GAMTEL and YCELL Sign Landmark Network Modernization Agreement
Under the agreement, YCELL will acquire an 80% equity stake in GAMCEL, bringing both financial resources and technical expertise to modernize the mobile operator's network infrastructure and strengthen its operational capabilities.
The Gambia Telecommunications Company Limited (GAMTEL) and YCELL Co. Ltd. have signed a landmark Share Investment and Network Modernization Agreement aimed at transforming the country’s telecommunications sector through significant investment in infrastructure, technology, and business operations.
Under the agreement, YCELL will acquire an 80% equity stake in GAMCEL, bringing both financial resources and technical expertise to modernize the mobile operator’s network infrastructure and strengthen its operational capabilities.
As part of the partnership, YCELL has committed to invest GMD 6.1 billion in a comprehensive infrastructure and network modernization programme designed to deliver world-class telecommunications services across The Gambia.
The investment will fund the nationwide deployment of 4G/LTE and 5G radio access networks, upgrades to the core network, and the implementation of next-generation operational and business support systems (OSS/BSS). The modernization programme also includes the deployment of new Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and convergent billing systems to improve service delivery and customer experience.
In addition to network upgrades, the agreement provides for the design, construction, and commissioning of a modern corporate headquarters for GAMCEL. YCELL will also deploy hybrid power solutions across all tower sites and introduce integrated revenue assurance and fraud management systems to improve operational efficiency and safeguard revenues.
The programme further includes institutional capacity-building initiatives, strategic branding and marketing efforts aimed at enhancing GAMCEL’s competitiveness and expanding its market share. An independent expert will also be engaged to prepare a comprehensive report on the network design and technical components to guide the successful implementation of the modernization project.
According to the companies, the strategic partnership represents a major investment in The Gambia’s digital future and is expected to improve nationwide connectivity, enhance the quality of telecommunications services, and accelerate the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
