By: Awa Conteh
This week on Gambian Trailblazers, we feature Dr. Alieu Gibba, a distinguished economist, academic, and researcher whose work has shaped education and economic policies in The Gambia and beyond. His journey involves resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to knowledge acquisition and sharing. Over the years, Dr. Gibba has held leadership roles, engaged in ground-breaking research, and founded institutions to bridge financial and economic literacy gaps.
Dr. Gibba’s academic journey began at New Jeshwang Primary School, Latrikunda Upper Basic School, and Gambia Senior Secondary School. With a strong interest in economics, he pursued a degree at the University of The Gambia (UTG), majoring in Economics with a minor in Mathematics. But his hunger for knowledge didn’t stop there—he went on to study Agricultural Economics at National Taiwan University before earning his Ph.D. in Hungary under the prestigious Erasmus scholarship.
“At my core, I am an educator and researcher. I believe that knowledge should be used to solve real-world problems,” he told The Alkamba Times.
Beyond his academic achievements, Dr. Gibba has dedicated his career to teaching and mentoring students. He has lectured at UTG, the International Open University (IOU), and institutions in Hungary. His philosophy is simple: education should be practical and empower students to think critically. He instills in them the values of integrity, punctuality, and discipline—qualities he believes are essential for national development.
Our trailblazer’s leadership experience extends beyond the classroom. As Head of the Department at UTG and President of the UTG Staff Union, he played a key role in advocating for better research funding and institutional capacity-building. Under his leadership, the university secured GMD 200 million (approximately $4 million), which helped strengthen research programs and create new academic opportunities.
“You cannot bring change alone—it takes collaboration, commitment, and the will to do what is right,” he reflects.
Dr. Gibba’s expertise goes beyond academia. He has consulted for international organizations, including the United Nations and the African Development Bank. His work with the UN World Food Program (WFP) and the Nema project benefited 56 communities across The Gambia, focusing on food security, rural development, and economic sustainability. He believes that research should not remain in books but be applied to real-world challenges.
His passion for economic empowerment also led him to establish the Institute of Islamic Economics & Finance (IIEF), which provides training in Islamic finance, microfinance, and business management. Recognizing the growing demand for interest-free financial solutions in The Gambia, he saw the need to provide structured education.
“The future of finance must be inclusive, ethical, and sustainable. We must create financial systems that work for everyone, not just the privileged few,” he explains.
Dr. Gibba’s deep understanding of Islamic finance is beyond theoretical. He has worked extensively in Arabic-speaking countries, consulting for financial institutions in the Gulf region and beyond. His ability to bridge conventional and Islamic economic models has made him a sought-after expert in the field. He believes that The Gambia, with its strong ties to the Arab world, can benefit greatly from incorporating ethical banking and financial models that align with economic growth and social justice.
“We have the talent and the expertise. What we need is a structured system that ensures research informs policy rather than relying on guesswork,” he notes.
As a researcher, Dr. Gibba has published extensively in high-impact journals. He urges young academics to prioritize quality over quantity, warning against predatory journals that compromise research integrity. He believes The Gambia must do more to connect research with policy by creating platforms where economists and scholars can engage with government decision-makers.
He envisions a Gambia where economic policies are data-driven, youth employment is prioritized, and academia plays a central role in shaping national development. He plans to continue mentoring young economists, expanding his work in agribusiness, and contributing to research that leads to practical solutions for the country’s economic challenges.
For young Gambians looking to pursue careers in economics, business, or policy, Dr. Gibba offers genuine advice:
“Develop a strong foundation in economic theory, think critically, seek internships, stay informed about global trends, and continuously refine your analytical skills. Never stop learning.”
As we conclude this episode of Gambian Trailblazers, Dr. Alieu Gibba’s journey reminds us that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for change. His work inspires students, researchers, and policymakers, proving that anyone can contribute to national progress with the right mindset and dedication.
