By: Awa Conteh
This week on Gambian Trailblazers, we spotlight Alhassan Alex Darboe, a dynamic and successful real estate broker making waves in the United States. Born and raised in Gunjur, Kombo South, The Gambia, Alex’s life story is about perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of success. His humble beginnings as a child vendor in the streets of Gunjur did not stop him from becoming a multi-million dollar-producing real estate broker in America. Mr. Darboe’s journey is not only about personal triumph but also about giving back to his roots and impacting his community.
Alhassan Alex Darboe was born in Banjul, The Gambia, alongside his twin brother, Sainey Darboe, who would later become the Editor-in-Chief of a prominent newspaper in The Gambia. The twins spent their early years in Gunjur, a Kombo South town known for its vibrant culture and history. Alex’s childhood was far from luxurious despite his father’s modest financial success in the fishing industry.
He recalls his early years with a sense of pride and nostalgia, sharing that he and his siblings were heavily involved in small-scale trading to support the family. Reflecting on his childhood, Alex told The Alkamba Times:
“I hawked almost everything you can imagine on the streets and homes in Gunjur. My mother, Kaddy Sandally Manjang, was a very creative businesswoman. My siblings and I sold everything from watermelon, bush tea, palm oil, corn, and whatever we could to make money.”
This experience, though challenging, was invaluable in shaping Alex’s understanding of business and money management from a young age. It taught him the importance of hard work, resourcefulness, and the ability to identify and seize opportunities, which later proved crucial in his career.
As a young student, Alex showed exceptional promise. He attended Nusrat High School in Bundung, where he quickly made a name for himself through his academic achievements. One of the highlights of his high school career was winning the maiden edition of the Black History Essay Competition organized by the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia. This accomplishment brought him recognition and opened doors to new opportunities. After completing his high school education, Alex enrolled at the University of The Gambia (UTG), albeit briefly. He recalled:
“I attended the University of The Gambia just for a semester. Before the end of that semester, I already had a student visa to the U.S. and left after my first semester exams”.
Alex’s entry into the real estate industry was, by his own admission, accidental. During his short stint at UTG, his professor, Dr. Ensa Touray, who was involved in the business, introduced him to real estate. This fortuitous introduction would become a pivotal moment in Alex’s life, steering him toward a career he had not previously considered.
“I got into Real Estate by accident thanks to Dr. Ensa Touray, who was into Real Estate and drafted me to be his assistant,” Alex explains. “I was a freelance journalist with Today Newspaper at the time and was making more money a day when we sold properties than I was working a month as a freelance journalist then. So, I gravitated more towards business despite journalism being my passion.”
In this new role, Alex quickly realized the real estate market’s potential in The Gambia, especially in the Kombo areas, where demand for land was growing among diaspora Gambians. Alongside Dr. Touray, Alex played a significant role in helping many Gambians in the diaspora acquire property back home. However, his real estate venture in The Gambia was short-lived.
“We helped a lot of diaspora Gambians buy properties in Kombos, but it was not a structured business. I left shortly after for studies in the United States,” Alex notes.
The decision to move to the United States began a new chapter in Alex’s life. His time in America would be marked by significant challenges and remarkable successes as he navigated the complexities of the real estate market in a foreign country while pursuing higher education.
Upon arriving in the United States, Alex faced many new challenges, not least of which were the cultural and social adjustments required of any immigrant. The U.S. real estate market was vastly different from what he had experienced in The Gambia, and the competitive nature of the industry posed its own set of difficulties. However, Alex’s biggest challenge came from within—overcoming self-limiting beliefs and doubts, many of which were reinforced by those closest to him.
“My biggest challenges starting my Real Estate sales career were self-limiting beliefs and doubt from my family and friends,” Alex admits. “They believed because I was a black man with an accent in the American South (Tennessee), I would not make it in the world of Real Estate.”
