The launch was presided over by Ida Mendy, third winner during the 3rd edition of the Balance Television Trade Fair (TFF), who is now founder and executive director of Mendez Company Ltd.
The trade fair is a unique platform that brings together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, exhibitors, innovators, and the general public to showcase products, services, and emerging opportunities in the business and creative sectors.
The Balance Crew, a youth-led initiative was championed, organised and hosted by Baba Ceesay, who now serves as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
Besides, this TFF competition, which started on Thursday 4th September to 31st January 2026, is expected to feature 10 candidates.
At the launch Ida Mendy, founder and executive director of Mendez Company Ltd applauded the TTF Balance Crew for creating what she described to be an impactful platform.
She recalled that when she first applied for the TTF competition, she needed a platform that was going to give her an exposure.
She recalled that at that point she had already had her Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to sell but did not get the exposure she needed.
“So, when I saw the link, I said this is an opportunity to apply, so luckily, I came out as the winner,” she explained.
She explained that the six months duration was long, but she got the chance to network with other people and had 50% increment of customers through the TTF program.
“It is a right time for Gambian youth to create products that solve Gambian issues and not depending on imported products, that is the mission I am working on as a youth.” she shared.
Giving a brief insight about her organisation, she informed that Mendez Company Ltd is hoping to launch its detergent brand in January 2026, thus urging current candidates to network amongst themselves to reach wider customers.
Prof Momodou Mustapha Fanneh, vice chancellor at Euclid University, and a panelist, pointed out that it has been a long journey, but sounded optimistic that the 4th edition team will surpass the previous ones.
Prof. Fanneh further urged candidates to believe in themselves to be able to reach to their destinations.
