About

Talib Bensouda

Mayor of Kanifing, Gambia

Talib Ahmed Bensouda was elected as the youngest mayor in the history of The Gambia in 2018. At just 31 years old, he led Kanifing Municipality – the country’s largest and most urbanized area. Now serving his second term following re-election in May 2023, Mayor Bensouda has earned widespread recognition for his transformative leadership and commitment to sustainable urban development. Since taking office, he launched Kanifing’s first municipal waste collection service, known as the “Mbalit” (which means garbage) project, reintroducing organised residential and commercial waste collection and advancing city-wide sanitation efforts.

He has also secured substantial grants, including a €3 million European Union grant, for a transformative environmental project which supports the circular economy through recycling and sustainable living practices; promotes the development of green spaces and includes the construction of the first municipal library and innovation hub. Under his leadership, the Council has also doubled its revenue with improved financial controls and restructuring the Council’s operations.

His current agenda is centred on improving municipal services through resilient, innovative, infrastructure development projects, including urban public transit, municipal markets, road enhancement, sustainable waste management solutions and affordable housing, all aimed at boosting economic opportunities and enhancing quality of life for Kanifing’s residents. A University of Toronto Economics graduate and successful entrepreneur, Mayor Bensouda brings a fresh, dynamic approach to municipal leadership in The Gambia. His inclusive leadership and innovative development initiatives earned him the distinguished honour of being nominated for the Future Leaders Invitation Programme (PIPA) as an exemplary young leader.