Africa-Press – Gambia. The Gambia Standards Bureau (GSB) convened key stakeholders at Metzy Hotel on Thursday for a high-level engagement on electrotechnical standards and conformity assessment procedures, signaling the country’s push to align its electrical industry with international benchmarks.
The meeting, chaired by the President of the National Electrotechnical Committee (NEC), Ebrima Bouy, welcomed a diverse group of participants, including public and private sector representatives, technical experts, and members of the media. Bouy emphasized the importance of collective input in developing national standards that ensure safety, reliability, and quality in all electrical installations and products.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Ernest Aubee, Board Chair of TGSB, urged participants to review and adopt standards guided by global best practices. He highlighted that TGSB has already developed 103 electrotechnical standards covering a broad spectrum from household lighting and wiring to industrial transformers, reinforcing the country’s commitment to industrialization and safe energy use. “Standards are not merely academic documents; they are practical tools that protect lives, property, and investments while improving service delivery across sectors,” Aubee said.
Director General of TGSB, Papa Secka, added that the engagement aimed not only to review existing standards but also to introduce the International Electrotechnical Commission’s (IEC) conformity assessment procedures. He stressed that the new system, set for implementation early next year, will allow TGSB to certify electrotechnical products efficiently and reliably, even in the absence of advanced local laboratories. “This is a proven method used worldwide to ensure that products meet minimum quality and safety requirements,” Secka noted.
The Bureau’s initiative also follows a government reorganization that merged the former Works and Measures Bureau under TGSB, bringing metrology services under one umbrella to improve efficiency. Stakeholders were encouraged to share experiences, raise concerns, and participate actively in shaping standards that are safe, cost-effective, and internationally compliant.
Participants lauded TGSB’s efforts, noting that proper application of these standards is critical for safety, consumer protection, and economic growth. The meeting concluded with a call for widespread awareness and adoption of the guidelines to ensure consistency and quality in the country’s electrical sector.
For More News And Analysis About Gambia Follow Africa-Press
