By: Haddy Touray
President Adama Barrow on Wednesday received the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellows and officials from the U.S. Embassy at the State House in Banjul, where he commended the United States government for its continued investment in Gambian youth leadership and development.
The nine selected Gambian fellows are set to travel to the United States for the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF), a flagship initiative under the U.S. Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), which aims to build the capacity of emerging leaders across Africa.
According to a statement from the presidency, President Barrow praised the programme’s impact, noting that it aligns closely with his government’s youth empowerment and institutional reform agenda. He revealed that approximately 75 percent of government scholarships are directed toward young people, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
He also acknowledged the Fellowship’s inclusive approach, particularly its emphasis on gender balance and disability representation. Barrow urged the U.S. to consider increasing The Gambia’s participation quota, emphasising that Gambians must take the lead in building their nation and its democratic institutions.
The President further applauded U.S. Ambassador Sharon Cromer for her role in deepening bilateral cooperation and promoting shared values between the two countries.
Speaking on behalf of the fellows, Annette Camara thanked President Barrow for the warm reception and expressed gratitude to the U.S. government for the opportunity. She affirmed the team’s readiness to return and contribute meaningfully to national development after the six-week leadership programme.
