In a historic double engagement, Mrs. Ndey Awa Ceesay, the newly elected President of RAFEI/ANWEI (African Network of Women Entrepreneurs and Investors) and CEO of Nature’s Gift Care is leading Gambian women entrepreneurs to new heights in Dakar, Senegal. Known as the “Moringa Lady,” Mrs. Ceesay’s vision for women’s economic empowerment, health, and sustainability is unfolding through two landmark events: a transformative agricultural study tour (April 20–23, 2025) and her representation of The Gambia at the 5th OIC Health Expo (April 15–19, 2025).
Agricultural Study Tour: Planting Seeds for Agribusiness Innovation
On April 20, 2025, Mrs. Ceesay spearheaded a delegation of 10 trailblazing Gambian women entrepreneurs on a strategic industrial and agricultural study tour in Senegal. This initiative, aligned with RAFEI’s mission to foster cross-border learning and business collaboration, aims to equip participants with practical, scalable techniques to revolutionize agribusiness in The Gambia. With a focus on value addition, sustainability, and export-ready products, the tour leverages opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The delegation’s first stop was a natural juice processing factory, celebrated for 100% preservative-free juices from locally sourced fruits. This replicable model, requiring minimal investment, inspired the group with its potential to drive job creation, promote healthy consumption, and boost local economies in The Gambia. The visit resonated deeply with Mrs. Ceesay’s own mission at Nature’s Gift, where she champions health, wellness, and entrepreneurship.
Over the next few days, the team will explore food processing centers, agricultural cooperatives, and women-led factories, each stop curated to showcase adaptable models of success. This tour is more than a learning experience—it’s a movement toward self-reliance, healthier communities, and women-led economic transformation in Africa.
OIC Health Expo: Elevating Gambian Innovation on the Global Stage
Just days prior, from April 15–19, 2025, Mrs. Ceesay represented The Gambia at the 5th OIC Health Expo in Dakar, showcasing the country’s growing influence in organic health and cosmetics. Accompanied by-products from five RAFEI women entrepreneurs, including two in the organic sector, she seized the platform to create visibility, forge market connections, and attract investors across the OIC region.
Her engagements were nothing short of impactful. A key meeting with the Senegalese Minister of Health underscored opportunities for Gambian-Senegalese collaboration in cosmetics and organic products, emphasizing regional integration for sustainable development. Mrs. Ceesay also connected with the Chairlady of the OIC Women’s Network, renowned professors, and other dignitaries, fostering ties to strengthen bilateral relations.
The Expo provided a dynamic stage for Gambian entrepreneurs to exhibit innovations, attend expert-led seminars, and explore international markets. Mrs. Ceesay’s leadership highlighted The Gambia’s role in promoting organic trade and health-based entrepreneurship, cementing her vision for a pan-African ecosystem rooted in empowerment and innovation.
During the Expo, Mrs. Ceesay held a fruitful meeting with the Senegalese Minister of Health, who reaffirmed his commitment to fostering cooperation between Gambian and Senegalese entrepreneurs, particularly in the cosmetics and organic product sectors. The engagement highlighted the importance of regional collaboration to promote sustainable development and strengthen women’s economic inclusion in trade.
Mrs. Ceesay also interacted with distinguished dignitaries, including the Chairlady of the OIC Women’s Network, renowned professors, and several high-profile guests. The warm hospitality extended by the host country further enriched the experience, paving the way for deeper bilateral relations.
A Unified Vision for Empowerment
Together, these initiatives mark a defining moment for Gambian women in business. Mrs. Ceesay’s dual engagements in Senegal reflect her unwavering commitment to driving economic inclusion, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration. From the agricultural study tour’s focus on practical innovation to the OIC Health Expo’s global platform, her leadership inspires a new generation of women to think boldly, act locally, and dream globally.
As the study tour continues, the world watches a movement unfold—one where Gambian women are not just participants but pioneers of change, building a future of self-reliance and prosperity for Africa. Stay tuned for more from this extraordinary journey.