Despite these doubts, Alex remained determined. He understood that success would not come overnight and that he needed to build his career step by step. This mindset and his previous business experience in Gunjur gave him the resilience needed to push forward.
“By the providential grace of God Almighty, nine years later, I am closing deals, helping clients from all over the world and backgrounds with their Real Estate needs,” he proudly states.
Mr. Darboe’s journey in the U.S. real estate market has been one of steady progress, marked by his ability to adapt and thrive in a highly competitive environment. A turning point in his career came when Alex met a successful Gambian American real estate businessman during a visit to another state. This encounter proved transformative, providing Alex with the mentorship and guidance he needed to elevate his career to the next level.
“This meeting transformed my life and continues to push my business and life to the next level,” Alex reflects.
In addition to his real estate career, Alex has ventured into acting, a passion he has nurtured alongside his business pursuits. Managing multiple roles—running a real estate business, acting, and attending graduate school—has required a delicate balance and a strong sense of time management. Alex recently graduated from Arizona State University with a Master’s degree in Communication. This achievement has equipped him with the skills to excel in various endeavors.
This pragmatic approach to his career reflects Alex’s commitment to prioritizing his long-term goals over immediate gratification. He recognizes the importance of focusing his energy where it can have the most significant impact, particularly as he seeks to expand his real estate business. Alex’s ability to manage these multiple roles is driven by his deep love for what he does and his desire to keep moving forward.
Despite his success, Alex has always remembered his roots. His commitment to giving back to his community in Gunjur is evident in his philanthropic activities. Over the years, he has been involved in several charitable initiatives, including a significant donation toward constructing a multi-purpose center for youth in Gunjur. Alex’s approach to philanthropy is guided by a simple but profound belief: that kindness begets kindness.
“The more kindness and love we send the way of others, the more the universe sends us more in return,” he shares.
This has become a guiding principle in Alex’s life, influencing his approach to business and his interactions with others. For Alex, philanthropy is not just about financial contributions but a spirit of generosity and compassion that goes beyond material wealth. Alex hopes to continue his philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and clean water initiatives. He envisions setting up a charity to support these causes. However, he carefully emphasizes that his efforts are not driven by a desire for recognition.
“I want to be a better human being and better giver to humanity without expecting anything from anyone,” he said.
As Alex reflects on his journey, he is keenly aware of the legacy he hopes to leave behind. For him, it all begins with positively influencing his family and those around him.
“Day by day, I want to be a better human being to my family and everyone I come in contact with,” Alex states.
This desire to be a force for good in the lives of others is central to his vision for the future. He aspires to be remembered for his professional achievements, kindness, generosity, and positive impact on his community.
Alex is particularly passionate about supporting education and providing clean drinking water for underprivileged communities. He recognizes the transformative power of education and the essential role of clean water in improving the quality of life. He believes he can make a meaningful difference in these areas, and he is committed to dedicating his resources and efforts to these causes. He focuses on creating sustainable change that will benefit future generations long after he leaves.
“I want to eventually set up a charity to help in these areas,” Alex said.
However, Alex is careful to avoid becoming consumed by pursuing legacy. He understands that true fulfillment comes not from seeking validation or praise but from living a life of purpose and integrity.
As Alex continues to build his real estate empire and explore new opportunities, he remains focused on the bigger picture. He is driven by a desire to create lasting change in his personal life and the wider world. Whether through his business ventures, philanthropic efforts, or role as a mentor to others, Alex is determined to leave a positive mark on the world. He is guided by a deep sense of responsibility to use his success to uplift others and contribute to society’s betterment.
In drawing the curtains over this episode of Gamian Trailblazers, Alhassan ‘Alex’ Darboe’s journey proves the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. His story is one of overcoming internal and external obstacles and using his success to give back to his community. Through his work in real estate, his philanthropic activities, and his dedication to helping others, Alex has significantly impacted many people’s lives.
Alex is not just a trailblazer in his field but a beacon of hope and inspiration for all who aspire to make a difference in the world.
