Telecom Reform: PURA unveiled a new nine-digit national telephone numbering plan for The Gambia, with the switch starting at midnight on 4 September 2026—changing mobile numbers from seven digits to nine while keeping SIM cards, phones and balances. Digital Identity: President Adama Barrow launched the National Identity Management System (NIMS) via a public-private partnership, becoming the first enrollee and highlighting faster, secure identity verification for governance, security and financial inclusion. Agribusiness & Jobs: Government announced free organic fertiliser distribution (10,000 metric tonnes) for the 2026 season, alongside subsidised chemical fertiliser, with caps and anti-diversion warnings. Rice Push: The Agriculture Minister set out a roadmap to reach rice self-sufficiency by 2030, targeting 20,000 hectares and 200,000 metric tonnes annually, supported by improved seeds and mechanisation. Football Industry: Stakeholders will validate a business plan to establish The Gambia’s first professional football league, aiming to professionalise the sport and create jobs across a wider football ecosystem. SME Support: GYIN Gambia and WIDU Africa signed a contract to coach 20 entrepreneurs, prioritising women and youth and linking support to measurable business growth. Standards & Quality: ISO Secretary-General visited The Gambia Standards Bureau to deepen cooperation on quality, innovation and competitiveness. Infrastructure for Farming: NRA is set to construct a culvert in Banni village to restore access to rice fields and improve transport and road safety. Fraud & Training: A global anti-fraud scholarship drive backed by the ACFE Foundation awarded $85,000 to future fraud examiners. Crime Case: Banjul High Court sentenced two men to 20 years each for violently robbing an elderly victim at knifepoint.