In a landmark step toward safeguarding digital privacy, Give1 Project Gambia and Paradigm Initiative launched The Gambia’s inaugural Digital Rights Academy on June 16, 2025, in Banjul. Themed “From Principles to Policy: Advancing Data Protection in The Gambia,” the one-day event convened data handlers, police prosecutors, cybercrime officials, and civil society actors to foster expertise in data governance and advocate for robust privacy reforms.
The initiative comes at a critical juncture, as The Gambia’s reliance on digital technologies grows; yet, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework leaves personal data vulnerable. The event spotlighted the Draft Data Protection Bill, currently under review by the National Assembly, as a cornerstone for protecting citizens’ privacy rights.
The morning session, facilitated by Khadija El Usman of Paradigm Initiative, immersed participants in international data protection principles, digital rights, and the ethics of data handling. Interactive workshops addressed legal frameworks, privacy risks, and safeguards against data breaches, with a focus on law enforcement and prosecutorial responsibilities. Simultaneously, Give1 Project Gambia led training on the Draft Data Protection Bill, outlining the obligations it imposes on data handlers and law enforcement. Participants pledged to integrate privacy principles into their work and urged institutional reforms to align with global and national data protection standards.
The afternoon featured a policy dialogue within the Digital Policy Engagement Series, centered on reviewing the Draft Data Protection Bill. Mariam Jobe of Give1 Project Gambia presented a Civil Society Position Paper, proposing stronger enforcement mechanisms, independent oversight, and public awareness campaigns. Stakeholders unanimously adopted a joint communique, urging the swift passage of the bill and emphasizing digital sovereignty, including the establishment of local data centers and the repatriation of Gambian data stored abroad, where feasible.
“This academy marks the beginning of a national movement for ethical, rights-based data governance,” said Alieu Sowe, Country Coordinator of Give1 Project Gambia. “Equipping stakeholders with knowledge and tools is essential to protect the digital rights of all Gambians.”
Organizers outlined concrete next steps to sustain momentum. A Policy Brief will summarize stakeholder recommendations, while a Post-Event Press Release will reaffirm commitments. A Monitoring Mechanism will track the bill’s legislative progress and support its implementation post-enactment. The Digital Rights Academy is poised to become a recurring platform, fostering ongoing training and dialogue to strengthen data protection in The Gambia.
The launch highlights the pressing need for a robust legal framework as digital technologies transform daily life. With the Draft Data Protection Bill at the forefront, stakeholders are rallying to ensure its passage and effective implementation. The collaborative efforts of Give1 Project Gambia and Paradigm Initiative signal a promising shift toward a future where digital rights are prioritized, setting a precedent for other nations in the region.
As The Gambia stands on the cusp of transformative data protection reforms, the Digital Rights Academy represents a pivotal step in building a society that is privacy-conscious. By empowering key sectors and fostering policy dialogue, the initiative lays the groundwork for a digital ecosystem that strikes a balance between innovation and the fundamental right to privacy.
