By Mustapha Njie – TAF
It is with profound respect and deep personal admiration that we pause to honor Dr. Karamo NM Sonko, Founder and CEO of Jula Consultancy, Sahara Gold Corporation, and Sables Sustainable Mining LLC, among others, and the esteemed Chairman of my company, Taf Africa Global. To speak of Dr. Sonko is to speak of a life dedicated to the relentless pursuit of a better Africa and world. He is not merely an Advisor to many; he is an institution—a distinguished scholar, a seasoned international civil servant, an entrepreneur, a pioneering force in ESG, and above all, a man whose heart beats in unison with the continent’s promise.
Dr. Sonko’s journey is one of extraordinary depth and breadth. From his early days, traversing villages as a young boy selling Colanuts while farming and attending school, he learned the foundational values of hard work, community, human behaviour, respect for elders, and sustainability. These were not just childhood chores; they were the first lessons in Africa’s economic and social realities, lessons that would shape a lifetime of purpose.
His academic path is a testament to his intellectual rigor and relentless pursuit of knowledge. He began his higher education at the University of Swaziland before earning a Master’s degree from the prestigious University of Cambridge. He then obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Denver, equipping him with the analytical depth to dissect complex economic challenges. With the promise of a professorship in American universities, he could have chosen a comfortable path of academia. Yet, the call of home was stronger. He returned to Africa, bringing his formidable intellect to bear in the service of its development, working with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU). This transition from academia to international development marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to translating knowledge into tangible impact in development, later business, and (most recently).
Dr. Sonko has been a quiet yet powerful force across multiple industries. Whether guiding multimillion-ounce gold mining projects as a chief strategist or advising governments on economic policy, his approach has always been the same: to blend world-class expertise with an unshakeable commitment to ethical practice and humanity. His work on artisanal mining—voluntarily offering to help miners gain legal licenses in exchange for fair treatment of their workers and environmental protection—exemplifies his belief that development must be inclusive and sustainable. It was never just about the resource; it was about the people whose lives depended on it.
This philosophy found its ultimate expression in the founding of Jula Consultancy and Heeno International(The Gambia’s first pan-African humanitarian NGO). Through Jula and Heeno, he has positioned himself at the forefront of the ESG movement and caring for the poor and needy in Africa and beyond. His groundbreaking work, often in collaboration with Mariama Sonko, has produced the first comprehensive book on Holistic ESG, “Demystifying Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG),” launched at the Burj Khalifa during COP28—a testament to his global reach and visionary foresight. His latest book on African Development Strategies was launched at the UN Science Summit last September.
Beyond his own companies and several other multinational organisations, Dr. Sonko brings immense value to TAF Africa Global’s corporate structure as its Chairman. In this capacity, his decades of strategic experience, his deep understanding of global finance, and his unwavering ethical compass provide the bedrock upon which the organization’s vision is built. He is not merely a figurehead; he is an active guide, calling for integrity, wisdom, and a long-term perspective that is rare in today’s world. His stewardship adds a layer of credibility and gravitas that is invaluable.
Yet, to those who know him, Dr. Sonko’s greatest legacy is found in the lives he has touched. The numerous comments on his professional achievements—from Gambians expressing pride, from former students seeking guidance, from colleagues and friends across the world calling him “brother” and “uncle” (some of whom have named their children after him)—paint a picture of a man who leads with warmth, humility, and genuine care. In all his dealings, he prioritizes friendship and long-lasting relationships over mere transactions, proving that business can indeed be a force for good and a bridge between races, cultures, and continents. Dr. Sonko’s humanitarian efforts have empowered persons with special needs, further cementing his legacy as a builder of communities, not just companies.
On a personal note, I continue to enjoy a bond and friendship with Dr. Sonko that spans nearly 50 years. To have walked alongside such a man for five decades is to have witnessed, up close, a life of unwavering principle and quiet achievement. Through all his successes, he has remained the same person of integrity, modesty, and warmth that I have always known. This enduring friendship is a treasure I hold dear, a testament to the strength of his character.
As we reflect on the remarkable career of Dr. Karamo NM Sonko, we see a life lived in full service to a vision and humanity: in particular, to an Africa that is prosperous, sustainable, and led by its own people, both within and beyond Africa.
The Gambia proudly calls him one of her own. He carries his nation’s name across the globe with dignity, excellence, and grace, inspiring a new generation to dream bigger and reach higher. Thank you, Dr. Sonko, for your visionary leadership, your unwavering integrity, and the example you set for generations to come. You have made your country and continent proud.
Jerreh Jeff. Abarka. Jaraama.
