The United States Embassy in Banjul has named eight young Gambians, including Annette Camara, president of the Women Journalists Association of The Gambia, as recipients of the prestigious 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders. The fellows, comprising Ebrima Sama, Mamy Sira Samateh, Hadim Jah, Sera Gillen, Modou Jallow, Fatoumatta T. Tiyana Ceesay, Annette Camara, and Madeline Ileleji, were selected for their exceptional leadership and contributions to The Gambia’s development.
Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, these professionals represent diverse fields, including business, civic engagement, and public management. They will join hundreds of young African leaders in the fellowship, the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), launched in 2014 to foster economic growth, democratic governance, and peace across Africa. The fellows will attend leadership institutes at U.S. colleges and universities, engaging in academic study, workshops, mentoring, and networking with American leaders and local communities.
A Pre-Departure Orientation Ceremony led by Ambassador Sharon Cromer celebrated the achievements of the fellows. Ambassador Cromer urged them to serve as ambassadors for The Gambia and apply their newfound skills to advance national progress upon their return.
Annette Camara, a radio journalist, mentor, and advocate for women in media, will attend Wayne State University for the Public Leadership Management track. “Being selected for the Mandela Washington Fellowship is both humbling and empowering,” Camara said. “As president of the Women Journalists Association and a mentor for young girls, I see this as a platform to advance women’s leadership in The Gambia, particularly in our media landscape.”
Camara’s selection highlights her lifelong dedication to closing the gender gap in decision-making roles within newsrooms and public institutions. She has already launched initiatives, such as the St. Joseph’s Press Club and similar programs in other schools, to nurture young talent. Upon returning, she plans to develop a leadership pipeline for women journalists, offering mentorship, skills training, and advocacy to prepare them for editorial and executive roles. She also aims to collaborate with media houses and press unions to promote gender-sensitive policies and amplify the voices of women.
“The knowledge I gain will not stay with me,” Camara emphasized. “I will share it through capacity-building workshops, public dialogues, and institutional partnerships to inspire a cultural shift where women in journalism see leadership as a natural career progression.”
The fellowship reflects the U.S. commitment to investing in Africa’s future. For Camara and her peers, it’s an opportunity to transform potential into impactful change. “This journey is about ensuring women shape the narratives that define our nation,” she said, setting her sights on a more inclusive media sector.
As these eight Gambians prepare for their journey to the U.S., their selection highlights the promise of youth leadership in driving the Gambia’s progress.
