Alert: This is a longer post, but it carries immense importance! Let us unite to celebrate and honor the brave patriots and distinguished ambassadors who have elevated the Gambian flag on the global stage. Their selfless sacrifices during our nation’s most challenging times, coupled with the personal hardships they endured, are a powerful testament to their unwavering dedication—never seeking recognition for their efforts. Their relentless commitment to empowering our youth and women through mentorship and entrepreneurial guidance is truly inspiring and deserves our heartfelt gratitude and lasting remembrance.
Ambassador Abdoulie Matarr Touray: An extraordinary man, dedicated husband, visionary economist, trailblazing entrepreneur, esteemed scholar, insightful thinker, and distinguished gentleman; an icon and a powerful embodiment of transformative leadership and enduring legacy.
by Alagi Yorro Jallow.
Fatoumatta: Today, we celebrate and honor one of Africa’s finest sons and a treasured figure in The Gambia, Ambassador Abdoulie Matarr Touray. He embodies Gambian patriotism—a distinguished gentleman, brilliant economist, visionary entrepreneur, and profound thinker. Known as “Baax,” he possesses an extraordinary array of virtues: character, humility, integrity, intellect, and unwavering courage. Among the many admirable traits one can possess, ethics, humility, and wisdom stand out as hallmarks of deep understanding. Together with compassion, generosity, humanitarianism, philanthropy, and spiritual dedication, Abdoulie Touray exemplifies these qualities with grace. His rare ability to clarify complexities dispels ambiguity and confusion, allowing others to see with purpose. Through his smallest gestures and grandest accomplishments, Abdoulie Touray shines as an extraordinary leader defined by courage, clear vision, and inherent decency. His legacy is a powerful testament to the impact of genuine leadership, inspiring all who encounter his remarkable spirit.
Ambassador Abdoulie Matarr Touray stands as a beacon of clarity and resolve on key issues, embodying the belief that true fraternity and patriotism demand more than just words. He has consistently demonstrated to the Gambian people that genuine commitment requires a proactive stance against injustices, especially those that threaten our collective aspirations for societal advancement. As the Chairman of Sahel Investment, Mr. Touray is not just a leader; he is a distinguished gentleman and a dedicated patriot.
His vision and unwavering love for The Gambia shine through in his extensive contributions to national development. Abdoulie Touray serves as an inspiring model for both Gambians and non-Gambians alike, reinforcing his remarkable legacy. The Gambia is incredibly fortunate to have a leader of Abdoulie Touray’s caliber, whose profound accomplishments will undoubtedly inspire future generations. His legacy is imprinted in the countless lives he has uplifted, the minds he has influenced, and the core principles he has championed. Both Africa and The Gambia hold in high esteem the contributions of this exceptional son—a brilliant thinker and a compassionate advocate. Abdoulie Touray is celebrated and remembered not only for his extraordinary career but also for his unwavering commitment to advancing human excellence and national progress.
Mr. Touray transcends the roles of economist and advocate for improved human conditions in The Gambia and beyond; he is a profound thinker and mentor whose influence has left an indelible mark on individuals of all ages. His exceptional contributions to academia and public service have forged a lasting legacy for all who are fortunate enough to know him, ensuring that his impact will resonate for years to come.
Fatoumata: Ambassador Abdoulie Touray’s remarkable achievements and enduring legacy resonate profoundly with the insights presented in “Fraternity,” published in the Review of Metaphysics, Volume 35, in 1981. In her influential 1999 work, “On Beauty and Being Just,” Harvard professor Elaine Scarry compellingly argues that fraternity is a fundamental pillar of the revolutionary triad—liberty, equality, and fraternity—serving as the bedrock for theories of liberal justice.
In harmony with Scarry’s perspective, I confidently position Ambassador Abdoulie Touray as not just a thinker but a profound philosopher whose insights into ethical justice and fairness are truly illuminating. Touray ardently advocates that the principles of fraternity and solidarity are essential for achieving authentic freedom and equality within a revolutionary context, establishing him as a pivotal force for national advancement. He not only nurtures a deep sense of patriotism but also empowers individuals with a strong moral compass and an unwavering dedication to justice.
As I revisit Scarry’s analysis, it becomes evident that Mr. Touray’s contributions are invaluable, forging compelling connections between the pursuit of beauty, the creation of economic opportunities, and the empowerment of youth and women through education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the critical role of justice in this dynamic. Mr. Touray’s powerful articulation of justice as fairness aligns seamlessly with the economic philosophy championed by John Rawls, making his vision not only resonate with contemporary ideals but also possess the potential to inspire transformative change within society.
Fatoumatta: Upon completing his studies and returning home in 1980, Mr. Touray embarked on a remarkable journey with the National Investment Board, where he eventually took on the role of Chairman and CEO. His inspiring leadership has touched multiple sectors, showcasing his versatility in roles such as Secretary General of the GNOC, Chairman of the UTG Governing Board, Zenith Bank, WAII, and Marina International School. He also served as Vice President for the Commonwealth Games in Africa and President of the American Chamber of Commerce in The Gambia. Mr. Touray’s unwavering commitment to fostering a knowledge economy is evident through his leadership positions, particularly as Chairman of the UTG Governing Board and Marina International.
