Basiru Jaye is a Development Specialist currently serving as at the National Youth Council of The Gambia and the Country Lead for YouthConnekt Africa. He specializes in building strategic partnerships, developing transformative programmes and advancing youth and women’s empowerment across Africa. He also serves as the National Focal Point for the Children’s National Assembly of The Gambia, where he oversees and strengthens the operations of the children’s parliament.

Basiru has led major national and continental initiatives, including bringing the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative to The Gambia in partnership with Arizona State University, coordinating the Youth Volunteerism Project that trained 500 young people mostly girls and supporting the rejuvenation of Gambia–Libya and Gambia–China youth collaborations. Under YouthConnekt, he established Youth Creative Labs in both rural and urban areas, benefiting over 21,000 young people, and convened The Gambia’s first-ever side event at the YouthConnekt Africa Summit.

His leadership extends to high-level advocacy, contributing to national conversations on irregular migration, speaking at UNDP Africa forums, and coordinating the National Sitting of the Children’s Assembly. He is also the founder of BJ Academy, known for championing girls, women, and young entrepreneurs.Basiru holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and a Master of Public Administration at the University of The Gambia. He is a Mandela Washington Fellow and certified by the African Union, African Governance Architecture, Equimundo, and Population Council. His work has earned multiple accolades, including the UN SDG Champion, Outstanding Leadership Award, and Emerging Young Leader Award.