The International Open University (IOU), in partnership with the International Institute of Islamic Thought - West Africa, concluded a three-day seminar at Metzy Residence Hotel that sought to marry traditional Islamic knowledge with contemporary economic and regulatory practice from 21-23 October 2025, "Toward Ethical, Integrated and Inclusive Financial Practice".

The event was formally opened with a powerful video address from His Excellency IOU Founder-Chancellor, Dr Bilal Philips whose message to the organizers, facilitators, hosts and participants set a solemn and inspiring tone for the deliberations. In his recorded remarks the Chancellor offered blessings for the success of the three-day program and invoked guidance for all efforts aimed at advancing knowledge and public welfare.

The Seminar on Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance and the Integration of Knowledge convened forty participants, academics, a Central Bank Representative, practitioners and postgraduate researchers, to explore how Shariah principles can inform practical, ethical, and sustainable financial instruments.

Over the three days, plenary addresses, technical sessions and interactive workshops examined the historical foundations of Islamic economic thought, regulatory and supervisory frameworks, product innovation - including sukuk, takaful and Islamic microfinance, and methodological approaches for combining revealed and empirical knowledge.

On behalf of Prof. Dr. Makie Taal - Vice Chancellor, Mr. Kebba Jaiteh, the Director of Operations at the Global HQ underscored “This seminar is a vital step in bridging theory and practice, ensuring that finance is governed by ethics, justice and public purpose and that we must marry jurisprudential integrity with operational feasibility which precisely he noted is what these conversations seek to achieve.

Deliberations stressed incremental implementation and regulatory readiness. The seminar also emphasized human capital development such as capacity building, collaborative research between universities and regulators, and mentorship for early-career researchers.

Organizers say the event marks the beginning of a sustained programme of engagement - combining academic research, policy design and public education - to support ethical finance in The Gambia and the wider sub-region. IOU and IIT-WA also went on a conducted visit to The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council, courtesy of the President of the Council.