The eventual aim is to create a single, secure platform for all financial transactions taking place in the port, an online framework to encourage the growth of e-business. The project evolved from many enquiries made by the local business community concerning the port's commercial future and how it relates to the internet. Because of these sessions, it emerged that the most important factor was that people could find the information they are looking for very quickly and all superfluous information is reduced. Other possibilities are information about port industry and education. There are a variety of problems in implementing a computerised system in Gambia.
Education is the primary problem.
Within this environment it is extremely difficult to promote a move to a computerised system. Other problems include low level of economic development and small per capita incomes, a limited skill base with which to build e-commerce. There are not enough internet users to build a critical mass of online consumers. Another problem is the limited information and communication infrastructure available. The possibility of the infrastructure improving in the future is unlikely because the majority of telecommunication business in Africa is publicly owned and therefore has to fight for scarce resources with other sectors such as health and education.