A national training workshop on strengthening the institutional capacities of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) stakeholders was held in Banjul, The Gambia, from the 16th to 18th of September 2025. The event was organised by the ECOWAS Commission, in collaboration with the Gambian government, as part of the Regional TVET Strategy for Skills and Employability Improvement (ETSSIE).
The workshop brought together key stakeholders in the TVET sector to strengthen their skills and develop an action plan aligned with ETSSIE. The aim is to improve governance, promote public-private partnerships and introduce innovative pedagogical approaches to adapt technical and vocational education to the needs of the labour market, thereby helping to transform the socio-economic lives of young people and the country.
In her opening address, Ms Aisha Usman of the ECOWAS Commission recalled that in a constantly changing world, technical skills are essential for competitiveness and development. She called on TVET stakeholders to join forces to build dynamic and innovative institutions at the service of the population, particularly young people.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical) of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Mr Mucktarr M. Y. Dabo, emphasised that TVET is a national priority in terms of access, quality and relevance. He stressed the importance of partnerships, recalling that “education is not preparation for life; education is life itself”.
This initiative is part of ECOWAS’ ongoing efforts to adapt training systems to socio-economic needs by promoting better organisation, effective management, innovation and inclusion for the benefit of Gambian youth and the population.
