Yahya Sonko receives prestigious DDF60 fellowship under the Migration and Sustainable Development in The Gambia (MSDG) Programme
The Gambia European Center for Jobs, Migration and Development Agency (GECJMDA) is proud to announce that its Co-Founder and Chairman, Mr. Yahya Sonko, has been officially appointed as an MSD Diaspora Fellow under the MSDG Diaspora Fellowship Programme, with fellowship reference number DDF60.
The fellowship is funded by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and implemented by GK Partners (GKP), a UK-based advisory firm specialising in diaspora engagement and sustainable development in The Gambia.
The appointment was confirmed by Pa Musa Sidibeh, GKP/MSDG Associate Director, in a formal letter of appointment issued on 9 March 2026. GECJMDA serves as the designated partner organisation for the fellowship project.
About the Fellowship Project
Under the fellowship, GECJMDA will deliver three key project outputs:
- Strengthen the structure for regular labour migration from The Gambia to Germany
- Mentor and support Gambians seeking safe, legal circular migration pathways to Germany
- Contribute to the development of German language education in The Gambia
The fellowship is supported by a grant of D300,000 (GMD) and a co-financing target of D225,000, combining diaspora investment with GKP/IOM technical support and mentoring.
A Recognition of Years of Community Service
Mr. Yahya Sonko commented: “This recognition is not just a personal achievement — it is a recognition of the collective efforts, dedication, and commitment that my team and I have invested over the years in supporting regular labour migration opportunities, youth empowerment, skills development, and community service.”
Mr. Mafoday Cham, Co-Founder and CEO of GECJMDA, added: “This fellowship validates everything we have been building together. We are now more committed than ever to expanding our services — including our new German Language School, Family Reunification advisory, and Au Pair placement programme.”
About MSDG
The Migration and Sustainable Development in The Gambia (MSDG) programme aims to support the Gambian government and diaspora in leveraging migration for national development. It is implemented by GK Partners on behalf of IOM and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).