His passion and dedication have significantly driven the success and growth of these institutions. His educational journey reflects a deep-seated pursuit of excellence. Mr. Touray began his career as a teacher at Yundum College, now Gambia College, before earning a scholarship to Truett McConnell College in Cleveland, Georgia, where he graduated cum Laude with an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 1974. He continued to shine at Morehouse College, obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics (cum Laude) in 1976, and completing his MBA at Atlanta University in 1979. His thirst for knowledge also led him to undertake post-graduate studies at esteemed institutions like Harvard and Georgetown University. Each step of his journey is a testament to his dedication and vision for a brighter future!
Ambassador Touray exemplifies unwavering dedication and exceptional expertise, culminating in his role as the Chairman and CEO of the National Investment Board. His influence has only expanded, driven by a rich tapestry of experience in leading prominent organizations across telecommunications and finance. As the founder, chairman, and CEO of Sahel Invest Management International, Mr. Touray has played a pivotal role in transforming The Gambia’s economic landscape. His tenure as the inaugural chairman of the Gambia Investment Promotion & Free Zone Agency (GIPFZA) from 2001 to 2003 laid a robust foundation for sustainable growth. His leadership extends to chairing the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and the Governing Council of the University of The Gambia, underscoring his commitment to advancing both economic and educational sectors.
Furthermore, as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Gambia and the first president of the West African Chartered College, Mr. Touray’s influence resonates across multiple domains. Renowned as one of The Gambia’s living legends, he stands as a beacon of inspiration. Through his mentorship, he has empowered countless individuals, catalyzing significant strides in promoting the country’s socio-economic progress. With an extensive background in both public and private sectors, he remains an indispensable force in driving The Gambia’s ongoing economic development.
Fatoumatta: In 2024, Mr. Abdoulie Touray took on the prestigious role of Ambassador for the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) in The Gambia, becoming a vital part of the world’s largest network of entrepreneurs, active in over 200 countries. His visionary leadership continues to inspire countless individuals, igniting a passion for innovation and enterprise. An accomplished author, Mr. Touray has penned three significant works that reflect his extensive experience and insights:
1. “Selected Speeches from My Tenure in Public Service”
2. “Milestones of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Presidency from 2001 to 2006”
3. “Aide Memoire to the Government of The Gambia: Strategies for Accelerating Economic Development and Transformation”.
Fatoumatta: On April 26, 2024, Mr. Touray presented his impactful books to President Adama Barrow at the State House in Banjul, underlining his unwavering commitment to advancing the nation through his writings. Mr. Touray’s intellectual prowess and innovative contributions to economic and entrepreneurial philosophy shine through his work. He passionately advocates for the principles of fraternity and patriotism, merging these values with the modern entrepreneurial spirit of The Gambia.
His speeches and writings consistently underscore fraternity as an essential cornerstone for thriving in the diverse tapestry of Gambian society and across Africa. He articulated, “The public ideals that have been realized in the modern age are ideals for all humanity. Therefore, fraternity emerges as a pivotal concept of modernity. It fosters shared values, objectives, and connections among all humans and peoples… this is what I call the modern form of solidarity, fraternity.
It is noteworthy that it is only in the modern era that we have all become contemporaries. Modernity represents the epoch when humanity is united by a common destiny.” Indeed, Abdoulie Touray’s life and oeuvre exemplify the principles of multiple intelligences, as outlined in Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory. His analytical skills provide him with distinctive insights, making him a transformative figure dedicated to the progress of The Gambia and beyond.
Fatoumatta: Ambassador Abdoulie Touray stands out as a transformative figure at the intersection of academia, economic policy, and public governance. Celebrated as a “public intellectual,” he combines the acumen of a distinguished economist with the vision of an entrepreneurial leader. His proactive engagement and courage in voicing a range of perspectives have been pivotal in steering The Gambia away from its former political and economic constraints, effectively tackling the pressing business challenges of his era.
Abdoulie Touray’s unwavering commitment to the global human condition, particularly the welfare of his fellow citizens in The Gambia, is truly inspiring. He is deeply invested in the future of the youth, the tragic plight of those risking their lives to migrate across the Mediterranean Sea, the scourge of unemployment, and the urgent need for quality education for young people and women. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and the growth of startup businesses, he envisions a new Gambia that thrives on justice and material prosperity.
He emphasizes the importance of fraternity in these endeavors, essential for healing a nation grappling with severe poverty, a painful history of dictatorship, and persistent government corruption. Among the four Gambians who have profoundly shaped my thinking and earned my highest respect for their impactful work, one emerges as an exceptional and inspirational teacher.
Fatoumatta: Together with countless others in the Gambia and across the globe who have been touched by his life, I celebrate, honor, and pay tribute to Ambassador Abdoulie Matarr Baax Touray—a beacon of hope and change agent in our society.
