Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has lauded the people and Parliament of The Gambia on the historic passage of the Data Protection Act, a landmark bill that represents a decisive step forward in safeguarding the privacy, dignity, and digital rights of citizens in the digital age. The bill now awaits presidential assent, the final step before becoming law.

At the same time, Paradigm Initiative has urged  the President of The Gambia to sign this legislation without delay. Doing so will not only give Gambians the legal protections they deserve but will further demonstrate the country’s commitment to global best practices in data governance, privacy, and human rights.

The passage of this bill is the culmination of years of collective advocacy and engagement by civil society, policymakers, and stakeholders. As part of this process, Paradigm Initiative has actively supported efforts to build awareness, foster dialogue, and strengthen capacity to ensure the effective implementation of this law.

In June 2025, PIN convened a session of the Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES) in The Gambia, where stakeholders from across government, civil society, and the private sector examined the draft bill and discussed its implications for rights-based governance. During the same month, PIN also hosted a specialised training workshop for law enforcement officers, equipping them with the knowledge and tools to enforce the provisions of the forthcoming law effectively.

Data is the lifeblood of the digital economy, and its misuse can have devastating consequences for individuals and institutions alike. With the adoption of this Act, The Gambia will join a growing number of African nations taking proactive steps to guarantee privacy rights on the continent. As The Gambia becomes increasingly reliant on digital technology in law enforcement and governance, the protection of personal data has emerged as a pressing concern. While the 1997 Constitution recognised the right to privacy, the absence of a comprehensive legal framework often left data subjects vulnerable to misuse and breaches of their personal information.

By signing this bill into law, the President of The Gambia will enshrine the fundamental right to privacy, protect citizens from misuse of personal information, and ensure that Gambian institutions are equipped to regulate data responsibly. This is a unique opportunity to position The Gambia as a leader in Africa’s digital rights and inclusion agenda.

Paradigm Initiative commits to continue working with government institutions, law enforcement, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that this law is implemented in a way that truly protects the rights of all Gambians.