In 2022, Ceci Educare Oy, a Finland-based education and professional development organization, partnered with Zoom Africa TV to promote educational opportunities, professional development, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange between Africa and the Nordic countries.
Through media coverage, interviews, and special programs, the partnership aimed to highlight the achievements of African communities, showcase educational initiatives, and strengthen cooperation between Finland and African nations. Zoom Africa TV, known for promoting African culture, heritage, investment, tourism, and international collaboration, provided a valuable platform for sharing success stories and development opportunities across the continent.
The collaboration helped increase awareness of training programs, leadership development opportunities, and international networking initiatives offered by Ceci Educare Oy. It also encouraged dialogue between African and Nordic stakeholders in education, business, and community development.
By combining education and media, Ceci Educare Oy and Zoom Africa TV contributed to building stronger connections between Africa and Finland, supporting knowledge exchange, cultural understanding, and sustainable development.
The 2022 partnership laid the foundation for future collaborations that continue to promote education, innovation, and international cooperation between Africa and the Nordic region.
June 2024 Led by Alhagie MS Jabbie
In June 2024, Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Ceci Educare Oy, Finland, undertook an official visit to the Republic of The Gambia as part of her efforts to strengthen educational, business, cultural, and development partnerships between Africa and the Nordic region.
During her visit, she was warmly received by H.E Ousainou N.M. Darboe, a distinguished statesman, lawyer, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Vice President of The Gambia, and Secretary General and Party Leader of the United Democratic Party (UDP)
The meeting focused on opportunities for international cooperation in education, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, investment promotion, leadership development, and strengthening relations between The Gambia and Finland. The engagement also highlighted the importance of diaspora-led initiatives and sustainable partnerships that create opportunities for African communities and future generations.
The visit further reinforced Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie’s commitment to building bridges between Africa and Europe through education, business networking, cultural exchange, and community development. It also laid the foundation for future collaboration involving leaders, institutions, and stakeholders from both regions.
The visit further reinforced Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie’s commitment to building bridges between Africa and Europe through education, business networking, cultural exchange, and community development. It also laid the foundation for future collaboration involving leaders, institutions, and stakeholders from both regions.
In 2023, Ceci Educare Oy, Finland, established a partnership with Hadigala International College in The Gambia through connections facilitated by Zoom Africa TV and its leadership. The partnership was built on a shared vision of expanding educational opportunities, professional development, and international collaboration between Africa and the Nordic region.
As part of this collaboration, Ceci Educare Oy offered professional training opportunities to students of Hadigala International College through partnerships and educational initiatives, including social welfare-related learning opportunities connected to Kaapatut Lapset Ry in Finland. The initiative aimed to expose students to international perspectives on welfare, community support, and professional development.
In 2024, Ceci Educare Oy, through its scholarship and education programs, provided CPD scholarship opportunities to Hadigala students, including its accredited Occupational Health Care and Well-being programme. The course forms part of the company’s internationally accredited professional education portfolio and is designed to equip participants with practical knowledge in workplace well-being, employee support, and occupational welfare.
A major milestone in the partnership occurred in June 2024 when Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, Founder and CEO of Ceci Educare Oy, travelled to The Gambia as the only key international guest joining from outside the United Kingdom to participate in the first graduation ceremony of Hadigala International College. The historic event was attended by government officials, educational leaders, students, parents, and invited guests from across the country.
During the ceremony, Cecilia delivered a keynote address focusing on education, leadership, international cooperation, and the importance of investing in the next generation of healthcare and professional leaders. She also joined the college leadership in presenting certificates, awards, and recognitions to graduating students and distinguished guests who had contributed to educational development and community advancement.
The partnership has continued to grow beyond the graduation ceremony. In 2026, Hadigala International College became one of the first Gambian institutions to engage in higher-level educational partnership discussions in Finland, including a visit to the University of Vaasa facilitated through Ceci Educare Oy. This development further strengthened educational links between Finland and The Gambia and opened new opportunities for academic collaboration, healthcare training, and international exchange.
Through scholarships, professional development programmes, and international partnerships, Ceci Educare Oy and Hadigala International College continue to demonstrate how cross-border cooperation can create meaningful opportunities for students, educators, and communities in both Africa and the Nordic region.
In June 2024, Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, Founder and CEO of Ceci Educare Oy, Finland, presided over the graduation of professionals in The Gambia who successfully completed accredited Continuous Professional Development (CPD) Master Class programmes delivered by Ceci Educare Oy.
The graduation ceremony brought together professionals from various sectors who had undertaken internationally accredited training aimed at enhancing leadership, management, healthcare, education, and workplace development skills. The event was held in The Gambia, with the facilities of Hadigala International College serving as the venue for the occasion.
As part of the ceremony, Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie delivered a keynote address highlighting the importance of lifelong learning, professional excellence, and continuous skills development in today’s rapidly changing global environment. She encouraged graduates to use their newly acquired knowledge and expertise to contribute positively to their workplaces, communities, and national development.
