ActionAid International The Gambia Celebrates Appointment of Muhammed Lamin Saidykhan to the ActionAid International Board
A Historic Milestone for Gambian Leadership, African Solidarity, and Global Justice Movements
ActionAid International The Gambia is honoured to announce the appointment of Muhammed Lamin Saidykhan as the second Gambian to serve on the ActionAid International Board of Directors. His appointment represents a significant milestone for ActionAid, The Gambia, and the broader African human rights and climate justice movements.
Muhammed Lamin’s journey from early community service with the Red Cross to becoming a respected global advocate demonstrates a lifelong dedication to amplifying the voices of those most affected by injustice. His activism is centered on women, youth, rural communities, and vulnerable groups whose experiences often remain unheard. He is known for his empathy, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
In his current role as Head of the Building Power Department at Climate Action Network International, Saidykhan leads global movement-building efforts, strengthens grassroots organising, and supports member organisations across more than 150 countries. Despite his global reach, he remains deeply connected to the values of solidarity and community that shaped his early activism in The Gambia.
Within ActionAid International The Gambia, Saidykhan has played a critical role in enhancing institutional growth and accountability. He serves as Chair of the AAITG Board Fundraising and Resource Mobilisation Committee, where his strategic leadership continues to expand the organisation’s ability to deliver high-impact programmes and strengthen resource mobilisation efforts.
His contributions to movement building stretch across Africa and the world. He helped establish Activista networks globally, founded the Rural Women Assembly – The Gambia, coordinated pan-African movements such as Africans Rising for Unity, Justice, Peace & Dignity, and championed women’s land rights through bold initiatives like the Women to Kilimanjaro advocacy climb. He also played a key role in civic mobilisation that contributed to democratic change in The Gambia.
Muhammed Lamin’s leadership has been recognised through numerous awards, including MIPAD 100 Under 40 Worldwide, Pan African Advocate (2017), and multiple acknowledgements as one of the Most Influential Young Africans.
Yet what defines him most is not the accolades, but his humility, integrity, and steadfast belief that transformative change is possible when communities unite around shared purpose.
ActionAid International The Gambia warmly congratulates Muhammed Lamin Saidykhan on this remarkable appointment.
His leadership continues to embody the spirit of Gambian excellence, African solidarity, and the power of collective action in shaping a just and equitable world.