By Fatou Sillah
Communications and Digital Economy Minister Lamin Jabbi told lawmakers on Wednesday that YCell, a Gambian mobile operator, has been selected as the most responsive bidder for the restructuring of state-owned Gamtel and Gamcel, submitting an investment proposal valued at 6.7 billion dalasis.
Appearing before the National Assembly, Mr. Jabbi said eight companies submitted bids before the deadline. After a technical and financial review, two Gambian firms—YCell and DK Telecoms—were shortlisted for final evaluation.
“After a thorough process and successful evaluation of the technical and financial submissions by both DK Telecoms and YCell, YCell emerged as the most responsive bidder, with an investment proposal of 6.7 billion Gambian dalasis,” Mr. Jabbi said.
The minister said the assessment was conducted by a multi-agency committee that included representatives from his ministry, Gamtel, Gamcel, the Office of the President, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, and the Ministry of Justice.
Mr. Jabbi outlined significant financial expectations tied to the restructuring plan. Gamcel, he said, is slated for a full network modernization. “The first direct payment we expect for 80 percent of the shares may go close to or above 800 million dalasis,” he told lawmakers, adding that roughly 6 billion dalasis would be reinvested into the company’s infrastructure.
He said the government is aiming for an eventual market share of at least 60 percent for the revitalized network.
Evaluation letters have been sent to both shortlisted firms, he added, and negotiations with YCell are now underway. Any contract will remain subject to cabinet approval.
The minister also outlined differing approaches for the two state-owned entities: Gamtel would undergo a build-operate-transfer arrangement, while Gamcel would see a majority of its shares sold to an investor committed to reviving the company.
“With Gamtel, it is a build, operate, and transfer approach, while for Gamcel, we are just selling majority shares to the investor who is ready to invest in the revival of the company,” he said.