To the wonderful people of Gambia,
Today, I have the privilege of sharing the inspiring story of a remarkable individual, Mr. Tarek Musa, whose entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have touched the lives of many within your vibrant community.

Born in 1961 in Sierra Leone to Lebanese parents, Tarek Musa’s journey is a testament to resilience and vision.

Tarek Musa Gambia

To the wonderful people of Gambia,

Today, I have the privilege of sharing the inspiring story of a remarkable individual, Mr. Tarek Musa, whose entrepreneurial spirit and dedication have touched the lives of many within your vibrant community.

Born in 1961 in Sierra Leone to Lebanese parents, Tarek Musa’s journey is a testament to resilience and vision.

From his humble beginnings, Tarek understood the value of hard work and the importance of seizing every opportunity.

As a teenager, he moved to Manchester, UK, during the Lebanese civil war, embracing the challenges of a new life with open arms and a determination to succeed.

Tarek’s connection to Gambia began when he moved here, drawn by the warmth and potential of this great nation. He started as a waiter, a job that sparked his interest in serving communities.

Observing the challenges faced by locals, he was inspired to start his first business venture, Cash and Carry.

This supermarket brought essential, affordable products to your doorsteps, enhancing daily lives and setting a new standard in local commerce.

But Tarek didn’t stop there. Recognizing a gap in the automotive market, he established TK Motors, which quickly became a cornerstone in introducing reliable, high-quality vehicles to Gambia.

His efforts were not only commercially successful but also earned an award from the Japanese government, celebrating his contribution to the Japanese automobile industry here in Gambia.

Driven by a commitment to community service, Tarek founded the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSE) in 2013, revolutionizing public transportation with comprehensive solutions that include modern buses, training for drivers, and efficient ticketing systems.

His latest venture, Taamo, promises to make public transport even more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Tarek Musa Story

Tarek Musa’s story is not just about business success; it’s about passion, community service, and the profound belief that one person’s efforts can indeed make a difference.

His life’s work continues to inspire and drive positive change, enhancing the lives of Gambians every day.

We are incredibly fortunate to have Tarek as a part of our community, a true visionary whose unwavering dedication and hard work remind us all of the powerful impact of serving others. His legacy is built on the principles of integrity, innovation, and an enduring commitment to improving the lives of the people around him.

Thank you, Tarek, for believing in Gambia and for all that you do to move our nation forward.

With deepest admiration and respect,

Sirif Jobateh

Who is Tarek Musa?

Tarek Musa is a Lebanese-British entrepreneur renowned for his significant contributions to the automotive and retail industries in Gambia and beyond. Born in 1961 in Sierra Leone to Lebanese parents, Tarek’s early life was marked by modest beginnings. His family relocated to Manchester, UK, during the Lebanese civil war, where Tarek balanced education with working multiple jobs to support his family. This period shaped his work ethic and business acumen.

In his twenties, Tarek returned to Africa, settling in Gambia. He initially worked in hospitality but quickly identified market needs, leading him to establish his first business, a supermarket called Cash and Carry. This venture introduced essential and affordable products to the local market. Tarek later founded TK Motors, a dealership that brought quality Mitsubishi and Hyundai vehicles to Gambia, significantly influencing the local automotive sector and earning recognition from the Japanese government.

Tarek’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. He established the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSE) to improve public transportation, introducing modern buses and effective ticketing systems. His commitment to community service and innovative business practices has made him a respected figure in Gambia and an inspiration to entrepreneurs globally.

What are Tarek Musa’s major business achievements?

Tarek Musa’s business achievements are numerous, each marked by a vision to fill a market gap and enhance community welfare. Key achievements include:

• TK Motors: Under his leadership, TK Motors became a pivotal force in Gambia’s automotive market, partnering with Mitsubishi and Hyundai to introduce durable vehicles suited to the African terrain. The dealership’s success was acknowledged by an award from the Japanese government.

• Cash and Carry Supermarket: His first entrepreneurial venture in Gambia, the supermarket, played a crucial role in making basic necessities both accessible and affordable to the local population, setting a precedent for retail in the region.

• Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSE): With GTSE, Tarek revolutionized public transport in Gambia by providing more than just transportation. He integrated services like training for drivers, establishing sheltered bus stops, and implementing a modern ticketing system, greatly enhancing the commuting experience.

• Expansion into Sustainable Transportation: Recognizing the global shift towards sustainability, Tarek ventured into manufacturing electric vehicles and motorcycles tailored to the needs and conditions of West African markets. This not only demonstrates his forward-thinking but also his commitment to environmentally friendly practices.

How has Tarek Musa impacted the community in Gambia?

