In a significant show of support for homegrown innovation, the Honourable Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, on Friday, 11th April 2025, officially received the Gambian delegation of start-up innovators ahead of their participation in the 2nd African Research and Innovation Forum (FARI-2025).
The forum, organized by ECOWAS, is set to take place from 5th to 9th May 2025 in Cotonou, Republic of Benin.
FARI is a regional platform created to promote Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) across West Africa. It aims to increase the visibility of research efforts, foster dialogue among stakeholders, and encourage collaboration between researchers and the private sector. The forum also serves as a catalyst for improving the quality and quantity of scientific and technological output within the ECOWAS region.
Addressing the selected innovators during the official send-off, Minister Gomez extended his congratulations and words of encouragement, saying: “Represent The Gambia with excellence as part of the Start-up Competition segment of the forum.”
He also disclosed that the Ministry, as part of its 2025 Work Plan, will organize a national event to allow other local start-ups to showcase their innovation ideas.
Providing an update on the selection process, Mr. Samba Sowe, Director of Science, Technology and Innovation at the Ministry, noted that 14 Gambian start-ups initially registered through the ECOWAS portal. However, only four were able to meet the technical dossier requirements, from which three were selected to compete at FARI-2025. These pioneering start-ups are:
1. FARM HUB GM, BAYKART – “Making the farmers’ life easier.”
2. REMACCS, PINNNACLEHR – Business advisory and technology.
3. RIDDLES OF THE SUN – The Angel Project Education Initiative.
Highlighting the Ministry’s broader commitment to innovation, Director Sowe announced key upcoming initiatives.
“The Ministry, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is establishing a UNiPOD at USET Kanifing Campus to help create an environment where cutting-edge research and new ideas will thrive,” he said.
He also revealed plans for an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub equipped with state-of-the-art facilities at the Brikama USET campus. Additionally, he confirmed that the National Assembly has approved the National Research and Innovation Fund Bill.
“Once enacted, this bill will support and facilitate start-ups’ competitiveness and innovation in the country,” he added.
With such backing and a clear roadmap for technological advancement, The Gambia is positioning itself as a rising force in the West African innovation ecosystem.
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