BANJUL, THE GAMBIA  —

This Wednesday April 5th, 2023, the Honourable Demba Hydara, Pan-African Council Ambassador to The Gambia and Neighboring West African Countries, welcomed renowned Senegalese-American artist and entrepreneur, Aliou Badara Thiam, widely known as Akon, earlier today in Banjul on his presidential visit to discuss investments in country. His Excellency President Adama Barrow met with the international superstar at State House, to talk about his Akon City projects and investment potential in the region.

Akon’s Impact: Philanthropy and Promotion of Africa to the Diaspora

Akon, the American-Senegalese singer, has been making a significant impact on the African continent through his philanthropy and business ventures. He has been actively involved in various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of people in Africa, including the Akon Lighting Africa project, which aims to provide electricity to millions of people across the continent. Through his company, Akon Lighting Africa, he has installed solar panels in several African countries, providing affordable and sustainable energy solutions to underserved communities.

In addition to his philanthropy work, Akon has also been promoting Africa to the global African diaspora by showcasing the continent’s beauty and potential. He has been advocating for increased investment in Africa, highlighting the continent’s vast resources and untapped potential. Through his music and media appearances, he has been challenging the negative stereotypes often associated with Africa, and instead, highlighting the continent’s rich culture and diversity. Akon’s work in Africa and promotion of the continent to the diaspora has been instrumental in changing the narrative about Africa and inspiring others to invest in the continent’s future.

The Council commends Mr Demba Hydara in his role as a presidential advisor to the Republic of The Gambia, responsible for strategic national development priorities in health and diaspora engagement, as well as the promotion of culture, trade, and investments.

BANJUL, THE GAMBIA  —

This January 9th, 2023, the Pan-African Council Board of Directors has appointed Mr Hydara as Council Ambassador to The Gambia and Neighboring West African Countries.

The Honourable Demba Hydara is a presidential advisor to the Republic of The Gambia, responsible for strategic national development priorities as well as the promotion of culture, trade, and investments. He also serves as the Republic of The Gambia’s Ambassador for Health in the Diaspora.

In December of 2016, The Gambia emerged from 22 years of dictatorship that resulted in economic decadence, loss of democracy, and near international isolation. All these combined continue to impact negatively on the provision of adequate social services to the citizenry. The Office of the President has therefore tasked Mr Hydara in complementing the country’s efforts to restore economic stability and rebuild the country.

In his role as the CEO of Soninkara Group, Mr Hydara leads the largest distribution of food commodities in The Gambia. Soninkara covers several industries offering financial, energy, business services, and consumer products. The group’s mission is to drive economic development and enhance investments in the import sector and manufacturing industries for the West Africa region.

Mr Hydara speaks English, Wolof, Soninke, Mandinka, and Arabic.