be developed through multisectoral stakeholder engagement under the Vice President’s continued guidance and leadership.