The event brought together a diverse group of participants, including representatives from government agencies, community elders, women, and local residents all united by a shared commitment to preserving The Gambia’s forests for future generations.
Speaking during the exercise, Governor Lamin Saidykhan commended Africell for its leadership and called on community members to take ownership of the trees.
“Let us ensure these trees thrive for the benefit of future generations. I thank Africell for this commendable initiative,” he said.
Africell’s tree-planting campaign is part of a long-term strategy to enhance, preserve, and sustainably manage forest resources. The initiative, titled “25,000 Trees for 25 Years of Impact”, marks the company’s 25th anniversary and reflects its commitment to environmental stewardship.
Managing Director and CEO Hussein Diab Ghanem underscored the importance of community involvement in sustaining the project, adding: “These trees are yours. We trust you to care for them. This is not just about planting trees, it’s about planting hope for a greener, healthier future,” he remarked.
He added that Africell is planting 2,000 trees of four distinct species, chosen for their ecological value and adaptability.
In addition to the tree-planting effort, Africell has begun drilling a borehole to support women in the community who face water shortages in their gardens. The borehole is expected to significantly improve access to water and enhance agricultural productivity.
As part of the community engagement, Africell presented gifts to village elders and distributed jerseys and footballs to local youth, reinforcing its commitment to social development.
The Alkali of Suwareh Kunda, Ebrima Suwareh, expressed his gratitude to Africell and encouraged residents to support the company.
“Africell is playing a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of our forests. I urge everyone to use Africell in their daily lives,” he said.
Africell’s initiative stands as a model for corporate responsibility, demonstrating how private sector engagement can contribute meaningfully to environmental protection and community empowerment in The Gambia.
