Mr. Jobarteh was honoured by Representative Rosalyn D. Henderson-Myers and members of the South Carolina House of Representatives for his outstanding leadership and enduring contributions to port development, maritime governance, and regional trade advancement in Africa. The award was presented at the historic UK Parliament, to the applause of ambassadors and eminent industry leaders around the world. The ceremony was presided by the Chairman of the Board of the Africa Leadership Organization HE Jakaya Kikwete former President of Tanzania, and in attendance were the Gambian Ambassador to the UK, HE Dr. Fatou Bensouda, Baroness Verma member of the House of Lords of the UK, a special representative of the President of the AfDB and other eminent dignitaries.
The recognition commended his visionary reforms and strategic direction at the helm of the GPA, a role he has held since 2018 following a remarkable career spanning over three decades.
As part of the Summit, Mr. Jobarteh was also part of the high-level African Customs, Ports & Trade Policy Leaders Roundtable, where he was Guest Speaker and delivered a Special Presentation on the theme “Beyond Tariffs: Institutional Alignment for Intra-African Trade.” His intervention focused on the importance of port efficiency, public–private collaboration, and policy harmonisation in the realisation of the ECOWAS Treaty on Free Movement of Goods and Services and the AU Agenda 2063.
Under his leadership, GPA has implemented bold reforms including the establishment of a joint stevedoring company with the Dock Workers’ Union, the expansion of port operations through partnerships such as the GPA–Albayrak concession and increasing use of digitalisation in the business processes. These reforms have positioned GPA as a model of modernisation, efficiency, and inclusive growth in the maritime sector.
This international recognition of Mr. Jobarteh is not only a personal honour but also a reflection of The Gambia’s growing influence in shaping the future of African trade and maritime connectivity. The Board, Management, and Staff of the Gambia Ports Authority extend their warmest congratulations to Mr. Jobarteh for this well-deserved honour.
