In a keynote address delivered at the 10th African Diaspora Investment Symposium, His Excellency Momodou Lamin Bah, The Gambia’s Ambassador to the United States, called on Africans abroad to transform their economic influence into sustainable investment on the continent. The three-day event, held at George Washington University from May 28 to 30, brought together global changemakers under the theme “Beyond Remittances: The Evolving Role of Africans in the Diaspora in Unlocking Transformational Investments.”
Ambassador Bah lauded the African Diaspora Network for organizing the milestone event, describing it as a platform for economic connectivity and innovation among Africans and their descendants. “The diaspora has long served as a vital source of foreign exchange for The Gambia,” he said. “But we must now expand our focus beyond family remittances to investments that build institutions, infrastructure, and resilience.”
He highlighted the government’s efforts to support diaspora engagement, including the creation of the Diaspora and Migration Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which serves as the primary liaison between the diaspora and the state. He further announced that plans are underway to revive the Roots Homecoming Festival in May 2026, which will welcome Gambians and friends from around the world to reconnect culturally and economically in Banjul.
Beyond the formal symposium, Ambassador Bah actively engaged with the Gambian-American community. On May 23, he led a delegation to a cultural celebration in Silver Spring, Maryland, organized by the Gambian American Association. The event featured traditional masquerade performances, live music, and community speeches aimed at fostering cultural preservation and unity.
“The preservation of our culture is not just a duty; it is a legacy we must pass on to our children,” the Ambassador said. As a mark of solidarity, the Embassy donated $500 to support the event, presented by Counselor Oumie Jobe-Jarra to the association’s president, Mr. Abdoulie Mboob.
On May 24, the Embassy team joined Africa Liberation Day football festivities in Silver Spring, where the Ambassador performed the ceremonial kickoff at a final match between teams from Washington D.C. and New England. He later presented trophies to the winners and used the event as a platform to provide consular services and distribute investment flyers to hundreds of Gambians in attendance.
“The diaspora remains a cornerstone of our nation’s future,” Ambassador Bah said. “Whether through investments, culture, or sports — your role is indispensable.”
