The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice expresses deep concern over the Government’s announcement to sell 80 percent of Gamcel shares to a private Gambian company for an estimated D6.7 billion. As reported publicly, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy last week disclosed the plan to lawmakers, with indications that the transaction awaits Cabinet approval.
Given the sensitive and strategic nature of the national telecommunications sector, EFSCRJ firmly holds that no sale of national assets, particularly state-owned enterprises should proceed without full transparency, robust due process, and demonstrable alignment with the national interest. We are deeply concerned that the proposed transaction lacks adequate transparency, due process, and strategic justification.
Call for Immediate Parliamentary Oversight
In light of the issues below, EFSCRJ has today submitted a letter of concern to all National Assembly Members calling on them to urgently:
- Demand full disclosure of all documents related to the proposed transaction, including valuation reports, financial analyses, investor profiles, and the terms of sale.
- Convene a special hearing of the relevant committees on Telecommunications, Finance, Public Enterprises, and Public Accounts to examine compliance with procurement laws, SOE governance standards, and national security considerations.
- Require the Executive to demonstrate clearly how this transaction aligns with the national development agenda, protects consumers, and strengthens the long-term viability of the telecommunications sector.
- Place a temporary suspension on the transaction pending a full parliamentary review.
We have also copied all relevant stakeholders.
Our Concerns
- Lack of Transparency and Public Consultation
We have noted that the Government has not yet provided the public with key information including:
• The valuation report and methodology used to arrive at the D6.7 billion price.
• The list of bidders and the criteria used to select the preferred investor.
• The due diligence findings on the buyer, including financial capacity, technical competence, and long-term operational plan.
• The contractual terms, obligations, and safeguards that will govern the transfer of such a strategic asset.
A transaction of this magnitude cannot be handled behind closed doors or through fragmented statements. The Gambian people have a right to full disclosure.
- Strategic National Risk
Telecommunications infrastructure is critical to national security, financial systems, public administration, and the protection of citizens’ data. Selling a controlling stake in Gamcel without a completed national ICT framework, without regulatory impact assessments, and without guaranteed protection for sovereignty and consumer rights poses significant long-term strategic risks.
- Selling Assets Will Not Solve Governance Failures
EFSCRJ reiterates that state-owned enterprises in the Gambia do not fail because they are inherently flawed, but because of persistent governance failures, poor management oversight, misaligned political appointments, and undue interference from the highest levels of Government. Without addressing these root causes, privatization alone will not yield improved performance.
- Labour Rights and Employee Welfare
Reports circulating among Gamtel/Gamcel staff highlight significant anxiety regarding possible mass redundancies, unclear benefit packages, and inconsistent communication from authorities. EFSCRJ emphasizes that the rights, dignity, and livelihoods of workers must be central to any restructuring process.
- Public Interest Must Come First
The people of the Gambia deserve a telecommunications sector that is transparent, efficient, accountable, and responsive to national development goals. Any restructuring of GAMTEL/GAMCEL must prioritize national interest, workers’ rights, consumer welfare, and long-term digital sovereignty.
EFSCRJ remains committed to promoting transparency, accountability, and the responsible management of public resources. We stand ready to provide expert input to the National Assembly, media, and civil society stakeholders as this matter evolves.
2025 – The Year of Transparency and Accountability
