Lead & CEO

Poncelet Ileleji

Meet Poncelet a computer scientist with over 25 years of experience in the field. he has ben involved with the use of ICT Aas a tool for sustainable development both as the founder and CEO of Jokkolabs Banjul. he has served as a consultant for several projects in Africa covering ICT4D, learning/digital technologies and education, internet governance and health informatics. He also ran the YMCA Computer Training Center and Digital Studio in The Gambia from it’s inception in 1996. Poncelet has participated in a range of projects, a consultant for the international coordinator for the International YMC,A of New York, the country coordinator for the World Links Project, a consultant  for the UNDP Crisis Bureau and World Bank International Trade Center on ICT- related projects, a lead on organization partnership with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development Data, and a board member of the San Fransico-based tech non- profit “Net Freedom Pioneers” from 2018- 2021. Poncelet is an active member of the Association for Progressive Communication (APC) and the founding member for The Information Technologie Association of The Gambia, where he was elected second president from March 2010-2014. To further add tohis impressive background, Poncelet was the national resource person for the West African Internet Forum, a former board of Africa ICT Alliance, and a member of the Internet corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), where he also volunteers in various working groups. He also served as the Working Group WG 3-Privacy and Transparency Online for Freedom Online Coalitions and also represents the International Open Data Charter as a Steward on the implementation Commitee. Currently, he is the serving Director of The Innovation POD, a UNDP Africa bureau initiative to spur innovation among faculty, students and communities in the Central Republic universities, at the university of juba, South Sudan.

Director HR/Admin & Finance

Annet Anna Sambou

Anna Annet Sambou is the Director of Admin & Finance at  Jokkolabs Banjul. she is also the founder of SHOAW Gambia, an initiative that realizes the challenges women and girls Face online in The Gambia. Her focus seeks to address those challenges with the aim of making girls safe online. from a young age. Anna Annet has been passionate about the development of young people especially girls. to acquire skills and their rights. she is an alumnus of common purpose and Africa Ventures, as well as an ambassador of One Young World.

Programs & Project Manager

Therese Keita

Our light bulb 💡 

Therese is the project manager for all the projects at Jokkolabs Banjul, as well the lead for kids initiative regarding ICT and education. She has a background in computer science and a passion for sustainability, programming and working with women and children. As an AFRINIC fellow, an ambassador for WomenTechMakers, a lead for the Google Developers Group, a participant in GDG Banjul, and also the co-founder of CUBE4stem.Therese is at the forefront of the digital inclusion movement. In addition to her many achievements, she is also the country coordinator for the International Education Resources Network and a member of the internet society. The Information Technology Association of The Gambia and Hackathon Girls Banjul. Therese is a passionate advocate for digital inclusion and empowerment of the underrepresented groups. She volunteers at Django Girls Banjul, further demonstrating her commitment to bridging the digital inclusion Gap. 

FUN FACTS ABOUT HER

We call her Tee 

Business Development Manager

Madeline Ileleji

Our Engine fixer 

Hub Manager

Miniratou Jobe

Face of Jokkolabs Banjul

Miniratou Jobe is our Hub Manager with an expectational experience of Bookkeeping and Strategic marketing that targets the right audience. computer literacy, file management and research of new technology are some Miniratou’s core focuses.  she serves as the Account Clerk. she is responsible for the smooth and effective running of the hub and its business-related activities; she is also responsible for the management of space, including space booking and space setup. she enjoys creative problem solving, getting exposure on multiple projects, and would like to excel in a collaborative environment.  she experiences working with non-profits and working with kids, as well as possesses strong skills in communication, event coordination and customers services.

FUN FACTS ABOUT HER

Our smile Engine  ” She likes to  bring people  together.”

Intern

Fatou Ndow

Intern 

I am a dedicated Business Management and Software Development student with a passion for leveraging technology to drive innovation in both business and aviation. My dual background equips me with a unique ability to find creative and impactful solutions to complex challenges, blending the worlds of business strategy and software development.

As an aspiring pilot, I’m particularly focused on researching how technology can transform Gambia’s aviation sector by improving safety, efficiency, and overall operations. My goal is to use cutting-edge solutions to bring meaningful change to the industry.

Outside of my professional journey, I am deeply committed to youth and women’s empowerment, especially in STEM fields. Through volunteer work and community engagement, I work to inspire and mentor young women to pursue careers in technology, business, and aviation.

I believe in the power of continuous learning and actively keep up with trends in business, technology, and aviation to ensure that I am always growing. My mission is to make a positive, lasting impact in my community and beyond by championing innovation, leadership, and opportunities for others to follow similar paths.

Intern From Senegal

Balkhis Barry

Intern

Amie Sankara

Amie is a passionate and driven individual interested in technology and its transformative potential. She is a First Global robotics alum & mentor and an incoming freshman at HAN University of Applied Sciences majoring in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Aerospace Engineering.

Amie is a Semi-finalist in the Technovation global challenge, Where she developed an app called EyeCare, which is an app that helps assist visually impaired individuals and a FIRST Tech Challenge Dean’s List Finalist. She participated throughout the four seasons, competing in the FIRST Global Challenge; with her brilliance and excellent communication skills, she led her team to win national and international awards.

Being one of the executive members of the Mozilla Club of Hackathongirls, which is a club that teaches young girls from ages 10-21 about computer literacy and coding languages to eradicate the stereotype of women in STEM and help achieve gender equality for women in STEM fields in the Gambia and encourage more girls to join the field.

Amie and her team are also the first to successfully launch a Cube-Sat Satellite in the country, which is a massive achievement for them. Amie is currently an intern at Jokkolabs because she is inspired by Jokkolabs’ mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa and beyond. She is eager to immerse herself in a vibrant community of changemakers and collaborate on projects that address real-world challenges. She is excited to learn from experienced mentors and contribute her skills and ideas to the Jokkolabs ecosystem