Washington D.C. June 10, 2025: His Excellency Momodou Lamin Bah, Ambassador of the Republic of The Gambia to the United States of America, on Wednesday, May 28th delivered the keynote address at the 10th Anniversary of the African Diaspora Investment Symposium held at George Washington University in Washington D.C. from May 28-30, 2025.
The annual event slated from May 28-30, 2025, was themed “Beyond Remittances: The Evolving Role of Africans in the Diaspora in Unlocking Transformational Investments” celebrates the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit of Africans from the continent, descendants of Africa including African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans and global allies. The objective was to create an ecosystem that nurtures entrepreneurial spirit and mobilizes intellectual and financial resources for a prosperous future.
In his remarks, Ambassador Bah commended the African Diaspora Network for organising such an event describing it as a significant milestone. He indicated that the conference is an important achievement as it would connect the global African community to transform economic opportunities on the continent.
Dilating on the Gambian diaspora’s contribution to the development of the country, the Ambassador said the Gambian diaspora has provided the country with the much-needed foreign exchange. He expounded that bulk of the remittances are earmarked for personal or family matters such as construction of properties (residences) and supporting the education and health of family members.
He said over the years, there has been an increase in investment in real estates, education and in health institutions, as well as smaller businesses thus supporting the overall economic growth of The Gambia.
Commenting on the contribution of the diaspora beyond remittances, Ambassador Bah explained that The Gambia Government has created the Diaspora and Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs responsible for the welfare of the diaspora and to also facilitate their contributions to national development.
He further informed the gathering that The Gambia Government has over the years rolled out different diaspora engagement programmes and also created the conducive environment for them to invest in the country. He announced that efforts and preparations are on high gear to revitalize the “Roots Home Coming Festival” in 2026 inviting the global diaspora community and other friends to meet in Banjul in May 2026.
After delivering his speech, Ambassador Bah met with the CEO and Founder of African Diaspora Network, Almaz Negash, and other dignitaries after which they posed for photo shots.
Gambian community events
On the sidelines of Africa Liberation Day (ALD) celebrations, the Embassy on Friday May 23rd attended a cultural event organised by the Gambian American Association in Silver Spring, Maryland. The Embassy team was led to the event by H.E. Ambassador Momodou Lamin Bah with the objective of contributing to bring the community together and support them in showcasing and promoting Gambian cultural values. This, in our considered view has the potential to foster tolerance, unity and appreciation of diversity. The “hunting masquerade” was on display to entertain the crowd while celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Gambian people.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Bah thanked the community for the initiative and for the close collaboration with the Embassy. He enjoined them to continue inculcating good cultural values in their children so that they will grow to be responsible elders who will serve The Gambia and humanity at large. He called for cultural preservation and cooperation amongst members of the community.
He informed them of the existence of The Gambia Diaspora and Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate engagements between the government and the diaspora and to serve as a gateway for their contribution to national development.
The Ambassador used the opportunity to explain the current status of bilateral cooperation between The Gambia and the United States. He urged the diaspora to continue contributing to the development of the country highlighting the important role diaspora can play in the development agenda of The Gambia.
As a mark of appreciation to the cause of the community, the Embassy donated Five Hundred Dollars ($500) which was handed-over to the President of the Association, Mr. Abdoulie Mboob, by Counselor Mrs. Oumie Jobe – Jarra.
As part of Africa Liberation Day, ALD, events, the Embassy staff on Saturday May 24th attended the Africa Liberation Day football finals played between Washington DC team and New England team (New York). The football match that took place at Paint Branch High School in Silver Spring was attended by hundreds of Gambians who travelled across the U.S. Ambassador Bah was invited by the community to grace the occasion and to also perform the kickoff before the match which signified the start of the game between the two teams.
At the end of the match, the Ambassador presented various trophies to the winners in the tournament and the main trophy to team Washington D.C.
It is worth noting that the Embassy used the opportunity to reach out to hundreds of Gambians by having an Embassy Stand to provide consular services and share flyers. The flyers contained vital information about investment and other opportunities available in various sectors in The Gambia. It was an opportunity that enabled the Consular officer to have face-to-face interactions with members of the community providing answers to their inquiries as well as information that could assist them on immigration related matters.
