Her Excellency Marie Sock is an international businesswoman turned politician, widely known as “The Iron Lady”, a title reflecting her determination, leadership, resilience and commitment to contributing to the political, economic and social transformation of The Gambia.
With more than 30 years of international entrepreneurial experience, she is the Founder of The Africare Group and The Africare Initiative. Her professional journey has taken place across The Gambia, the United States and Spain, giving her extensive experience in entrepreneurship, business management, marketing, communications, business development and the private sector.
Certified in management and marketing, Marie Sock has developed particular expertise in business strategy, commercial development, branding, communications and partnership building.
After several years abroad, she returned to The Gambia in 2013, determined to bring her experience, expertise and international network back home and contribute to the development of her country.
As she seeks the presidency in December 2026, Marie Sock presents a vision for a free, independent, prosperous, socially just and forward-looking Gambia.
A VISION FOR A NEW GAMBIA
Her political vision is built around the following core principles:Transparency and accountability in governance;The fight against corruption;Strong and independent institutions;Social justice;Citizen participation;Private-sector development;Women’s empowerment;Youth development and empowerment;Sustainable job creation;Infrastructure development.
For Marie Sock, political leadership must first and foremost be an instrument of public service.Her philosophy is clearly expressed in her conviction
:“Leadership is service, not royalty.”
AN ECONOMIC VISION FOR THE GAMBIA
One of Marie Sock’s major ambitions is to position The Gambia as a major logistics, commercial and economic hub in West Africa.
Her economic vision focuses on:Infrastructure development;Modernization of logistics capacities;Promotion of regional and international trade;Strengthening the Gambian private sector;Attracting foreign direct investment;Creating sustainable employment and economic opportunities;Developing the skills and potential of young people;Building stronger partnerships with the Gambian diaspora;Promoting regional economic integration.
According to this vision, The Gambia’s geographical position, international openness and English-speaking environment can become strategic assets for strengthening its role within West Africa and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
MORE THAN THREE DECADES OF INTERNATIONAL ENTREPRENEURIAL EXPERIENCE
As Founder of The Africare Group, Marie Sock brings more than three decades of experience in international entrepreneurship.
She has founded and managed businesses and developed activities across different economic environments, particularly in The Gambia, the United States and Spain.
Her professional experience has enabled her to develop expertise in:Business management and administration;Business strategy and commercial development;Marketing and communications;Branding and corporate image;International relations;Private-sector development;Network and partnership mobilization.
Her international experience is now one of the foundations of her political approach: bringing together skills, capital, investors, members of the diaspora and national stakeholders around a common agenda for The Gambia’s transformation.
POLITICAL JOURNEY
Marie Sock has been actively involved in Gambian politics for several years.Beginning in 2015, she became associated with the Gambia Democratic Congress (GDC), where she contributed to communications, branding and public engagement activities within the broader pro-democracy movement.
She subsequently contested the 2021 Gambian presidential election, advocating a political platform centered on reform, accountability, good governance and national transformation.
Today, she is the Founder and Leader of the Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD) and is once again seeking the presidency in the December 2026 presidential election
THE ALLIANCE OF SOCIAL DEMOCRATS — ASD
The Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD) seeks to promote a new political culture founded on:Transparency;Leadership accountability;Good governance;The fight against corruption;Independent institutions;Social justice;Popular participation;National unity.
The party’s objective is to place citizens at the heart of public action and build institutions that genuinely serve national development.
THE AFRICARE INITIATIVE: SOCIAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Through The Africare Initiative, Marie Sock is also involved in social and humanitarian initiatives.
Her work places particular emphasis on:Women’s empowerment;Youth skills development;Peacebuilding;Civic engagement;National unity, Youth mobilization for development.
During The Gambia’s post-Yahya Jammeh transition period, she participated in conferences and initiatives focused on national unity, peacebuilding and youth engagement.
CONNECTING THE GAMBIA WITH THE WORLD
Marie Sock’s experience across The Gambia, the United States and Spain has allowed her to operate within diverse economic and cultural environments.
This international experience now informs her ambition to build stronger bridges between:The Gambia • The Diaspora • Investors • The Private Sector • Institutions • International Partners
Her objective is to mobilize the skills, capital, expertise and resources necessary to accelerate The Gambia’s economic and social transformation.
PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE 2026 PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN
As part of the December 2026 presidential election, the Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD) seeks to establish partnerships with companies, institutions, organizations, philanthropists, entrepreneurs, members of the diaspora and civil-society actors who share its vision for a new Gambia.
The presidential campaign seeks to mobilize a broad national and international network around a political and economic agenda focused on:Development • Entrepreneurship • Employment • Youth • Women • Infrastructure • Good GovernanceThe
ASD welcomes engagement from:Democratic and Institutional Partners,Organizations and institutions interested in supporting initiatives that promote democracy, civic participation, development and institutional strengthening.
Businesses and Investors
Companies, entrepreneurs and investors interested in private-sector development, investment, innovation and sustainable job creation in The Gambia.Campaign and Strategic PartnersPartners wishing to contribute to national mobilization, communications, events, travel and other campaign activities, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Social and Humanitarian
PartnersIndividuals and organizations wishing to support social, humanitarian and civic initiatives connected to the broader national transformation agenda.
The Gambian Diaspora and Friends of The Gambia
Gambians and friends of The Gambia living abroad who wish to contribute their expertise, professional networks, knowledge, resources and international experience to national development.
A NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MOBILIZATION
Supporting the momentum led by Her Excellency Marie Sock means contributing to an ambition that places at the center of The Gambia’s development:Youth • Women • Entrepreneurship • Investment • Infrastructure • Private-Sector Growth • Good Governance
Partners can become part of a national and international movement focused on economic opportunity, social progress, institutional responsibility and sustainable development.
The Alliance of Social Democrats invites partners, entrepreneurs, investors, organizations, philanthropists, members of the diaspora and citizens who share this ambition to join a national movement founded on:
Responsibility. Integrity. Innovation. Opportunity. Development.
LET US BUILD A NEW GAMBIA TOGETHER
A Gambia that is:FREE.INDEPENDENT.PROSPEROUS.JUST.UNITED.FORWARD-LOOKING.
HER EXCELLENCY MARIE SOCKFounder and Leader, Alliance of Social Democrats (ASD)Candidate for the December 2026 Presidential Election of the Republic of The Gambia
“The Iron Lady”“Leadership is service, not royalty.”
Moussa Diba
