Banjul,16 September 2026: For many people in rural Gambia, access to timely information can mean the difference between missed opportunities and a chance to change their lives.
The story of Fatou Fatty, a disabled entrepreneur in Basse, illustrates the impact that access to information can have on individuals and communities. Fatou was among residents reached during the Information Commission’s awareness campaign in Basse, which focused on citizens’ right to access public information and how to exercise that right.
Today, Fatou runs Kontano Enterprise along the Mansajang Highway, selling clothing and footwear and providing tailoring services. But her journey into entrepreneurship began modestly, selling SIM cards and telephone credit.
Living with a physical disability in a rural community, Fatou faced limited economic opportunities. Information about development programmes, grants, vocational training and support for persons with disabilities often did not reach people in remote areas.
Her fortunes changed when a friend informed her about a youth development initiative. She applied and was eventually provided with her first tailoring machine through the programme.
That single opportunity became the foundation for Kontano Enterprise. With determination, Fatou expanded her business from tailoring to selling clothes and footwear, transforming a small venture into a successful enterprise.
Her experience highlights the importance of ensuring that public information reaches citizens beyond the urban centres. When people know about available government programmes, funding opportunities and support services, they are better positioned to claim their rights and improve their livelihoods.
Fatou has also turned her success into a platform for helping others. As Chairwoman of the Regional Society for Obstructed Development, she leads a skills centre that provides vocational training to persons with disabilities. She also serves as a disability representative at the Basse Area Council, advocating for greater inclusion in local governance.
Her story demonstrates that access to information is not simply an issue of transparency. It can open doors to education, employment, entrepreneurship and participation in public life.
Inside Kontano Enterprise, every garment produced is a reminder that when information reaches the people who need it, opportunities can follow and lives can change.
Gambia News Agency
