Muhammad M. Jagana

As a Chartered Accountant (ACCA) with 15+ years of experience in entrepreneurship, leadership, & start-up development across Africa, especially in the financial services and tech sectors. After returning to The Gambia from the UK, I launched my own ventures, including founding J-Financial Services Ltd in 2004. I co-founded the Gambia Investment Group in 2006, which helped establish Ecobank GM, where I have served as a board member 2013 – 2022, and co-founded Kuringo 2020.

From 2012 to 2019, I served 2 terms as President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce & Industry, advocating for private sector development and supporting local businesses. My leadership roles also extend to regional economic bodies, where I gained significant experience in cross-border governance.

Mentorship is central to my work. I am passionate about supporting youth and women entrepreneurs in The Gambia, helping them scale their start-ups and succeed in competitive markets. Through my mentorship, I provide guidance, insights, and access to networks that enable young entrepreneurs to navigate challenges and grow their businesses.

Additionally, I am active in non-profit work, including serving as Treasurer for the Gambia National Olympic Committee and being a long-standing member of Rotary. These roles reflect my commitment to community development and social impact.

In summary, my expertise spans entrepreneurship, start-up development, leadership, and mentorship, with a focus on empowering the NexGen.

I mentor because I have a deep passion for developing the next generation of entrepreneurs. In particular, I believe that skill-based entrepreneurship has the power to unleash tremendous opportunities in The Gambia, fueling economic growth, innovation, and self-sustainability. Women and youth, in particular, have incredible potential but often lack the guidance needed to transform their dreams and visions into tangible success.

Through mentorship, I aim to serve as a north star for them—helping them navigate challenges, refine their strategies, and gain the confidence to make their ideas a reality. But it’s more than just helping individuals succeed; it’s about lifting entire communities. Every successful mentee not only reaches their own goals but also creates opportunities for others, forming a ripple effect that paves the way for future generations to thrive.

Mentorship, to me, is about building a legacy of empowerment, one entrepreneur at a time.