In a society where innovation is often seen as a man’s world, Adama Damia Drammeh is rewriting the narrative. As the founder of Damia Security Solutions, The Gambia’s first-ever female-owned vehicle tracking company, she stands tall among a new generation of young entrepreneurs determined to prove that Gambian women can lead in technology, innovation, and business.
Her journey began three years ago not with investors, grants, or fancy offices but with one powerful belief: that Gambians could build their own solutions. “I started with almost nothing,” she recalls. “But I had a vision that we could do better that we could build something in The Gambia that genuinely solves problems.”
And the problem she set out to solve was real. Across the country, vehicle thefts were becoming more frequent, businesses were losing money to unmonitored drivers, and ordinary car owners had no control over their vehicles once they left home. For Adama, that wasn’t just a business opportunity; it was a challenge she was determined to overcome.
A Young Woman’s Vision in a Male-Dominated Field
When Adama founded Damia Security Solutions, she stepped into a space largely dominated by men. Vehicle technology and tracking systems were still new to The Gambia, and few believed a young woman could successfully build such a complex system from the ground up.
But she didn’t just build it; she built it herself, with a team of passionate young Gambians who shared her dream. “What makes me most proud isn’t how many trackers we’ve sold,” she says with a smile. “It’s that we didn’t outsource our systems; we built everything ourselves. We’re showing that young Gambians, especially women, can create technology that works for us.”
Today, Damia Security Solutions has grown into a vibrant and skilled team of youth, each one learning, innovating and contributing to a vision much bigger than themselves. The company is not only reducing vehicle theft but also creating jobs and building confidence among young people who once believed that tech innovation was beyond their reach.
From Struggles to Success
Behind Adama’s success lies a story of resilience and courage. As one of the youngest women in this highly technical and competitive industry, her path was filled with obstacles. “Funding was a challenge,” she admits. “And convincing people to trust a new product, especially one created locally, wasn’t easy.”
But every recovered vehicle, every grateful customer, and every business owner who reports improved driver performance fuels her determination. “Every time a client calls to say we helped them recover their stolen car, I’m reminded why I started,” she reflects.
These small victories remind Adama that innovation isn’t about having everything; it’s about using what you have to create change.
A Dream Beyond Tracking: Shaping Africa’s Transport Future
For Adama, Damia Security Solutions is just the beginning. Her dream goes far beyond tracking vehicles; it’s about transforming how Africa moves. “I want to help shape how we manage transport, how we use data, and how we create safer systems for everyone,” she explains.
She envisions a continent where technology and data will guide transportation planning, where governments can make informed decisions about traffic, road safety, and urban planning, and where women can play leading roles in technological innovation.
In the coming years, her company plans to expand into fleet management and data-driven transport solutions, offering tools to help governments, companies, and individuals make smarter choices about mobility. Adama also dreams of contributing to smart city development using vehicle data and technology to make African cities more organized, efficient, and safe.
“Technology isn’t just about apps and devices,” she says passionately. “It’s about building systems that make our lives better safer roads, smarter traffic, and stronger communities.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Gambian Women
Adama’s story is not only about business; it’s about breaking barriers. She stands as a living example that women can thrive in fields once thought to be out of their reach. Through her work, she has inspired many young Gambian girls to believe that they too can build, create, and lead.
At Damia Security Solutions, she mentors her team many of whom are young people learning to code, design, and innovate. For her, empowering youth is not just an addition to her mission it’s the heart of it. “We’re not just building systems,” she says. “We’re building people. Every young person I hire learns, grows, and contributes to a vision that belongs to all of us.”
“Start Where You Are” A Message of Hope
When asked what advice she would give to young dreamers who fear starting small, her response is simple yet powerful: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Believe in what you can do. You don’t need perfect conditions you just need determination.”
Her message resonates deeply in a country where young people often face limited opportunities and women encounter countless barriers. Adama’s journey is a reminder that dreams do not depend on privilege or connections; they depend on purpose, persistence, and faith.
“I believe Africa’s future depends on how we move,” she says with conviction. “Our ability to transport goods, connect cities, and protect what we build will shape our destiny. I want to be part of that change helping design systems that make our roads not just busier, but better.”
From humble beginnings to becoming a national symbol of innovation and empowerment, Adama Damia Drammeh’s story is proof that greatness can grow from the smallest spark of belief. She represents a new generation of Gambian women fearless, visionary, and unstoppable.
