📢 IMPORTANT NOTICE: Your Phone Number is Changing! PURA Begins 7-Digit to 9-Digit Migration

The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, PURA, has officially started the nationwide migration from 7-digit to 9-digit phone numbers for all telecom networks in The Gambia.

The shift affects Afriell, Qcell, and Comium with immediate effect. Gamcel, The Gambia’s own telecom company, is expected to join the migration later.

Why is PURA making this change?

According to PURA, the move is necessary to handle the growing number of mobile and internet subscribers in the country.

“This transition is essential to accommodate the increasing number of subscribers, aiming for capacity of over a billion subscribers,” PURA stated.

With more people using multiple SIMs, businesses expanding, and new services like mobile money and IoT devices coming online, the current 7-digit system is running out of numbers.

When will it happen?

PURA Director General, Dr. Njogu Bah, confirmed that the migration period will run from September 4th, 2026 to February 28th, 2027.

The good news: There will be no disruption to your service during this period.

“The transition will not currently impact any ongoing operations,” Dr. Bah said. “Calls and SMS will continue to work as normal while both old and new numbers run side by side.”

What do you need to do?

1. Update your contacts: Start saving numbers with the new 9-digit format as you receive them.

2. Watch for SMS alerts: Your network provider will send instructions on what your new number will be.

3. No data loss: Dr. Bah assured the public that appropriate measures are in place to ensure data protection throughout the migration.

“We encourage all users to adapt to the transition and update their contacts early to avoid confusion later,” he added.

What this means for you

For the next 6 months, you’ll be able to reach people using either the old 7-digit or the new 9-digit number. After February 28th, 2027, only the 9-digit numbers will work.

Businesses, banks, and service providers are also advised to update their systems and customer databases ahead of the deadline.

PURA says this upgrade will put The Gambia in line with international numbering standards and make room for future growth in telecoms, fintech, and digital services.

Stay tuned to your network for more details on your new number.