(Ecofin Agency) - In Gambia, the IT sector generated 900 million dalasis ($18.1 million) in tax revenues in 2018, the communication and IT minister Ebrima Sillah (photo) revealed. According to the minister, with this volume, the IT sector is one of the largest tax revenues generator in the country and, this demonstrates the potentials of this sector in terms of business and wealth opportunities.  

Last week, speaking during the inauguration of the Indian Institute of technology in Banjul, the minister called Gambia’s youth to quickly invest in the IT sector in order not to be outrun by their peers of other African nations, who are currently in the spotlight in terms of digital innovation. He further indicated that to help the country’s youth take advantage of the business and wealth potentials offered by the IT sector, Gambia would invest more in specialized training.

“We believe that we are not exploiting our potential, having institutions that will train young people ; not only mass training but quality training will go a long way in enhancing our digital agenda, and we will continue to work with institutions like IIHT, so that at the end of the day, we can have a field of young people who are well trained and qualified, and are able to take up the task,” the minister said.