From UIII to Bonn: A Step Forward in Global Climate Leadership

July 18, 2025

Contributor: Anza Zahya Qeysha | Editor: Dewi Maryam | Photo: Media UIII

From The Gambia to Indonesia: An Outstanding Student with a Global Vision

Mamadou Salieu Jallow hails from The Gambia, a West African country facing complex challenges in sustainable development and food security. These realities shaped his academic interests early on, motivating him to see economics not merely as a theoretical field, but as a tool for solving real-world problems. After earning his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of the Gambia in 2021, Mamadou was awarded a scholarship to pursue his Master’s studies at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), a newly established institution that positions itself as a hub for globally oriented Islamic higher education.

At UIII, Mamadou quickly emerged as one of the most outstanding students in the Economics program. Known for his intellectual discipline and wide-ranging academic interests, he conducted research across multiple themes—including artificial intelligence in Islamic banking, the impact of zakat distribution on sustainable development, macroeconomic influences on household spending in The Gambia, and the role of micro-fintech in Indonesia. These projects reflect not only a deep engagement with economic theory and practice, but also a consistent commitment to issues of equity, innovation, and sustainability.

Researching Climate and Food Security: A Contribution to Africa and the World

Among Mamadou’s most significant academic contributions at UIII was his Master’s thesis titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Food Security: Evidence from West African Countries.” Drawing on panel data from ten climate-vulnerable West African nations between 2000 and 2020, his study examined how macroeconomic factors such as GDP, trade openness, and population dynamics intersect with climate pressures to affect food security outcomes.

The findings of this research not only advanced scholarly understanding, but also offered meaningful policy recommendations. Mamadou emphasized the importance of coordinated interventions and long-term strategies to enhance food resilience, mitigate poverty, and support sustainable economic development in the region. His thesis carries relevance for stakeholders and institutions such as the World Bank, FAO, WFP, African Development Bank, African Union, and ECOWAS—organizations that play pivotal roles in addressing the climate and food crises in Africa.

Researching Climate and Food Security: A Contribution to Africa and the World

After completing his MA in Economics at UIII in August 2024, Mamadou is now preparing for the next major step in his academic journey. In June 2025, he was officially accepted into the prestigious PhD program in Climate Change Economics under the WASCAL (West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change and Adapted Land Use) doctoral initiative, hosted by the University of Bonn, Germany.

This achievement marks not only a personal milestone for Mamadou but also a significant moment for UIII. As a young university, UIII has begun to demonstrate that it can cultivate graduates who are not only academically rigorous, but also globally relevant and socially conscious. Mamadou’s story exemplifies UIII’s vision: to nurture scholars who combine scientific excellence with ethical leadership, and who contribute to shaping a more just and sustainable world.

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