The Gambia High Commission in UK

TAF Africa Global CEO Pays Courtesy Call on Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda at The Gambia High Commission, London -
19 June 2026

The Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa Global, Mr. Mustapha Njie, accompanied by his team, paid a courtesy call on Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner of The Gambia to the United Kingdom, and staff of The Gambia High Commission in London today.

During the meeting, Her Excellency Dr. Bensouda warmly welcomed the delegation and commended Mr. Njie for his outstanding contribution to addressing the affordable housing needs of Gambians and Africans across the continent. She highlighted TAF Africa Global's impressive track record and achievements in the housing sector, particularly in The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and recently in Liberia. Her Excellency praised the company's commitment to providing quality and accessible housing solutions that continue to improve the lives of many families.

In his remarks, Mr. Mustapha Njie, popularly known as "TAF" expressed his sincere appreciation to Her Excellency, the High Commission, and its staff for the warm reception and hospitality extended to his delegation. He explained that TAF Africa Global is currently in London to participate in the West African Real Estate Expo, scheduled to take place on Sunday 21st June 2026 at the Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane, London.

Mr. Njie reaffirmed TAF Africa Global's commitment to helping Africans, both on the continent and in the diaspora, realize their dream of owning affordable and quality homes. He emphasized the company's vision of promoting sustainable housing development and expanding access to property ownership across Africa.

The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Suntou Touray, also commended TAF Africa Global for providing a safe, transparent, and reliable avenue for Gambians in the diaspora to access land and housing opportunities. He noted that many Gambians living abroad have unfortunately fallen victim to fraudulent land transactions and described TAF's services as an important safeguard against such challenges.

TAF Africa Global's Deputy Managing Director, Ms. Ya Bajen Njie, highlighted the company's initiatives aimed at empowering women to become first-time homebuyers and property owners. She emphasized that TAF Africa Global remains firmly committed to promoting women's economic empowerment through increased access to real estate ownership and investment opportunities.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to strengthening collaboration and supporting initiatives that promote affordable housing, economic empowerment, and sustainable development for Gambians and Africans worldwide.

The diplomatic corps bid farewell to the Gabonese Ambassador to London after ten years of distinguished service in the role. During the farewell gathering, she was presented with gifts from her colleagues and received heartfelt tributes recognizing her dedication, active engagement, and outstanding contribution to the diplomatic community.

Speakers praised her as a wonderful team player whose professionalism, warmth, and collaborative spirit left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with her. Her decade of service was celebrated with gratitude, admiration, and best wishes for her future endeavors.

Counsellor Mrs. Sainey Barrow Mbye attended the event on behalf of the High Commissioner, accompanied by Senior Protocol Assistant Mrs. Mama Jobe Conateh.

Counsellor Mrs. Sainey Barrow Mbye attended His Majesty King Charles III’s Birthday Parade, Trooping the Colour, on Saturday, 13th June 2026, on behalf of the High Commissioner, Dr. Fatou Bensouda.

The event was a vibrant and colourful occasion, featuring the magnificent Royal Guard parade on horseback and showcasing the rich traditions of British ceremonial pageantry. The celebration was attended by distinguished dignitaries, members of the diplomatic corps, and invited guests, making it a memorable and prestigious event.

Trooping the Colour remains one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic royal ceremonies, reflecting the nation’s heritage, military excellence, and enduring traditions.

First Lady Honoured at Newcastle College University Fashion Showcase Organised by Gambian Student Lamin Gibba.

10 June 2026

Her Excellency the First Lady of The Gambia, Madam Fatou Bah-Barrow, was honoured by Gambian student Mr. Lamin Gibba at the annual fashion show organized by him at Newcastle College University in the United Kingdom.

In their invitation letter to the First Lady, Ms. Libby Lagun, Head of Arts and Design at Newcastle College University, expressed the institution’s deep admiration for Her Excellency’s commitment to humanitarian work and social development. The fashion showcase was intended to serve as a platform to support and promote the charitable initiatives of the First Lady’s Foundation.

Although the First Lady was unable to attend the event, she delegated The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Dr. Fatou Bensouda, to represent her. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the High Commissioner was also unable to attend. Consequently, Counsellor Mrs. Sainey Barrow Mbye represented the High Commissioner, accompanied by Senior Protocol Assistant Mrs. Mama Jobe-Conateh.

In her remarks, Counsellor Barrow Mbye thanked Newcastle College University and Mr. Lamin Gibba for recognizing the impactful work of the First Lady’s Foundation, particularly its efforts to empower women, girls, and other vulnerable members of society in The Gambia.

She also congratulated Mr. Gibba on his outstanding achievements, including receiving the Student of the Year Award. Counsellor Barrow Mbye commended him for promoting arts and culture while serving as a positive ambassador for The Gambia. She noted that his dedication to creativity, cultural exchange, and exemplary conduct contributes significantly to preserving and enhancing the country’s reputation abroad.

Furthermore, she encouraged all Gambians living overseas to emulate Mr. Gibba’s example by conducting themselves responsibly and serving as worthy ambassadors of The Gambia.

The event featured a vibrant and creative fashion show showcasing both African and Western designs. Guests were also treated to Gambian cuisine and a unique musical performance blending the sounds of the kora with Western musical influences.

