The National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has launched a self-service mobile application that enables customers to purchase Cash Power, pay water bills, lodge complaints, and request new meters directly from their smartphones. The move marks a significant step in the utility’s digital transformation.
Developed by Gambian tech firm Zooblin Limited in partnership with APS Wallet, the app is designed to improve access to services, reduce congestion at payment centers, and allow transactions anytime and anywhere.
Momodou S. Fatty, NAWEC’s head of finance and project manager for the app, said the platform responds to the growing demand for efficiency in a fast-paced digital environment. He noted that NAWEC’s digitisation efforts began in 2016, with a major shift in 2021 following the introduction of an Integrated Management System.
“We see the need to engage more with our customers, and that is only possible through a digital platform where they can access services without visiting our offices,” Fatty explained, adding that early feedback has been positive.
Customer reactions have been encouraging, though not without challenges. Marabi Amfaal Hydara praised the innovation as “a strong step forward for NAWEC,” while Bakary Drammeh reported difficulties checking electricity balances, though water services worked smoothly.
The app also allows Gambians in the diaspora to pay utility bills for relatives at home, reducing reliance on cash transactions. Fatty emphasized that this would strengthen revenue collection and minimize risks associated with cash handling.
NAWEC Managing Director Gallo Saidy described the platform as a “game changer” that addresses longstanding issues such as delayed bill payments and limited-service access. He highlighted that users can now report faults in real time by submitting photos through the app.
Malick S. Jallow, General Manager of APS Wallet, said the initiative promotes financial inclusion by encouraging digital payment adoption. Taybull CEO Ebrima Saidy added that the project underscores the role of local innovation in enhancing service delivery.
Fatty reassured staff that the digital shift will not lead to job losses, but instead to workforce reskilling to support the growing customer base and the new system.
