Gulf-Africa

02/06/2026

Qurbani 2026 Project Successfully Completed! 🐑🌍

In partnership with the Human Development Fund (HDF) have successfully delivered the Qurbani 2026 Project across The Gambia, Senegal, and Mauritania.

What began as a plan to serve 600 beneficiaries expanded significantly after field assessments revealed greater community needs.

As a result, livestock allocations were increased, allowing the project to reach over 820 vulnerable beneficiaries with fresh 2-4kg meat packages during Eid al-Adha.

Despite logistical and cultural challenges, local slaughtering and distribution ensured freshness, dignity, and timely support for families in need. The project also received strong community and institutional support.

820+ lives reached.
Three countries served.
One mission: Sharing hope, compassion, and the spirit of Eid. ❤️

23/04/2026

Celebrating our CEO ahead of his Earthly Anniversary 5th May 2026

Demba Hydara is a highly connected, respected, and influential figure with a distinguished multidimensional profile. A multilingual entrepreneur, philanthropist, and diplomat, he plays a pivotal role as Head of Resource Mobilization and serves as Chair of Gulf Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative, contributing significantly to investments and humanitarian services under the Office of the President of the Republic of The Gambia.

He is widely recognized for his strategic leadership and social development impact, with ownership of multiple businesses both within The Gambia and internationally, reflecting his strong presence in global enterprise and development.

Get Ready For Destination

05/04/2026

Congratulations to
Présidence de la République du Sénégal

23/03/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Bader al-Hajri, Gulf-Africa GASPI Representative in Qatar 🇶🇦 Elected President of Arab Federation for Artificial Intelligence

CITY, Qatar — In a decisive move to strengthen the Arab world's presence on the global technological stage, Dr. Bader bin Dalham al-Fahd al-Hajri has been elected as the new President of the Arab Federation for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Programming.

The landmark appointment was announced following an extraordinary meeting of the federation's Board of Directors, which saw high-level attendance from representatives of its member states.

A Mission for Integration and Regulation

In a statement issued following his election, Dr. al-Hajri emphasized that the federation represents a crucial institutional Arab framework to unify regional efforts in AI and programming.

A key priority for the new leadership will be supporting efforts to build a comprehensive, unified Arab regulatory framework for AI.

"Establishing integrated Arab regulatory and legislative frameworks is no longer an option but a necessity," Dr. al-Hajri stated. He stressed that these frameworks are essential to bridging the existing international regulatory gap and ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly and ethically. A primary focus will be on preserving the distinct cultural values and strategic interests of Arab countries in the digital age.

Action Plan for a New Era

Looking ahead, Dr. al-Hajri outlined a comprehensive strategic vision for the next phase, which will prioritize:

Capacity Building: Developing training and research initiatives designed to nurture and develop Arab talent.

Academic Collaboration: Preparing for the launch of joint projects with Arab universities and research centers.

Sector Innovation: Promoting scientific research and innovation in vital sectors, including health, education, and energy.

Youth Empowerment: Organizing specialized conferences and workshops, and launching competition and incentive initiatives to support technological entrepreneurship among Arab youth.

The new president emphasized that strengthening the Arab presence in shaping international policies and standards is critical, as AI is now a fundamental pillar of the global economy.

International Partnerships and the Role of Qatar

A central component of the future strategy will involve building new regional and international partnerships. These partnerships aim to consolidate the position of Arab countries as active participants in shaping the global digital future.

Dr. al-Hajri affirmed that the federation's vision aligns closely with Qatar's strategic role as a hub for innovation and digital transformation. He pointed to Qatar's advanced infrastructure and significant investments in AI and technology as a foundation upon which the federation can build its regional initiatives.

This strategic approach is expected to play a critical role in:

Stemming the "brain drain" of skilled individuals from the region.

Attracting and retaining high-caliber Arab talent.

Enabling skilled individuals to work within an integrated, supportive Arab system.

