Banjul, The Gambia — Mobile phone users across The Gambia are preparing for a major change in the country’s telecommunications system as the nation moves from its existing seven-digit numbering format to a nine-digit national mobile numbering system.

The migration is scheduled to take effect at midnight on September 4, 2026, according to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). The change is designed to expand the country’s available numbering resources as demand for mobile and digital communication services continues to grow.

The new system will affect mobile users, businesses and organisations that rely on telephone numbers for communication, customer services and digital platforms.

The numbering upgrade represents an important step in modernising The Gambia’s telecommunications infrastructure and creating additional capacity for future growth in mobile and digital services.

Telecom operators are expected to support customers during the transition as users adjust their contacts and business communication systems to the new format.

The September migration will be closely watched by millions of mobile users as The Gambia prepares its telecommunications network for future digital expansion.