The upcoming 4th edition of GIFW, themed 'Roots to Runway — Luxury Born in Gambia,' will highlight local craftsmanship and sustainability.
Gambia International Fashion Week (GIFW) has named Matty Jobe as the official face for its 2026 edition, scheduled to run from November 10 to 17. The event's theme, “Roots to Runway — Luxury Born in Gambia,” aims to showcase the nation's inherent craftsmanship and cultural narratives. Preparations are underway, with an official casting call set for October 18 at Arch 22 in Banjul.
Founded in 2023 by Ismaila Jallow as a non-profit initiative, GIFW focuses on creating visibility, training, and career opportunities for young Gambian designers, stylists, models, and other creatives. Event Coordinator Fatima Muloshi stated that the platform seeks to provide a concrete pathway for talent, preventing the need for young people to seek opportunities abroad. This year's edition will emphasize sustainability through recycling, promoting "Made in Gambia" products, and positioning the country as a global fashion destination.
The "Made in Gambia" pillar specifically aims to foster stronger connections between local farmers, artisans, designers, and consumers, thereby supporting livelihoods and strengthening the economy. Winners of the competition will also receive an opportunity for international exposure and training through a study trip to leading fashion universities. Sanna B. Jarju of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) described the event's progression as a significant step for the creative sector.
Why it mattersYoung Gambians passionate about fashion and creativity are provided with training, visibility, and career opportunities, offering an alternative to irregular migration.
Read in ASJ →A Gambian delegation lobbied nations in 1999 for Dr Ebrahim Malick Samba's re-election to lead WHO's regional committee.
A Gambian delegation traveled to Windhoek, Namibia, in September 1999 to support the re-election of Dr Ebrahim Malick Samba as the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa. The delegation, including the then permanent secretary at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, engaged with regional counterparts to secure support for Dr Samba, whose reputation in African public health was already established.
Dr Samba, who served as WHO Regional Director for Africa from 1995 to 2005, had previously led the WHO Onchocerciasis Control Programme from 1980 to 1994, an initiative that required sustained regional cooperation to control river blindness across national borders. His leadership in this program demonstrated the achievements possible through collaboration and expertise.
Beyond his international roles, Dr Samba was instrumental in supporting the establishment of medical education in The Gambia. Through WHO's Brazzaville office, technical assistance and professional expertise were provided to develop the initiative, fostering local capacity and recognizing the importance of trained professionals in delivering healthcare.
Why it mattersThe re-election of Dr Ebrahim Malick Samba as WHO Regional Director for Africa impacts the region by ensuring continued leadership in public health initiatives and the development of medical education within The Gambia.
Read in ASJ →Despite democratic progress, Gambians show declining confidence in key institutions, according to a WADR forum.
A forum convened by WADR highlighted that while The Gambia has advanced democratically, reforms must translate into public trust. Speakers noted that citizens need credible information to participate effectively and that institutions must function to support democracy. The discussions involved government officials, civil society, media, and legal experts examining democratic resilience, civic space, and accountability.
Agnes E. John-Thomasi of WADR stated that the project aims to equip citizens with information for meaningful participation and to create community dialogue spaces. She emphasized that The Gambia's democratic journey requires continuous effort, including functioning institutions, informed citizens, respect for the rule of law, and accountability from leaders. She also urged media to remain professional and impartial in scrutinizing institutions and combating disinformation.
Gambia Press Union President Isatou Keita asserted that democracy hinges on trust, noting that while Gambians reject dictatorship, confidence in the presidency, parliament, and courts has fallen since 2018. She pointed to incomplete reforms, including constitutional reform, and gaps in judicial confidence and security sector legislation. Hannah Forster of the African Centre for Democracy and Human Rights Studies added that democratic consolidation requires strengthening institutions and fostering a culture of responsible power, measured by the protection of human dignity and rights.
Why it mattersGambians are affected by declining trust in their government institutions, which undermines their confidence in the democratic process.
Read in ASJ →Kemo Ceesay formally took over leadership of the Gambia Football Federation yesterday, pledging to advance the sport.
Kemo Ceesay officially began his tenure as the new president of the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) at a ceremony yesterday at Football House. He succeeded Lamin Kaba Bajo, who retired after 12 years. The GFF Secretariat pledged its support to the new leadership for the continuous development of football in the country.
Outgoing president Lamin Kaba Bajo thanked stakeholders for their support and congratulated Ceesay. He highlighted governance reforms, including term limits, and praised the electoral committee for fair elections. Bajo urged public support for the new leadership, stating their success would benefit Gambian football.
In his acceptance speech, President Ceesay reiterated his commitment to football development in The Gambia. He presented a certificate of merit to the outgoing president, a gesture also made by the GFF Secretariat. The handover concluded with the signing of documents, marking a new era for football governance.
Why it mattersFootball stakeholders and administrators in The Gambia are affected by the new leadership's commitment to development and governance reforms.
Read in ASJ →The country is migrating to a 9-digit mobile number system to accommodate its growing population and increasing use of multiple devices.
The Gambia has officially transitioned to a 9-digit mobile number system, a move supported by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, and the Government. This expansion increases the national numbering capacity from 10 million to one billion, a hundred-fold growth. Africell customers will see their existing numbers prefixed with '87', with a parallel-run system ensuring both old and new numbers function simultaneously during the initial phase.
This significant upgrade is driven by the rapid growth in telecommunications and the central role mobile phones now play in communication and digital financial services. With a population of 2.8 million people currently utilizing approximately 10 million numbers, the previous capacity was becoming inadequate, especially as many individuals use multiple devices. The new system also allows for the recycling of inactive numbers to replenish the available pool.
While the immediate impact on customers is expected to be minimal, users may encounter changes when setting up applications like WhatsApp, as verification codes will eventually be directed to the new number format. International calls might experience temporary disruptions as external partners adjust their systems. Africell is introducing a Contact Updater feature on its MyAfricell app to help customers manage the transition by automatically adding the new prefix to local contacts.
Why it mattersThe migration to a 9-digit mobile number system affects all Gambians by changing their phone numbers and potentially impacting digital services and international communications.
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