A groundbreaking chapter in The Gambia’s digital transformation unfolded on Thursday 19 June 2025, as Wave Gambia and the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSC) officially signed a strategic partnership agreement.
The event, held at the GTSC headquarters in Kanifing, celebrates a powerful alliance aimed at simplifying public transportation payments through the Wave mobile application.
The new initiative enables commuters to seamlessly purchase GTSC bus tickets using the Wave app a move set to revolutionize how public transport is accessed and paid for across the country. This collaboration not only modernizes payment systems but also paves the way for increased digital inclusion and financial accessibility for all Gambians.
Delivering his keynote remarks, Amadou Drammeh, Director of Traffic at GTSC, described the launch as a pivotal moment in GTSC’s journey toward a digital-first approach to transportation.
“This partnership marks a major stride in our digital evolution,” he said. “The integration of digital fare collection is a game-changer for public transport in The Gambia. It brings improved efficiency, greater transparency, and enhanced convenience. Together with Wave, we are determined to deliver smarter, safer, and more reliable transport services to the Gambian people.”
Ba Lamin Darboe, Deputy General Manager of GTSC, emphasized that the collaboration signifies a meaningful step forward in the transformation of public transport.
“This partnership strengthens our mission to innovate and improve accessibility in our services,” he stated. “We are grateful for the unwavering support from our partners Wave Gambia, the Social Security and Housing Finance Corporation, government agencies, and all stakeholders.”
He highlighted the essential role of transportation in economic development, underscoring GTSC’s commitment to safe, affordable, and dependable service. “In this era of rapid technological advancement, we must embrace innovation. This partnership with Wave a leader in digital financial services ensures seamless mobile payment integration into our operations.”
Darboe further explained the benefits: “Passengers will now be able to pay for fares quickly and securely through Wave’s mobile money platform. This reduces dependency on cash, streamlines processes, and cuts down delays. For unbanked citizens, it promotes digital inclusion. Both GTSC and Wave share a common vision to harness technology to empower Gambians socially and economically.”
He assured customers that the new system will maintain GTSC’s promise of affordability and reliability while enhancing their travel experience. Staff and drivers will also be trained to ensure a smooth transition.
Sainabou Sarr, General Manager of Wave Gambia, described the launch as more than a partnership calling it a commitment to progress.
“Today is a proud moment for all of us at Wave,” she said. “This launch goes beyond technology it’s about making transport smarter, faster, and more accessible for everyone. Our digital payment system will save time, eliminate cash-related friction, and bring us closer to a truly digital economy in The Gambia.”
Sarr thanked GTSC for their visionary leadership and openness to innovation. “You recognized the opportunity and moved with purpose. We are sincerely grateful,” she said.
She also applauded Wave’s dedicated teams in The Gambia and Senegal for their efforts. “From strategy to execution, our team delivered. This launch sends a powerful message: we’re not waiting for the future we’re building it through smart partnerships and shared dedication.”
Amadou Datte, Sales Lead at Wave Gambia, described the partnership as historic. “This is a proud moment and it not just for our companies but for all Gambians,” he said.
He introduced Wave’s Merchant Payment Solution, which enables passengers to use their Wave accounts to pay for bus tickets and other GTSC services. Stickers bearing the Wave payment QR code will be placed in GTSC buses and depots, allowing passengers to scan, input the amount, and complete the transaction instantly no cash required.
“For those without internet access, conductors or drivers will initiate payments on behalf of passengers. Whether using the app or a Wave card, this system is designed to be simple, secure, and accessible,” Datte explained.
He concluded by thanking all teams involved in making this partnership a reality from deployment to marketing underscoring that this marks a win-win for both organizations and a huge step forward for digital public services in The Gambia.