Graduates were recognized for completing CPD-accredited programmes offered through Ceci Educare Oy. The professional master class programmes included:
The programmes are designed to provide practical and internationally relevant skills for professionals seeking career advancement, leadership opportunities, and personal development. Through scholarships and educational partnerships, Ceci Educare Oy has supported access to professional education for participants across Africa and beyond.
During the graduation ceremony, Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie personally presented certificates to graduates and recognized outstanding participants for their commitment to professional development. Special awards were also presented to invited guests and individuals who had made significant contributions to education, community development, and international cooperation.
The event marked an important milestone in the expansion of Ceci Educare Oy’s international educational activities in Africa and reinforced the organization’s commitment to making quality professional education accessible across borders.
Through its CPD Master Class programmes, scholarships, and international partnerships, Ceci Educare Oy continues to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to excel in their careers and create positive impact within their communities.
Date : August 30th 2024Nordic Africa Business Forum & Prestigious Global Awards - 1st Edition Organiser & Host : Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie
Honourable Yankuba Darboe is a distinguished Gambian politician, public servant, and development advocate who serves as Chairman of the Brikama Area Council, one of the most influential local government authorities in The Gambia. He is recognized for his commitment to grassroots governance, local economic development, youth empowerment, infrastructure improvement, and transparent public administration.
On 30 August 2024, Honourable Yankuba Darboe participated in the Nordic–Africa Business Forum and Prestigious Global Awards in Helsinki, Finland, organized by Ceci Educare Oy. As a Keynote Speaker, he shared insights on governance, local development, leadership, and strengthening partnerships between Africa and the Nordic region. His participation contributed significantly to discussions on sustainable development, investment opportunities, and international cooperation between African and European stakeholders.
During the event, Honourable Darboe was recognized for his dedication to public service and leadership, joining a distinguished gathering of business leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and development professionals from various countries. His presence highlighted the growing importance of local government leadership in driving economic growth, community development, and international collaboration.
His keynote address emphasized the importance of:
Through his leadership and public service, Honourable Yankuba Darboe continues to contribute to the advancement of local governance and socio-economic development in The Gambia while promoting international partnerships that benefit communities across Africa and beyond.
Helsinki, Finland –22nd Date : September 2025
Former Vice President of The Gambia, Ousainou N.M. Darboe, received international recognition in Finland during the 3rd Edition of the Nordic–Africa Business Forum and Prestigious Global Awards hosted by Ceci Educare Oy. The event brought together government officials, diplomats, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and change-makers from Africa and the Nordic region to celebrate leadership, innovation, and international cooperation.
During the ceremony, Darboe was honored with the Prestigious Global Legacy in Statesmanship & Peace Award, recognizing his decades of public service, democratic leadership, commitment to justice, and contribution to national development in The Gambia.
The recognition marked a historic milestone, as event organizers noted that he became the first Gambian leader to receive this level of recognition through the Prestigious Global Awards in Finland and the Nordic region.
In recognition of his legacy, the awards organization later established The Ousainou Darboe Statesmanship Award, a permanent award category dedicated to honoring exceptional political leadership and statesmanship among future global leaders.
The event, led by Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, highlighted the growing relationship between Africa and the Nordic countries and celebrated individuals whose leadership has created lasting positive impact within their nations and beyond.
Date : 24th April 2026
The 4th Edition of the Nordic–Africa Business Forum & Prestigious Global Awards brought together distinguished leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, investors, and development professionals from across Africa, Europe, and beyond for a high-level platform dedicated to strengthening international cooperation and sustainable development.
Organized by Ceci Educare Oy, the forum continues to serve as a bridge between Nordic and African stakeholders, promoting business partnerships, investment opportunities, innovation, education, and cultural diplomacy. The event highlighted the importance of cross-continental collaboration in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
A major highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by ANM Ousainou Darboe, former Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia and a respected statesman in West Africa. In his address, he emphasized the critical role of strong governance, strategic partnerships, entrepreneurship, and private-sector development in accelerating economic growth across Africa and strengthening ties with Nordic countries.
The forum also featured investment pitch, business networking sessions, investment dialogues, and the prestigious awards ceremony, recognizing outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to business, leadership, education, innovation, diplomacy, and community development.
The event was founded and led by Cecilia Naadensua Quarshie, whose vision has transformed the Nordic–Africa Business Forum into one of Finland’s growing platforms for international business engagement and Africa–Nordic cooperation. The initiative continues to attract prominent speakers, government representatives, investors, and business leaders committed to fostering sustainable economic partnerships between the two regions.
As the forum expands its global reach, participants expressed optimism about future collaborations, investments, and development projects that will contribute to economic empowerment, innovation, and inclusive growth across Africa and the Nordic region.
