The Subdeco Campus in Banjul hosted a landmark seminar over the weekend, under the theme “Transformational Leadership and Strategic Innovation for Business Growth in The Gambia and Beyond”.
The event brought together students, faculty lecturers, and distinguished guests to discuss the urgent need for innovation and visionary leadership in shaping the nation’s future.
Abdou Faye, Director of the Subdeco Campus Banjul, reminded students that “the growth of a nation begins in the minds of its people”. He encouraged active participation, stressing that opportunities like this are rare and must be seized.
Trust Bank’s Managing Director Njilan Senghore, sharing her journey from audit trainee to becoming Trust Bank’s first female Managing Director, emphasised that “innovation is no longer optional; it is a survival issue.” She cited the downfall of Kodak and Nokia as cautionary tales of companies that failed to adapt.
She outlined four pillars of innovation – product, process, business model, and market innovation, urging Gambian entrepreneurs to strategically combine them for sustainable growth.
Speakers highlighted both challenges and opportunities in the Gambian business landscape, limited access to capital and infrastructure constraints.
According to her, the promise of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could unlock regional trade if industries added value to local products.
Her presence underscored the seminar’s focus on bridging academic learning with real-world leadership.
