Gambia Charts Bold Path to Food Sovereignty

In a major stride toward transforming The Gambia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) landscape, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), in collaboration with key stakeholders, validated the Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP) for two upcoming TVET Centers of Excellence focused on Fisheries and Agribusiness.

The opening ceremony for the validation workshop was held on Wednesday, 16th April 2025, and presided over by the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez. The SIP is being developed under the World Bank-supported RISE Project, through a consultancy aimed at enhancing competency-based training, program development, governance structures, infrastructure, and professional capacity in the TVET sector.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Gomez emphasized the national significance of the initiative, particularly its long-term vision of ensuring food sovereignty. “With the successful completion of this project, the country will transition from food security to food sovereignty, enabling its people to feed themselves,” he stated.

He further revealed the locations for the two Centers of Excellence: an Agribusiness center in Ndemban and a Fisheries center in Tujereng, both expected to be fully established within four years. “The Gambia aims to become a hub for TVET excellence within the ECOWAS region, attracting learners from across West Africa to receive a high-quality training in Fisheries and Agriculture,” he added.

Minister Gomez also highlighted MoHERST’s recent investments in human capacity, noting that “in 2024, MoHERST sponsored 20 young Gambians to pursue master’s degrees in fisheries and marine science in Malawi and Turkey,” underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to building expertise in critical sectors.

Ms. Fatou Janneh, the TVET Focal Person at MoHERST, elaborated on the broader vision of the SIP. “The Ministry is undergoing a structural transformation of the TVET sector to make it more vibrant and impactful,” she said. “The Strategic Improvement Plan aims to expand access to TVET nationwide and enhance outreach to communities, with a focus on equipping Gambians with specialized skills, particularly in Fisheries and Agribusiness through the establishment of Centers of Excellence.”

She added that the initiative is designed not only to empower the local workforce but also to “position The Gambia as a regional hub in these fields while strengthening governance, infrastructure, and capacity for effective operation of the Centers.”

The session was moderated by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, who warmly welcomed participants and expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its invaluable support of the initiative.

With this strategic validation, The Gambia is firmly setting the foundation for sustainable development and regional leadership in agricultural and marine education.