By: Fatou Dahaba
The Yonna Group, a leading Gambian-owned conglomerate, kicked off the new year by honoring its dedicated employees at its annual Staff Retreat and Awards Ceremony, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo. The event, coinciding with the company’s traditional “Yonna Day” on January 1, brought together board members, senior management, staff from across the nation, and distinguished guests to celebrate achievements, reflect on growth, and reaffirm commitment to community empowerment.
Malick Gibba, Head of IT, was named Outstanding Staff of the Year, receiving a cash prize of D50,000, a certificate, and an iPhone 16 Pro Max in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the company’s digital infrastructure. Speaking after the presentation, Gibba expressed surprise and gratitude, crediting his team’s dedication for enabling seamless operations across Yonna’s subsidiaries.
Several other categories highlighted employee excellence, including Most Loyal Staff, Most Disciplined Staff, Best-Dressed Staff, Most Hardworking Staff, Most Committed, Most Valuable, Longest Serving Staff, and Drivers Award. Winners in these categories received cash prizes ranging from D5,000 to D50,000, along with tokens of appreciation such as bags of rice or other gifts.
In a highlight of corporate social responsibility rooted in Islamic values, Yonna awarded fully funded Hajj packages to three exceptional staff members: Yankuba Mamburay, Managing Director of Yonna Islamic Microfinance; Ebou Bittaye, Managing Director of Yonna Islamic Insurance; and Ms. Fatou Cham, a senior staff member.
Board Chairman Muhammed Manjang announced the continuation of this initiative, pledging Hajj sponsorships for three more deserving employees in 2026 to support their spiritual journeys.
Manjang, addressing the gathering, expressed profound pride in the over 600 employees who drive Yonna’s success. Tracing the company’s humble beginnings in a small convent in Bambo, he emphasized its foundation in Islamic principles, faith, and community service. “True success transcends financial milestones; it lies in uplifting Gambians through jobs, entrepreneurship, and social impact,” he said.
He highlighted subsidiary achievements: Yonna Forex Bureau’s dominance in remittances; Yonna Islamic Microfinance’s $100,000 donation to education and support for entrepreneurs; Yonna Wallet’s innovation in digital transactions; and Yonna Agribusiness’s delivery of tractors to boost agricultural productivity, earning international acclaim.
Yankuba Mamburay, Managing Director of Yonna Islamic Microfinance;
stressed a customer-centric approach, declaring, “The true boss is always the customer.” He advocated cross-subsidiary teamwork to enhance service delivery and noted Yonna’s broader purpose: creating employment and empowering sectors such as agriculture and microfinance in a changing world.
General Manager Momodou Barrow reiterated the awards’ role in motivating staff to align with company goals, while underscoring Yonna’s vision of providing services and youth employment opportunities.
Guest speaker Njudu Fatty, President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), commended Yonna’s 15-year legacy in job creation, youth and women’s empowerment, and raising living standards. Calling it proof of Gambian enterprise thriving on strong values, he urged government and private sector support, including the passage of a local content bill by 2026, to prioritize Gambians in the economy. Fatty reminded recipients that awards are milestones, not endpoints, and called for integrity and responsibility.
The ceremony underscored Yonna Group’s rapid expansion—from forex and microfinance to agribusiness and digital wallets—while reinforcing its dedication to employee welfare, innovation, and national development.
