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RippleNami | April, 2024
Until recently, many places in The Gambia lacked street names and house numbers, making finding a place or person extremely challenging. Thanks to the Google Plus Codes digital address system, this is finally changing.
In many developing countries, navigating streets and finding specific addresses can be daunting, especially in areas lacking formal street names and addresses. The Gambia, a small West African nation known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, has faced this challenge for years due to the absence of a comprehensive addressing system. The country lacks house numbers, street signs, and in many areas, street names, making it difficult to find people and businesses.For example, Ahmaduba, a courier driver in Gambia's busy Sarakunda area, has a hard time finding where to drop off packages. He has to rely on imprecise directions, phone calls, and landmarks to make deliveries. This reliance on outdated methods slows down processes and incurs additional costs. As Ahmaduba notes, "Some people don't know how to describe their places, so if they give you directions, it takes so long, they are very slow in talking, so then you use more credit."The problem has become even more pressing with the rise of online shopping. Businesses need reliable addresses for deliveries to work smoothly and keep customers happy.Without a standardized addressing system, delivering mail, conducting business transactions, and providing emergency services posed significant challenges. This lack of addresses also hindered economic development and investment opportunities as businesses struggled to establish a reliable presence.However, thanks to innovative solutions like Google Plus Codes, The Gambia has made significant strides in addressing this issue and improving navigation across the country.
Gambian houses were without numbers on streets without names. Image source: Ade Daramy
The Introduction of Google Plus Codes
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, The Gambia took a significant step forward by implementing a new digital address system, marking a first for mainland Africa.In August 2021, The Gambia officially launched the use of Google Plus Codes to improve navigation and address identification nationwide. The country's government spearheaded the 3-year initiative in collaboration with technology partners, including Google, to ensure widespread adoption and usability.Google Plus Codes are a form of digital addressing that assigns a unique code to every point on the Earth's surface. This allows users to pinpoint precise locations, even in areas without traditional addresses or street names. Each Plus Code comprises six to seven letters and numbers, providing a simple yet accurate way to identify any location.With Plus Codes, residents and businesses in The Gambia gained access to a reliable and standardized addressing system, enabling them to communicate locations more effectively and efficiently.
Plus code signs, which are affixed to the front of premises in Banjul and Kanifing. Image source: Ade Daramy
Benefits of Google Plus Codes for The Gambia
The implementation of Google Plus Codes has brought about many benefits for individuals, businesses, and government agencies in The Gambia:1. Accurate Navigation: Google Plus Codes provide precise location information, allowing residents and visitors to easily navigate the country. Whether finding a friend's house, locating a business, or guiding emergency services, Plus Codes ensure accurate and efficient navigation.2. Improved Service Delivery: With digital addresses in place, essential services such as healthcare, emergency response, and postal delivery can reach their intended destinations more quickly and effectively. Plus Codes enable service providers to locate homes, businesses, and other facilities more precisely, enhancing overall service delivery.3. Business Growth: The availability of digital addresses has unlocked new opportunities for business growth and development in The Gambia. Businesses can now establish online presence, facilitate e-commerce transactions, and attract customers more effectively by providing precise location information through Plus Codes.4. Emergency Response: During emergencies and crises, timely and accurate location information is critical for effective response efforts. Google Plus Codes enable emergency services to quickly identify and reach individuals needing assistance, potentially saving lives and minimizing damage.5. Tourism and Travel: For tourists and travelers exploring The Gambia, Google Plus Codes offer a convenient way to navigate attractions, accommodations, and points of interest. Whether visiting urban centers or remote villages, travelers can confidently rely on Plus Codes to find their way around.
Well-known music producer Abdou Karim Waagan Fye, praises the Plus Codes, but says, "I'd still like to have a street name, though, so, I can tell someone, 'I live at such and such a street." Image source: Ade Daramy
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, The Gambia continues to explore ways to leverage technology and innovation to enhance its addressing infrastructure and improve overall navigation experiences.By embracing initiatives like Google Plus Codes and investing in digital mapping technologies such as Google Street View, the country is addressing navigation challenges and aiming to foster economic growth, modernize infrastructure, promote tourism, attract investment, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.With agriculture and tourism currently serving as the backbone of the economy, initiatives like the digital address system offer promising prospects for diversification and expansion.By providing digital addresses for every location, The Gambia has overcome barriers to communication, service delivery, and economic development, paving the way for a more connected and prosperous future.As The Gambia progresses, its growing tech industry could become a major player. By using new ideas and supporting businesses, The Gambia hopes to become a leader in technology and business in Africa.
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