Joshua Keller’s aim is to open a guesthouse directly on the beach in The Gambia. Even if it means overcoming a few obstacles, the young Swiss citizen is determined to make it work. He turns to crowdfunding and travels to Gambia to study some lost techniques and gain expertise in previously established hotels. Joshua says he believes in The Gambia and is hopeful about his aim of developing a hotel and providing jobs for Gambians.
Joshua Keller, when you were young, you had a good friend from Gambia who lived in Switzerland. When did it become clear to you to take the step and emigrate to Gambia?
Back then, my father had launched an integration team at SC Brühl. We played together with different refugees. Among other things, I was with Buba, my friend from Gambia. When, unfortunately, he had to go back to Gambia, two friends of mine and I set out to visit him. For me, this was the origin of the idea, as I fell in love with the country and the “vibe.” Back then, on that first trip to Gambia, the idea of building something here came up. Ocourse,se it was just a thought, but it no longer left me alone.
What happened next?
I thought about it every day. I often couldn’t fall asleep because my mind was already there, making a plan. When I was in Mexico two and a half years ago and my thoughts kept coming back to my hostel project there, I decided that I would like to give it a try. After all, I have nothing to lose. So I sat down and wrote everything down.
Now that all sounds very nice. But you also say that you didn’t just get to know the beautiful sides of Gambia. The Gambia is one of the poorest countries in the world.
You have to see Africa with your own eyes to understand it. Life is completely different than ours.
Where is this reflected?
Our problems are nothing compared to those in The Gambia. Poverty is a big factor in Gambia. Most of them are looking for a job, but it doesn’t exist. So everyone has to somehow bring a little money home to buy food. For many, it’s about survival every day. Unfortunately, there is often no prospect of improvement. However, the family bond is huge. Although many have no money or job, no one has to live on the streets. Family or friends always help out to keep a roof over your head or to eat. It is shared with everyone.
Didn’t all that put you off?
No, I am more motivated. I have the feeling that I can change something there and, above all, improve it. I would like to do something good and create jobs for these loving and usually happier people than we see here. We have the opportunity to do something big with relatively little.
What are the big challenges?
It was never about my ideas. I always had more than enough of that. When I started the project, I thought that the biggest challenges would be obtaining money and land. In the meantime, however, I have already overcome the big hurdle of getting to land. I would therefore describe the most important step as getting to know an Austrian architect couple. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am at the moment.
Nothing works without money. You need 50,000 francs to get closer to your dream of having your own hostel right by the sea. How did your fundraising campaign get started?
I am very happy with how the campaign was shared at the beginning. I could count on a lot of support. But all of this is just the beginning – it continues. I still have a few ideas to encourage people to donate even a small amount.
But you don’t have an investor yet?
No. But I am 100 percent convinced of my project. That’s why I’ll definitely find an investor soon. Africa has huge potential. Of course, people also have to have an “open mindset” and be open to something “crazy.”.
In Africa the clocks run differently and work can sometimes be very tedious. How do you see that?
Exactly, the business and work mentality are completely different. Things won’t always work out the way you plan, or things will probably take a little longer than expected. I have to adapt and just stay patient. You shouldn’t lose your nerve if something doesn’t work out as expected. But I’m very ready for it.
What about potential employees?
I have to instill a bit of “Swissness” in my employees so that everything works the way I want it to. Africans live by a different clock than we do. It is normal to arrive two hours late or even early. This is of course very disadvantageous if you want to build a good business. I see teaching them the right work ethic as a big challenge. However, there are 1000 other people waiting for a job. If someone doesn’t want to, they don’t have to – someone else will be very happy about it.
Where are you currently with the project?
Everything is ready. I found the perfect property right by the sea—the architects, the construction plans, the construction crew, and the business plan. The only thing missing now is the remaining money. That’s why I’m happy about every donation to my crowdfunding. Of course, I won’t be able to handle everything with that. But I take everything step by step.
Your emigration is imminent in January. You say the move came as a surprise even to you.
Three weeks ago I received a phone call from the Austrian architect couple who told me that they had presented our project to various people. The reactions were very good. However, the question arose as to what experiences I would bring with me.
What was the answer?
It was also my concern because I really don’t have it. That’s why I wanted to come to Gambia as quickly as possible. Those responsible have prepared a training program for me. I will now be emigrating to Gambia in a few weeks to take over a hotel there. Two experienced hotel managers will support me and teach me everything I need to know. Finally, in October I will take on another project. I’ll be working with someone there too to get the full experience. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better opportunity.
Is there also a certain nervousness?
I’m not yet sure what exactly awaits me. Only time will tell. However, I know that I am ready and want it. I’m now looking forward to the future and all the new tasks that come with it.
