Amran Gaye, a pioneering Gambian entrepreneur and the founder of DundalAI, is leading the charge to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) for transformative change in his home country.

As the first Gambian to establish his own AI company, Gaye is determined to leverage this cutting-edge technology to solve the unique challenges facing The Gambia. With innovative solutions like DevelopmentAI for NGOs, GovAI for public sector efficiency, AdaSchool for education, and DundalTraining for professional development, Gaye is positioning AI as a catalyst for national progress.

Gaye believes AI can be a game-changer for The Gambia, offering a path to tackle issues in key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and small business development. 

“AI can help small businesses become more efficient,” he says.

“Imagine a shop owner using AI to manage inventory, predict customer demands, and streamline logistics. This would be invaluable for an economy where small enterprises are the backbone.”

In agriculture, AI can address challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns and pests.

He explains: “AI tools can help farmers predict rainfall, monitor soil quality, and detect crop diseases early. These solutions are available and affordable today, and they could bring us closer to food self-sufficiency.”

Gaye’s vision extends to healthcare, where AI could alleviate the shortage of medical professionals in rural areas.

“AI-powered apps could assist nurses in diagnosing symptoms and analysing medical images, supporting a healthcare system that’s already stretched thin,” he says.

Education is another sector where Gaye sees AI having a massive impact.

“AI can provide personalised learning plans for students, helping them overcome the challenges of large class sizes and under-resourced teachers,” Gaye explains.

“This would allow teachers to focus on what matters most, teaching, and help improve the country’s education outcomes.”

However, Gaye is also acutely aware of the challenges hindering the widespread adoption of AI in The Gambia.

“Reliable electricity and affordable internet are fundamental to making AI work,” he points out, noting that many rural areas still lack access to these basic necessities. 

Moreover, Gaye highlights the skills gap, stressing the need for local AI experts.

“We need to invest in education and training to build the next generation of Gambian tech innovators,” he says.

Data privacy and security are also crucial issues. As AI becomes more integrated into everyday life, Gaye advocates for strong regulations to protect citizens’ personal data.

“Clear laws are essential to prevent misuse of sensitive information, especially in sectors like healthcare and finance,” he explains.

Inclusivity is a cornerstone of Gaye’s vision for AI. He believes that for AI to benefit all Gambians, it must be accessible, particularly in rural areas.

“We need to make AI tools affordable and ensure they work in areas with limited connectivity. Subsidising devices and creating offline solutions will be key,” he says.

Gaye also sees AI as a way to bridge The Gambia’s linguistic divide.

“Many Gambians are illiterate in English, but AI can help by creating voice-first interfaces in local languages like Wolof and Mandinka,” he suggests.

“This would break down communication barriers and make technology accessible to everyone.”

For Gaye, the future of AI in The Gambia is bright, but it will require collective effort.

“We need the government, the private sector, and the communities to work together to build an AI ecosystem that supports innovation,” he says.

“With the right investments, we can position The Gambia as a regional tech hub and create new opportunities for our youth.”

Amran Gaye’s journey is just beginning, but his vision for AI’s transformative potential in The Gambia is clear.

He envisions a future where AI is not just a luxury but an essential tool that drives economic growth, enhances public services, and empowers communities across the country.

“We’re only limited by our imagination,”Gaye concludes.

By Adama Makasuba