The Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Pierre Gomez, today convened a high-level breakfast meeting with private sector leaders and development partners. The engagement was organized by MoHERST in collaboration with the World Bank as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen education–industry linkages in The Gambia.
In his opening remarks, Hon. Prof. Gomez emphasized that The Gambia’s youthful population remains the country’s greatest asset. He noted that thousands of young people graduate each year from schools, technical institutions, and universities with aspirations for meaningful employment and entrepreneurship. Translating these aspirations into tangible opportunities, he stressed, requires sustained collaboration between Government, the private sector, and development partners.
The Minister reaffirmed that investments in higher education, skills development, and innovation are central to national development, economic growth, and job creation. He highlighted progress achieved through regional higher education partnerships, including institutional strengthening and the advancement of applied science and technical education. Particular reference was made to the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET) as a significant milestone in expanding practical, industry-relevant training for Gambian youth.
Hon. Prof. Gomez called on private sector partners to play a more active role in shaping curricula, identifying skills gaps, and supporting internships, apprenticeships, mentorship programmes, research collaboration, and technology adoption. He underscored that private sector engagement is essential to ensuring graduates are not only academically qualified but also equipped with the competencies required to contribute effectively and competitively in the workplace.
The breakfast meeting provided a strategic platform for dialogue and partnership-building, aimed at developing practical, locally tailored solutions that align education outcomes with labour market demands and national development priorities.
MoHERST remains committed to advancing reforms that empower young Gambians with relevant skills, foster innovation, and drive sustainable socio-economic development.
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