By Sainabou Sambou
One woman is rewriting the rules in The Gambia’s vibrant, traffic-filled streets, where motorcycles dart through bustling crowds to deliver goods. Mariama Camara, the trailblazing founder of Yamzai’s Delivery Service, has turned her lifelong passion for machines into a thriving enterprise, challenging gender stereotypes and inspiring a new generation of women to take the wheel.
“I’ve loved machines since I was a little girl,” Mariama says, her eyes lighting up with pride. “One day, I told myself that if I ventured into delivery services, it would work for me.”
Before launching Yamzai’s Delivery Service, Mariama, a devoted wife and mother, juggled various jobs—cleaning homes and working in restaurants. These roles honed her resilience and fueled her determination to pursue something bigger. Her fascination with motorcycles, however, was the spark that ignited her entrepreneurial journey. Mariama’s decision to enter the delivery sector was bold and groundbreaking in a male-dominated industry.
The delivery industry in The Gambia is experiencing a boom. According to a 2024 Statista report, the country’s online food delivery market is projected to reach US$7.71 million by 2025, with an impressive annual growth rate of 16%. This surge is fueled by increasing urbanization, demand for convenience, and the rise of digital platforms. Motorcycles are at the heart of this growth, with Statista reporting that The Gambia’s motorcycle market is expected to generate US$2.74 million in 2024, of which on-road motorcycles account for US$1.41 million. Their affordability and agility in navigating congested streets make them indispensable for small businesses like Mariama’s.
When Mariama started Yamzai’s Delivery Service, her customer base was small. But her fortunes changed when Sainabou Mbye, a prominent Gambian businesswoman and TikToker, gave her a shoutout on social media. “That really helped me a lot,” Mariama says gratefully. “Most of my customers now come from TikTok.” The viral boost transformed her business, and today, she offers a flat delivery rate of D200 (about US$3), earning between D1,000 and D1,500 on her best days.
Despite her success, Mariama faces significant challenges. She struggles to meet the growing demand for her services as a solo operator. “Many people call me for deliveries, but I can’t serve them all because I’m alone,” she explains. Yet, the most daunting obstacle isn’t her workload—it’s the gender-based harassment she encounters on the road. “People bully me and tell me, ‘You’re a woman, go sit at home,'” she says. “Some drivers even ask me to leave the highway. It really pains me.”
Mariama’s response to this adversity is unwavering resolve. “I just ignore them because I have passion, and I love what I’m doing,” she says firmly. A strong support system at home matches her determination. A mother to a two-year-old boy, Mariama relies on her supportive neighbors to care for her son while she works. “I have good neighbors who care for him when I’m out. That helps me focus on my work,” she shares.
Her husband is her biggest cheerleader. “He encourages me, helps me stay strong, and always tells me to keep pushing,” Mariama says with a warm smile. Balancing motherhood, marriage, and entrepreneurship, she starts her days early—cooking, cleaning, and preparing for deliveries—before hitting the road.
Mariama’s vision extends beyond her success. She dreams of expanding Yamzai’s Delivery Service to create opportunities for others. “I’m seeking support to get more motorcycles so I can employ young people,” she says, her voice brimming with ambition. Her advice to other women is empowering and practical: “Work hard and take skilled work seriously. Don’t depend solely on your husbands.”
In a society where traditional gender roles often confine women, Mariama Camara is a beacon of change. With every delivery, she navigates not just the roads of The Gambia but also the barriers of convention. Through her courage, grit, and the roar of her motorcycle, Mariama is paving a new path for women, one delivery at a time.
