Artificial Intelligence (AI) could dramatically reshape The Gambia’s future, but only if the country is prepared to embrace the technology while addressing the significant disruptions it may bring.
That was the message from Gambian tech entrepreneur Amran Gaye, who spoke extensively on West Coast Radio’s Coffee Time With Peter Gomez about the urgent need for a balanced national approach to AI.
Gaye, founder of DundalAI and creator of the AI-powered AIDA School, outlined both the promise and peril of AI adoption.
“AI will replace jobs, yes—but it will also create many more, just as digital computers did,” he said, comparing today’s AI revolution to the transition from human “computers” during wartime to the electronic era.
To cushion the blow of potential job displacement, Gaye proposed bold measures such as a Universal Basic Income (UBI) and mass government-led retraining initiatives.
He called on the government, the country’s largest employer, to plan ahead to mitigate unemployment and guide workforce transformation.
AI in Education: A Turning Point for The Gambia
One of Gaye’s central arguments was the need to integrate AI into the education sector.
“Mastery-based education, enabled by AI, is the key,” he said.
His own project, AIDA School—named after his daughter—uses AI agents to support both students and teachers.
These systems can personalize tutoring, automate tests, and even offer career guidance and support for learning disabilities like dyslexia.
He believes this could transform learning outcomes in The Gambia, where high school pass rates remain low.
“We can offer 24/7 tutoring tailored to each child’s needs,” Gaye emphasized.
Transforming Infrastructure and Governance
Gaye’s vision also includes using AI to modernize infrastructure.
He pointed to the potential of drones and AI systems to design and maintain roads and bridges, while digitizing property ownership could resolve legal disputes and reduce court backlogs.
“AI could be instrumental in national development,” he stated, responding to comments from Minister Ibrahim Osilla of Transport and Infrastructure.
Cybersecurity and Disinformation: A Growing Risk
However, Gaye warned that The Gambia is currently ill-equipped to handle the darker sides of AI.
“Our cybersecurity is horrible,” he said bluntly, citing frequent cyberattacks on public servers.
He urged the implementation of a national cybersecurity law, requiring regular audits and the training of cybersecurity professionals.
He also raised alarm over AI-driven misinformation and deepfakes ahead of the 2026 elections.
“Fake videos and voice clones are dangerous. We need a public education campaign and a government-run information clearing house to fight this without censorship,” he cautioned.
AI Skills: A National Priority
Gaye concluded with a strong appeal to young Gambians: “AI won’t replace people—but it will replace people who don’t use AI.”
From healthcare to media, he noted, AI fluency will soon be essential.
He demonstrated this by introducing his own AI-generated podcast that summarizes daily Gambian news.
As a passionate advocate and innovator working pro bono for his country, Gaye’s message is clear: The Gambia must act now to seize AI’s opportunities, while building resilience against the disruption it will inevitably bring.
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