Ousainou Gaye is a Ph.D. candidate at the Erasmus Research Institute, School of Management and Economics, in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Finance from the University of The Gambia and a Master’s degree in European Economics and Business Law from the University of Rome Tor Vergata in Italy. As a first-generation university graduate, his academic journey reflects strong determination and resilience.

The main focus of his master’s thesis was Africa–EU economic and climate cooperation, with particular emphasis on The Gambia.

Ousainou is the founder of two well-known sustainable brands, Sustainable Fashion and H-Closet, which use fashion as a tool to address climate change through sustainable practices. Professionally, he has worked as an entrepreneur, model, and stylist for various brands. He is strongly committed to innovation, global leadership, sustainability, and youth empowerment.

His Ph.D. research focuses on a comparative study of Anglophone and Francophone countries in West Africa, examining sustainable fashion and textile waste management.

Previously, Ousainou worked at the British Embassy in Rome, Italy, where he focused on immigration, climate change, justice, and home affairs. He also worked as part of the Education Team at the Office of Youth and Women at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.