President Barrow Presides Over D396 Million Award Ceremony to TVET Institutions
Group Photo © Ministry of Higher Education
By Fatoumata Jaiteh
President Adama Barrow has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening technical and vocational education in The Gambia, presiding over the award ceremony for the Skills, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Fund Training Grants. Held on 28th February 2025, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, the event saw over GMD 396.7 million allocated to 25 TVET institutions nationwide, marking a significant step in the country’s drive for skills development and economic growth.
The SIE Fund is a key component of the World Bank-funded Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity (RISE) Project. Its primary objective is to enhance access to technical, innovative, and entrepreneurial skills for Gambian youth, improving their employability and fostering socio-economic growth.
In his address, President Barrow emphasized that the SIE Fund is being implemented by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST). He highlighted the project's goal of building a competent and skilled workforce to drive the country's socio-economic development. Additionally, he underscored the importance of expanding access to TVET programs, particularly in regional areas, to support physically challenged and disadvantaged individuals.
President Adama Barrow © Ministry of Higher Education
The president further explained that the grants were awarded following a rigorous evaluation process to ensure strict adherence to the criteria set for Window Two of the SIE Fund. These grants support accredited programs at certificate and diploma levels in key sectors such as agriculture, engineering, tourism and hospitality, business, and creative and performing arts.
Concluding his speech, President Barrow called for collaborative efforts among development partners, the private sector, and civil society organizations to strengthen The Gambia's human capital base.
Echoing the president's sentiments, Franklin Mutahana, the World Bank representative for Africa, reaffirmed the institution's commitment to fostering human capital development through the RISE Project. He emphasized that involving both public and private TVET providers ensures equitable access to skills training across the country, enabling young people from diverse backgrounds to thrive.
According to MoHERST, the SIE Fund is expected to benefit 1,087 students pursuing courses in various TVET fields aligned with the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP) 2023–2027. This initiative underscores the government's dedication to enhancing technical skills and entrepreneurial capacities among Gambian youth, contributing to the nation's overall development.
The allocation of GMD 396.7 million through the SIE Fund underscores the government's commitment to equipping Gambian youth with the technical and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in a competitive job market. As the initiative unfolds, collaboration between the government, development partners, and the private sector will be crucial in ensuring its long-term success. By investing in human capital, The Gambia is taking a decisive step toward sustainable economic growth and a more inclusive future for its workforce.
