Awa Mendy Samba has made history within the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) as the first female Customs officer to serve as Customs Manager at Banjul International Airport, where she is responsible for overseeing customs operations at the country’s main air gateway.
Mendy Samba, a seasoned Customs officer, joined the customs three decades ago and has since served in various capacities within the Authority. Her professional journey has seen her return to Banjul International Airport on several occasions, first as a junior officer and now in a senior managerial position overseeing the airport’s entire Customs operation.
As Customs Manager, she is responsible for coordinating revenue collection, enforcing Customs laws, facilitating legitimate trade and strengthening border security at the airport. A key part of her mandate is ensuring that imported goods entering The Gambia through the airport are properly assessed and that all applicable duties and taxes are paid to the government in accordance with national Customs laws.
Her appointment to lead Customs operations at the airport represents a significant milestone for women within the GRA and reflects the growing role of women in positions of responsibility within the country’s revenue and border-management institutions.
Mendy Samba has reportedly distinguished herself through hard work, commitment and determination in the discharge of her responsibilities. Her performance has also been recognised through her contribution to the Authority’s revenue mobilisation efforts, with the airport Customs operation recording significant revenue collections under her leadership.
In particular, she exceeded her annual revenue target for 2025, an achievement that has further highlighted her capacity to deliver results in a challenging revenue-collection environment.
Her responsibilities extend beyond revenue mobilisation. As head of Customs operations at the airport, she works with other agencies operating at the country’s primary air border, requiring close coordination to ensure effective border management while facilitating the smooth movement of passengers and legitimate goods.
Mendy Samba’s rise to the position comes at a time when women continue to take on increasingly prominent roles across public institutions in The Gambia. Her career progression within Customs demonstrates the opportunities available to women who combine professional competence, determination and commitment to public service.
Through her leadership at Banjul International Airport, she has become a visible example of female leadership within the GRA, while contributing to the government’s efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation and protect the country’s borders.
Her journey from junior Customs assignments to managing operations at the nation’s principal airport also underscores the importance of experience and institutional knowledge in public-sector leadership.
As she continues to oversee Customs operations at Banjul International Airport, Mendy Samba’s record of exceeding revenue targets and her commitment to her duties have positioned her as one of the female officers making a notable contribution to the GRA’s mandate.
Her story is also a reflection of the increasing participation of Gambian women in traditionally male-dominated areas of public service, demonstrating that with determination, professionalism and hard work, women can rise to leadership positions and play a critical role in national development.
In conclusion Awa mendy hailed the management of the Gambia Revenue Authority under the leadership of the commissioner General Mr Yankuba Darboe for the support and encouragement rendered to her office . she acknowledged that the management of GRA and the board have been very supportive
