The Alkamba Times (TAT), one of the leading digital Gambian news outlets, collaborated with Reebo Consult, a Kenyan-based consultancy firm, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, to conduct a groundbreaking training session on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for journalists. The initiative, led by Rachael Akidi Okwir, Founder and Lead Senior Strategic Advisor of Reebo Consult and former senior news editor at the BBC, aimed to equip TAT journalists with the skills to navigate the evolving role of AI in journalism, especially ahead of The Gambia’s 2026 presidential elections.
The 90-minute virtual session, titled ‘AI & Automation Demystified for Journalists’, focused on integrating AI into newsroom workflows while emphasizing ethical considerations. Okwir, with over two decades of experience in journalism, highlighted AI’s potential to enhance reporting, streamline research, and uncover deeper insights. However, she cautioned that ethical decision-making remains a cornerstone of responsible journalism. “AI plays a crucial role, but human oversight is fundamental to ensure accuracy, fairness, transparency, and accountability,” Okwir stated. She urged journalists to adopt AI guidelines to maintain editorial integrity and public trust, particularly in combating risks like bias, misinformation, deepfakes, and privacy violations.
Okwir emphasized the importance of human intervention, advising editors to cross-check AI-generated outputs for accuracy. “Use AI responsibly, but never let it replace the journalist’s agency,” she said, advocating for guidelines to ensure ethical AI application in journalism.
Yankuba Manneh, TAT’s associate editor, echoed Okwir’s sentiments, noting AI’s cross-disciplinary impact and inherent biases. “AI tools have enhancement potential, but journalists must uphold our values to rebuild public trust and journalistic truth. We reign supreme over technology,” Manneh said, praising the training’s relevance.
Sainey MK Marenah, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of The Alkamba Times, underscored the partnership’s significance. “At Alkamba Times, we are committed to empowering our journalists with cutting-edge tools to elevate storytelling and uphold the highest standards of journalism,” Marenah said. “Our collaboration with Reebo Consult equips our team with innovative skills to harness AI, enabling impactful, accurate reporting while preserving the integrity and creativity that define our mission.”
The Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor of The Alkamba Times, Mr. Yaya B. Baldeh, expressed sincere gratitude to the Reebo Consult team, Rachael Akidi Okwir, and Mallon Makhipilla, Artificial Intelligence Specialist, for their well-delivered training.
He emphasized that the training was essential for enhancing newsroom operations and editorial oversight, stating that understanding the implications and applications of AI in journalism is not only crucial but also integral to maintaining public trust and upholding professionalism in the field of journalism.
TAT Journalists Fatou Dahaba and Alieu Ceesay expressed enthusiasm for the session. “It’s been a fantastic learning experience that will enhance our work,” Dahaba remarked, while Ceesay hailed the training’s timeliness and thanked Reebo Consult and TAT’s management for the opportunity.
The training covered practical strategies for integrating AI into daily reporting, tools to save time, and approaches to uncover richer stories, offering a fresh perspective on the future of journalism. As The Gambia prepares for its 2026 elections, this initiative positions TAT journalists to leverage AI responsibly, ensuring they remain at the forefront of ethical and impactful storytelling.
The partnership with Reebo Consult reflects TAT’s dedication to embracing technological advancements while safeguarding journalistic principles, setting a precedent for newsrooms across the region. As AI continues to reshape the media landscape, The Alkamba Times is poised to lead with innovation, accountability, and a commitment to truth.
