By Alieu Ceesay
ActionAid International The Gambia (AAITG) convened its 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at its Headquarters on MDI Road in Kanifing, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing commitment to governance, accountability, and social impact. The assembly brought together members, board representatives, and stakeholders to reflect on the organization’s achievements, review financial reports, and chart a path forward in its mission to promote social justice, gender equality, and a poverty-free society.
The AGM served as a platform to present AAITG’s activities over the past year, including external audit reports and the Board Treasurer’s financial overview. Members also discussed and adopted the minutes of the 13th Annual General Meeting (AGM), appointed new representatives, and reviewed motions from ActionAid International. The session fostered robust interaction, allowing participants to exchange ideas on strengthening the organization’s development agenda.
In his address, AAITG Board Chair Ousman Badjie reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to advocating for human rights and supporting marginalized communities. “As we continue to advocate for the rights of those in poverty and scale up our human rights-based approach, I am confident we will achieve greater milestones together,” Badjie declared. He highlighted AAITG’s long-standing contributions to the advancement of Gambians in their societal, political, and economic spheres, emphasizing its role in promoting social justice and gender equality.
A key highlight of the meeting was the organization’s financial performance in 2024, which saw a 20% increase in revenue, according to AAITG officials. Badjie noted significant milestones, including the launch of a USD 4.5 million Global Fund grant cycle (2024–2026) for HIV prevention. “I’m happy to report that we have registered significant improvement in our performance with the Global Fund grant compared to the previous year,” he said, crediting generous international partnerships for the achievement.
Despite these successes, AAITG faced notable challenges, particularly in securing developmental funding amid global crises. Executive Director Ndella Faye Colley elaborated on the difficulties: “Development funding has been a persistent challenge, but this year has been the worst. Most development partners prioritize humanitarian services, diverting funds to address artificial and natural crises beyond our control.” She pointed to the global geopolitical upheavals in 2024 that disrupted communities and strained funding for development-focused initiatives. Climate change was also cited as a significant obstacle, exacerbating the organization’s operational challenges.
Colley emphasized AAITG’s resilience in navigating these setbacks, leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative approaches to sustain its programs. The organization’s efforts to adapt to funding constraints while maintaining its commitment to marginalized communities were a focal point of discussion during the AGM.
The meeting also allowed members to reflect on AAITG’s broader impact. Over the years, the organization has empowered numerous individuals through initiatives focused on education, health, and economic empowerment, particularly for women and young people. Its human rights-based approach has positioned it as a leading advocate for systemic change in The Gambia, addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and access to essential services.
As the AGM concluded, participants expressed optimism about AAITG’s future, buoyed by its achievements in 2024 and the collective resolve to overcome ongoing challenges. Adopting the previous year’s reports and approving new motions underscored the organization’s commitment to transparency and member-driven governance.
ActionAid International The Gambia’s 14th Annual General Meeting (AGM) reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone of development and advocacy in the country. With a clear focus on human rights, social justice, and sustainable progress, AAITG inspires hope and drives meaningful change for Gambia’s most vulnerable communities, even in the face of global and local challenges.
