By: Mamadou Gagigo
In a move to enhance convenience for travelers, Yonna Wallet and Gambia Transport Services Company (GTSC) signed a partnership agreement today, enabling passengers to purchase bus tickets seamlessly through the Yonna Wallet mobile app. The signing ceremony, held at GTSC Depot in Kanifing, marks a significant step toward modernizing transportation services in The Gambia.
The partnership, celebrated as a “promise of progress, convenience, and innovation” by Mr. Yankuba Mamburay, Managing Director of Yonna Islamic Microfinance, allows travelers to book GTSC bus tickets anytime, anywhere, eliminating the need for long trips to ticket offices or waiting in queues. “Whether it’s 2 PM or 2 AM, from Lamin Village or under a mango tree, you can now buy your ticket with just a tap on your phone,” Mamburay said during his speech at the event.
Yonna Group, a Gambian conglomerate, has evolved into a powerhouse with subsidiaries including Yonna Forex Bureau, Yonna Islamic Microfinance, Yonna Islamic Insurance, Yonna Wallet, and Yonna Agribusiness. The Yonna Wallet, the group’s digital payment platform, is at the heart of this partnership, offering a secure and user-friendly way to pay for GTSC services. For Yonna Islamic Microfinance account holders, the wallet enables seamless transfers between accounts and digital payments.
GTSC, The Gambia’s national transport provider, connects communities nationwide and beyond, from Kanifing to Dakar and Basse to Banjul. The collaboration with Yonna Wallet introduces a digital ticketing system that promises unmatched convenience, allowing passengers to book tickets for any GTSC route directly from their mobile phones. “This is not just a tech upgrade; it’s a lifestyle upgrade,” Mamburay emphasized, highlighting benefits such as 24/7 access, no queues, and the ability to choose routes easily.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to making services more accessible and blending technology with tradition. Mamburay praised the dedication of both the GTSC and Yonna teams, crediting their collaboration for bringing this vision to life. “Together, we are building a Gambia where services are not just available—they are accessible,” he stated.
Ba Lamin Darboe, representing the GTSC’s Director General, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. “Passengers will now be able to purchase GTSC tickets right from their homes, workplaces, and local communities. No more long distances just to get a ticket,” he remarked.
Mr. Amadou Drammeh, the Director of Traffic Operations at GTSC, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how the introduction of a digital fare collection system not only embraces technological advancement but also meets the growing demand for customer convenience. “It enhances transparency, reduces cash handling risks, and provides accurate data to guide service improvements,” he noted.
Momodou Barrow, the General Manager of the Yonna Group, shared his excitement about the partnership, stating, “Yonna has a tailored solution for every business in the country. It’s only a matter of time before all business operations in The Gambia incorporate Yonna’s digital transformation and wallet technology.”
The event, attended by officials from both organizations and the media, underscored the potential of public-private partnerships to drive innovation. With Yonna Wallet now integrated into GTSC’s ticketing system, travelers across The Gambia can look forward to a more innovative, faster, and more convenient way to plan their journeys.
