Africell has partnered with Go Green Gambia to plant 10,000 mangroves in Old Jeshwang, working with a group of 50 women whose livelihoods depend on oyster harvesting. The initiative highlights Africell’s commitment to both environmental protection and community empowerment.
The activity, which took place on the 3rd of September , was strengthened by Africell’s donation of D50,000 to the women’s community, ensuring that the project delivers lasting benefits beyond the planting itself.
“This project shows that protecting the environment and assisting communities go hand in hand,” said Africell’s Ronald Senghore. “By working with these local entrepreneurs, we are making sure the benefits of mangrove restoration are both ecological and economic.”
Mangroves are a critical natural resource for The Gambia. They protect coastlines from erosion, store carbon, and provide vital habitats for biodiversity. For oyster harvesters, they are especially important as breeding and feeding grounds that support their daily work.
Community representative Sabel Jatta highlighted how the effort directly supports the women:
“This is where our livelihood comes from, and protecting this area will greatly support not only us and our families but our community as a whole.”
Go Green Gambia, Africell’s partner for the event, is a grassroots environmental organization known for mobilizing communities to take part in sustainable action. Executive Director Kemo Fatty explained:
“When you let those people, whose livelihood depends on this, be the watchmen of the place, then you have your sustainability plan in place.”
The planting in Old Jeshwang is part of Africell Gambia’s “25,000 Trees for 25 Years of Impact” campaign, launched earlier this year to mark the company’s 25th anniversary. The campaign aims to plant 25,000 trees nationwide by the end of 2025 and has already included coconut trees on beaches in Bakau and Gunjur, mangroves in Sanyang, and fruit trees in schools and community spaces.