By Aminata Kuyateh
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) on Friday unveiled a US$13 million investment through the World Bank-funded RISE Project to establish two TVET Centres of excellence in agribusiness and fisheries and aquaculture.
The disclosure was made during a one-day consultative workshop convened to review the Labour Market Analysis and gather stakeholder input for curriculum development for the two centres.
The centres will be located at Ndemban in Foni Brefet for agribusiness and in Kombo South for fisheries and aquaculture.
Minister Prof Pierre Gomez said the centres will strengthen skills development, support economic diversification and food security, and create employment opportunities for young people.
He said curriculum development must reflect labour market realities, with contributions from government and private sector actors, farmers, fish processors, practitioners and innovators.
The curricula will be competency-based, industry-driven and practical, with emphasis on digital skills, entrepreneurship, employability and job creation, he said.
Prof Gomez urged stakeholders to scrutinise the Labour Market Analysis and provide input to ensure alignment with The Gambia National Qualifications Framework.
Dr Samba Sowe said the workshop focused on assessing labour market needs to ensure training programmes in fisheries and agribusiness respond to job market demands.
He said the initiative is intended to improve youth employability, contribute to national food security and support sustainable economic growth.
The curricula will be developed based on findings from the Labour Market Assessment and in line with the national qualifications’ framework.
The workshop brought together sector stakeholders and experts to provide practical input on skills gaps, emerging technologies and opportunities to strengthen the country’s TVET system.