By Sainabou Sambou
In a significant move to bolster the nation’s conference tourism sector, the Government of The Gambia has inaugurated a new Board of Directors for the Banjul International Convention Center Limited (BICCL). The ceremony, held on Friday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo, was presided over by Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow. The board will oversee assets developed for the successful Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit hosted in May 2024, aiming to position The Gambia as a global hub for high-profile events.
Vice President Jallow highlighted the importance of the assets left behind by the OIC Secretariat, which President Adama Barrow established to organize the summit. “The OIC Conference was a resounding success, but its legacy endures through critical infrastructure like the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center and the VVIP lounge at Banjul International Airport,” Jallow said.
He noted that while the Secretariat’s mandate was initially set to end in November 2024, it has been extended to March 31, 2025, to complete ongoing activities and an audit of its operations.
To ensure effective management of these facilities, the Cabinet approved the creation of BICCL as a limited liability company, dissolving the former OIC Board. Solicitor General Hussein Thomasi explained the legal framework, stating, “BICCL has been incorporated under the Companies Act to manage the conference center, the VVIP airport facility, and related assets.” The board comprises a mix of government officials and private-sector representatives to ensure balanced governance.
The newly appointed board includes Mawdo C. Juwara as Chairman, Ambassador Yusupha Alieu Kah as Vice Chairman, Bubacarr Jobe as a Director, Yankuba Dibba as both Director and Chief Executive Officer, and Abdoulie Jallow as a Board Member. Chairman Juwara expressed gratitude to President Barrow for the appointment, pledging to maintain “operational efficiency, financial sustainability, and world-class standards.” He described the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Center as a “magnificent state-of-the-art landmark” poised to host premier global events.
Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, Minister of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, lauded the outgoing OIC board for delivering “one of the most successful OIC Summits in the organization’s history.” He emphasized the potential of the new facilities to elevate The Gambia’s global profile. “These assets are competitive not only in West Africa but globally,” Ceesay said. “They present an opportunity to boost tourism, grow GDP, and showcase The Gambia to the world.”
The inauguration was attended by cabinet ministers, permanent secretaries, and members of the outgoing OIC Secretariat. The new board will collaborate with BICCL’s management team to operationalize the facilities, with a focus on establishing The Gambia as a leading destination for conference tourism.
As the nation leverages its state-of-the-art infrastructure, the BICCL board’s work is expected to drive economic growth and enhance The Gambia’s reputation on the global stage.
