On Wednesday, His Excellency President Barrow met with the U.S. Embassy delegation, accompanied by the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellows, at the State House in Banjul.
The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the nine (9) outstanding young Gambian delegates selected for the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF). This prestigious program, sponsored by the U.S. Government, aims to strengthen leadership skills, expand professional networks, and foster collaboration between the United States and emerging African leaders.
His Excellency President Adama Barrow expressed his gratitude to the United States for supporting young Gambians across diverse fields of development and building their capacity in leadership, community engagement, and entrepreneurship. He noted that approximately 75% of his government’s scholarships target the youth, particularly in the STEM sector.
*The President* added that the Mandela Washington Fellowship program complements his government’s reform programme, which includes capacity building to strengthen state institutions. He acknowledged and appreciated the gender and diversity selection criteria, including disability representation, and encouraged the United States to increase the quota for The Gambia, *emphasising* that Gambians bear the ultimate responsibility for building their country and strengthening democracy.
President Barrow also commended Ambassador Sharon Cromer’s personal efforts in strengthening The Gambia-U.S. relations and ensuring mutual benefits.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Miss Annette Camara expressed gratitude to the President for his reception and to the U.S. Government for this significant opportunity. She affirmed the team’s commitment to giving back to their communities and institutions upon completing the six-week training programme.
