A key component of the project is the development of cutting-edge curricula for the Centre of Excellence in Agribusiness in Ndemban, Foni Brefet, and the Centre of Excellence in Fisheries and Aquaculture in Kombo South, both in the West Coast Region.
The development was unveiled by Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), at a consultative meeting on labour market needs assessment for curriculum development held on September 25, 2026, at the OIC Conference Centre in Bijilo.
Stakeholders at the meeting reviewed the labour market assessment report, held group discussions, and were presented with the competency-based learning framework.
In his opening remarks, Minister Gomez described the meeting as a critical milestone towards building a modern, responsive and world-class TVET system.
He said the two centres are being positioned to drive economic diversification, strengthen food security and create sustainable employment for the growing youth population.
Their establishment, he added, is aligned with Pillar 5 of The Gambia's Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP 2023-2027), which prioritizes productivity and linkages within agriculture and natural resources to support economic growth.
Gomez said his ministry's strategic direction prioritizes TVET by strengthening institutional capacity and developing public-private partnerships to finance higher education.
"Specifically, Pillar 2 of The Gambia TVET Policy 2021-2030 provides the strategic direction for expanding access to quality and relevant TVET for all, with particular emphasis on increasing technical and vocational skills provision in response to local economic development needs," he said.
He noted that the TVET Policy also calls for Sector Skills Councils across all trades to ensure curricula are co-developed with industry, adding that NAQAA has already established some of the councils.
Under the RISE Project, he said, two Sector Advisory Boards - one for Fisheries and Aquaculture and one for Agribusiness - have been established to provide strategic guidance on the implementation of the centres, including curriculum development.
He challenged stakeholders to ensure the review captures all perspectives, including public and private sector actors, practitioners, farmers, fish processors and innovators, so that the final report provides a sound basis for curriculum development.
This approach, he said, reflects the ministry's commitment to inclusivity, co-creation and ownership in developing curricula that are responsive to labour market demands and aligned with the Gambia National Qualifications Framework.
In line with regional and international best practice, Gomez said the curricula will be competency-based - focusing on what graduates can do as well as what they know - industry-driven and practical, equipping learners with 21st-century skills, digital literacy and an entrepreneurial mindset for employability and job creation.