Tarek Musa’s impact on the Gambian community extends beyond providing goods and services. He has actively participated in improving the quality of life through:

• Employment Opportunities: His businesses, particularly in the automotive and retail sectors, have created numerous jobs for locals, contributing to economic growth and individual prosperity.

• Infrastructure Development: Through GTSE, Tarek has played a role in enhancing the infrastructure for public transport in Gambia, which includes better bus stops, training facilities, and maintenance workshops.

• Access to Quality Products: By introducing high-quality and reliable vehicles and other consumer goods, he has ensured that the local population has access to products that are both affordable and durable, encouraging economic stability and growth.

• Environmental Initiatives: His push into electric vehicles and motorcycles is set to reduce the carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices in a region where environmental awareness is growing but still emerging.

Tarek Musa’s contributions are a blend of entrepreneurial success and deep commitment to social welfare, making him not just a business leader but a pivotal community figure in Gambia.

What innovations has Tarek Musa introduced in the automotive and transportation sectors?

Tarek Musa has been a pioneer in the automotive industry, particularly in adapting and introducing innovations that suit the local market demands and conditions in Gambia:

• Introduction of SUVs and Off-road Vehicles: Recognizing the rugged terrain and the need for durable vehicles, Tarek was instrumental in introducing and popularizing SUVs in Gambia through his dealership, TK Motors. He negotiated with Mitsubishi to bring their robust vehicles to the Gambian market, which were ideally suited for both urban and rural roads.

• Public Transportation Enhancements: At GTSE, Tarek didn’t just supply buses. He transformed public transport logistics by introducing comprehensive service packages that included driver training programs, maintenance workshops, and upgraded ticketing systems that leveraged technology for efficiency and user-friendliness.

• Sustainable Transportation Solutions: In response to environmental concerns and the global push towards sustainability, Tarek ventured into electric vehicles. His development of the EMO electric minivan and Rocky Motorcycle not only catered to the ecological needs but also addressed the economic factors by ensuring these vehicles were affordable and suitable for the local populace.

How does Tarek Musa maintain customer satisfaction and community trust?

Tarek Musa places a high priority on customer interaction and community trust, which he builds and maintains through several key practices:

• Direct Customer Engagement: Tarek ensures that he remains accessible to his customers. This direct line of communication allows him to receive feedback and address concerns promptly, fostering a relationship of trust and reliability.

• Quality Assurance: All of Tarek’s business ventures emphasize the quality of products and services. By ensuring that his offerings—from vehicles to retail products—are of high standard, he maintains a reputation for reliability that keeps customer satisfaction high.

• Community Involvement: Tarek is known for his active involvement in community welfare beyond his business interests. Whether it’s sponsoring local events, participating in community development projects, or simply ensuring that his businesses create jobs and training opportunities, he is deeply embedded in the fabric of the community.

What future projects or expansions is Tarek Musa planning?

Tarek Musa continues to look forward, with plans to expand his influence and business operations to meet future demands and opportunities:

• Expansion into New Markets: Tarek is exploring opportunities to replicate his successful business models in other African countries, bringing his expertise in automotive and retail sectors to new markets that could benefit from his innovative approaches.

• Technological Advancements in Transportation: Building on the success of Taamo, the efficient ticketing system, Tarek plans to integrate more technology-driven solutions in transportation, such as GPS tracking for buses and advanced fleet management systems.

• Strengthening Sustainability Initiatives: With the initial success of the electric vehicles, Tarek is committed to further developing this line, aiming to introduce more models and perhaps even local assembly facilities to reduce costs and increase availability.

Tarek Musa is a Lebanese-British entrepreneur whose work spans across automotive and general trade, significantly impacting communities primarily in Gambia.

Born in Sierra Leone to Lebanese parents in 1961, Tarek moved to Manchester, UK, as a teenager during the Lebanese civil war.

His early career involved various service jobs, which led him to leave school and work full-time.

Tarek’s entrepreneurial journey began in Gambia where he initially worked as a waiter before starting a supermarket called Cash and Carry that introduced essential, affordable goods to the local community.

His entry into the automotive sector through TK Motors transformed the Gambian vehicle market by introducing and popularizing SUVs suitable for the local terrain.

This venture also led to the establishment of the Gambia Transport Service Company (GTSE) which revolutionized local public transport through comprehensive solutions including modern buses, training programs, and efficient ticketing systems.

His businesses are known for quality, customer engagement, and community involvement, which have garnered him a strong reputation for reliability and integrity.

His recent projects focus on sustainable transportation, with the development of electric vehicles and motorcycles tailored to meet local needs and environmental concerns.

Tarek Musa exemplifies how entrepreneurial spirit combined with a commitment to community welfare can create substantial social and economic impact, making him a revered figure in his field and beyond.