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Securing the Future: Why Cybersecurity is Crucial for National Security and Economic Wellbeing in The Gambia
The world’s increasing reliance on digital technologies has highlighted the importance of cybersecurity, and The Gambia is no exception. To ensure the safety and protection of its citizens in cyberspace, the government has recognized the danger posed by cybercriminals and is taking steps to safeguard national information systems and services.
Cybersecurity Objectives
The Government of The Gambia (GoTG) has identified five strategic objectives to achieve a secure, resilient, and development-oriented digital ecosystem:
- Formulation and implementation of appropriate policies, strategies, and programs for cybersecurity
- Establishing a cyber-hygiene best practice culture
- Developing cybersecurity capacity building programs
- Strengthening legal and regulatory frameworks
- Adopting cybersecurity standards
Centralized Coordination and International Cooperation
The policy document emphasizes the need for centralized coordination of national cybersecurity initiatives and effective cooperation between public and private sectors. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in the fight against cybercrime, recognizing that transnational threats require a coordinated global response.
“We recognize that cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, but a critical national security concern,” said a senior government official. “We are committed to protecting our country’s cyberspace, national information systems, and services from threats both internal and external.”
Components of The Gambia’s Cyberspace
The policy document outlines the components of The Gambia’s cyberspace, including digital infrastructures that interconnect national, regional, and global information and communications networks. Key sectors such as:
- Banking and finance
- Information and communications
- Power and energy
- Health services
- Water and food services
- National defense and security
- Transport
- Government agencies
- Emergency services
are identified as critical national infrastructure.
National Cybersecurity Strategy
The Gambia’s National Cybersecurity Initiative (GNCI) is a critical business driver to any nation’s economic survival. The development of national cybersecurity strategy and programs is fundamental to ensure protection and resilience of these infrastructures.