Unified Command and Restructuring

Demonstrating the strong mandate behind the new leadership, the council unanimously approved granting Dr. al-Hajri the full powers stipulated in the organization's bylaws.

Furthermore, the board approved a redistribution of key leadership positions within the federation. These organizational changes are designed to enhance the efficiency of institutional work and ensure the organization can effectively keep pace with the rapidly evolving challenges of the AI and programming sector.

20/03/2026

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman performs Eid Al-Fitr prayer at the Grand Mosque in Makkah

Eid Mubarak

20/03/2026

11/03/2026

Gulf Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI)

On behalf of the Invitation extended to the CEO of Gulf-Africa Demba Hydara we had the privilege of participating in the on 10th March 2026, held at the OIC Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in The Gambia.

The event brought together distinguished leaders, partners, and advocates committed to strengthening women’s leadership and governance across Africa.

We extend our sincere congratulations to Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe President of REFELA Africa, for successfully convening such an important platform that amplifies the voices and leadership of women in local governance.

For those of us working through platforms such as the Gulf Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI) moments like these serve as powerful reminders that meaningful progress is built through collective effort, shared vision, and strong partnerships.

Long before conferences and celebrations take place, many individuals and organizations dedicate their time, energy, and resources behind the scenes to nurture initiatives that empower women and strengthen communities. These often-unseen contributions form the foundation upon which impactful movements are built.

Women are shaping the future. Their mission, resilience, and leadership are forces to be reckoned with. This work is greater than any one individual; it is about building stronger institutions, empowering women leaders, and ensuring that the next generation finds doors already open.

GASPI remains firmly committed to this shared vision
strengthening the Africa–Gulf connection toward 2030 through collaboration, empowerment, and strategic partnerships.

Media & Communications Department
Gulf Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI)
Secretariat

Barrow PORG
Ministry of Foreign Affairs-The Gambia

09/03/2026

Dear Esteemed Members of the Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI),

Warm greetings.

On behalf of the leadership of GASPI, we are pleased to extend a cordial invitation to all GASPI members across Africa, and especially our members in The Gambia, to graciously attend and support the upcoming REFELA National Conference.

This important national gathering will be held under the distinguished leadership of Her Worship the Lord Mayoress of Banjul, bringing together leaders, policymakers, development partners, and advocates committed to advancing women's leadership and strengthening governance.

Conference Theme:
“Accelerating Representation, Safeguarding and Strengthening Women’s Rights”

Date: 10th March 2026
Time: 09:00 a.m.
Venue: SDKJICC, OIC Conference Center, The Gambia

The conference will feature the distinguished presence of Chief Guest of Honour, H.E. Peter G. Obi, alongside national and international stakeholders committed to inclusive development and leadership.

Your presence as a valued member of GASPI will demonstrate solidarity with this important initiative and reinforce our collective commitment to partnership, leadership, and the empowerment of women across Africa and the Gulf region.

We therefore encourage all GASPI members who are available in The Gambia, as well as those visiting or residing in Africa, to attend and show support to Her Worship the Lord Mayoress of Banjul, Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe and the REFELA network.

We look forward to welcoming you as we continue to build bridges of cooperation, leadership, and sustainable impact.

With highest regards,

Secretariat
Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI)


Gulf-Africa Gulf News Demba Hydara Présidence de la République du Sénégal Barrow PORG Ministry of Foreign Affairs-The Gambia State House of The Gambia Lissa Baba Niang Joseph Jubril Robinson

02/03/2026

The CEO of GASPI Demba Hydara held a productive meeting with the Minister of Transport and Telecommunications of Guinea-Bissau.

They discussed attracting investment from Gulf states to Guinea-Bissau, particularly in infrastructure development. The Minister emphasized the urgent need for humanitarian solidarity in Bissau.

He also conveyed the appreciation of the President of Guinea-Bissau to our NGO members, ARCD and Islamic Relief, for their recent Ramadan food distributions across Africa.
Gulf-Africa
Lord Mayor Rohey Malick Lowe
Gulf News
Présidence de la République du Sénégal
Barrow PORG
غرفة الرياض