By Ndey Sowe
The newly elected President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Mr. Njundu Fatty, has vowed to deliver on his promises and continue the legacy of his predecessor, Mr. Edirissa Mass Jobe. Fatty made the pledge on Friday, 5th September 2025, at the Chamber’s Annual General Meeting held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Hall in Bijilo.
“This is a responsibility I do not take lightly. Together, I believe, we will be able to deliver the promises made. I am specially grateful to the entire members of Team Njundu executives and the grassroots campaigners who pulled off this magnificent victory,” Fatty told the gathering.
He added: “We could not achieve such without your commitment and dedication. Together, we can propel the much-needed economic growth The Gambia requires.”
Fatty expressed appreciation to the Chamber’s membership for endorsing his “Hexapro Agenda” and electing him as president. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Jobe, describing him as a leader who had set the foundation for his team to build upon.
“We accept the responsibility that is placed in front of us and this is the beginning of the work. We must deliver,” Fatty pledged.
For his part, outgoing president Edirissa Mass Jobe reflected on his six-year tenure, calling it “the greatest honor” of his professional life. He reminded members of the GCCI’s long history, noting that it predates both the Gambian Republic and the country’s currency.
“When I accepted this role, my conviction was simple: that business must not only create economic value but must also create social value. Our private sector must address the needs and challenges of our society, in partnership with government and in service of our communities,” Jobe said.
He highlighted the Chamber’s achievements, including creating opportunities for Gambian businesses abroad. “To date, we have sent members to China, Turkey, Japan and across the world through our partnerships,” he said.
Jobe acknowledged the challenges faced during his leadership—economic headwinds, global crises, and local constraints—but praised the resilience of Gambian entrepreneurs who, despite limited resources, continue to build the economy “brick by brick.”
“As I pass the mantle, my only advice to the incoming board and leadership is simple: do the right thing. Do the right thing for the members, for the private sector, and for The Gambia. If integrity and service remain your compass, this Chamber will continue to grow in strength and relevance,” he advised.
Jobe concluded: “The GCCI is not just an institution, it is a movement—a movement of entrepreneurs, innovators, and dreamers who believe in the power of business to transform lives.”
Njundu Fatty, who now leads the Chamber, is the CEO of Salam Financial Services (formerly Supersonicz Microfinance). With over 25 years of experience in technology, finance, banking, and corporate strategy across both public and private sectors, he is regarded as one of the country’s leading homegrown entrepreneurs. He co-founded Lasting Solutions Limited, which employs 35 staff, and Salam Financial Services Limited, which employs more than 180 staff.
He previously served as Treasurer of the GCCI and has long been a champion of the Gambian private sector.
Fatty’s “Hexapro Agenda,” which formed the basis of his campaign, outlines six core goals: promoting inclusivity and diversity; enhancing member value and staff welfare; strengthening advocacy and stakeholder engagement; ensuring financial sustainability of the Chamber; repositioning The Gambia as a hub for regional trade; and advancing employer representation to build a more productive workforce.