During the ceremony, Counsellor Barrow Mbye presented a gift on behalf of the First Lady to Newcastle College University. In return, the university presented a framed artwork symbolizing the city of Newcastle as a gift for the First Lady.

Newcastle College University and the First Lady’s Foundation are currently exploring opportunities for collaboration through the Gambian High Commission in London, with a focus on initiatives aimed at empowering women and girls in The Gambia.

Mr. Suntou Touray, Deputy Head of Mission participated in a high-level discussion with diplomatic colleagues at SOAS yesterday. They were graciously hosted by Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor of SOAS, to explore potential partnerships and collaboration opportunities between SOAS and African universities.

Discussions focused on expanding access to knowledge and skills in critical and emerging fields that are essential for Africa's future development. For countries such as The Gambia, with a growing youth population, there is an increasing need to strengthen education and training opportunities in areas such as climate finance, critical minerals, sustainable development, and other strategic sectors.

The engagement also explored the potential for joint training programmes, academic exchanges, and skills-development initiatives aimed at building a stronger talent pipeline and addressing skills gaps across the continent. Such partnerships can contribute to creating greater opportunities for young people and help address some of the underlying factors that drive irregular and dangerous migration journeys.

Investing in knowledge, innovation, and human capital remains one of the most effective pathways to sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Family of the Late Dr. Karamo Sonko Pays Courtesy Call on H.E. Dr. Fatou Bensouda.

Today, 1 June 2026, members of the family of the late Dr. Karamo Sonko, including his daughter, paid a courtesy call on the Gambian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Dr. Fatou Bensouda.

On behalf of the High Commission, and by extension His Excellency President Adama Barrow and the Government of The Gambia, Her Excellency conveyed her deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the late Dr. Karamo Sonko across the globe.

Her Excellency described Dr. Karamo Sonko as a distinguished son of The Gambia who contributed immensely to the country’s national development. She noted that he was widely respected around the world for his humility, kindness, and philanthropic efforts, having supported countless individuals and worthy causes both within The Gambia and beyond.

She remarked that his passing is deeply felt by all those whose lives he touched. Dr. Sonko will be remembered for his exceptional character, intelligence, humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to serving others.

On behalf of the family, Dr. Alagie Marong, nephew of the late Dr. Karamo Sonko, expressed profound gratitude to Her Excellency the High Commissioner, the staff of the High Commission, and the Gambian community in the United Kingdom and around the world for their support, prayers, and solidarity during this extremely difficult time.

Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda attended the Africa Day 2026 commemorations in London. She was accompanied by Counsellor Mrs Sainey Barrow Mbye and Senior Protocol Assistant Mrs Mama Jobe Conateh. The event took place at the Novotel Hotel in London.

In line with this year’s theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation,” the discussions and messages delivered were centred on partnership, unity, solidarity, and fraternity as essential pillars for achieving this objective.

The promotion of trade within the African continent was also strongly emphasized by all speakers, who highlighted the importance of strengthening intra-African trade as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development across Africa.

The event was vibrant and colourful, showcasing the rich diversity of African culture. Cultural music performances and a fashion show were among the highlights of the celebration, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion and reflecting the continent’s rich heritage and creativity.

Her Excellency Dr Fatou Bensouda, High Commissioner, Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Suntou Touray and staff expressed their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of late Renowned Gambian Scholar, Entrepreneur, and Humanitarian Dr. Karamo Sonko who passed away in London this morning.
A relative called the Mission to notify us about the sad demise of the scholar and philanthropist.

“Dr. Karamo N.M. Sonko, Ph.D., a distinguished Gambian economist, strategist, and Chairman of TAF Africa Global, passed away early Friday morning in London. He was a towering figure in African development, business, and humanitarian efforts whose life bridged academia, international service, and entrepreneurship.

Born in The Gambia, Sonko rose from humble beginnings, selling kola nuts while farming and attending school, to become a world-renowned multidisciplinary social scientist. He earned a B.A. (First Class) from the University of Swaziland, an M.Phil. from the University of Cambridge, and a Ph.D. with distinction from the University of Denver. Forgoing a comfortable academic career in the U.S., he returned to Africa to serve with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU), where he contributed to the framework for the African Economic Community.

A prolific consultant and executive, Sonko held senior roles at the IMF, advised governments and multinationals, and pioneered private investment initiatives across Africa. He founded Jula Consultancy, led mining ventures, and championed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, co-authoring groundbreaking books launched at venues like the Burj Khalifa during COP28. As Chairman of TAF Africa Global and founder of the humanitarian NGO Heeno International, he drove real estate development, sustainable mining, water projects, and support for persons with disabilities.

Gambians remember his inspiring address as guest speaker at TAFCON 2017. A childhood friend and trusted confidant to many, including TAF founder Mustapha Njie, Sonko embodied integrity, humility, and pan-African vision.

Condolences pour in for his family in The Gambia and abroad. Dr. Sonko leaves a lasting legacy of ethical leadership and service to the continent and humanity. He will be deeply missed.”
May Allah grant him Jannah. Amin

Gambian Community in England, Scotland, Wales, Sweden observed Eidul-Adha.