This, he said, is the reason why they’ll continue to expand TVET opportunities, invest in training infrastructure, and enhance partnerships with the private sector, ensuring that Gambian youth are not just job seekers, but job creators.
Prof. Pierre Gomez was speaking on Wednesday during a day’s stakeholder validation of the final Report of The Gambia Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Tracer Study being funded by World Bank through the Central Project Coordination Unit of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs.
Held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, the study aims to provide an evidence-based evaluation of the outcomes of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes in The Gambia.
Minister Gomez described the project as a critical milestone in “our collective effort to transform Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in The Gambia.”
This study, he added, is more than just a report; it is a testament to “our commitment to building a skills-driven economy, ensuring that every young Gambian has access to quality training, meaningful employment, and sustainable livelihoods.”
“Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Adama Barrow, our government has prioritized youth empowerment through TVET as a key pillar of national development. We recognize that the prosperity of our nation depends on the ability of our youth to access the right skills, adapt to industry demands, and drive innovation.”
This Tracer Study, he explains further, provides an empirical foundation to guide policy reforms and institutional strategies aimed at skilling, upskilling, and reskilling workforce.
“The findings offer valuable insights into employment trends, industry needs, and the impact of TVET programmes on graduates’ career trajectories. More importantly, they highlight the progress we have made, the challenges that remain, and the opportunities ahead to further strengthen our TVET ecosystem.”
To that end, he called on all to reaffirm their collective responsibility to ensure that TVET remains a powerful tool for national development.
“Let us work together—government, training institutions, industry leaders, and development partners—to bridge the skills gap, foster entrepreneurship, and create an environment where Gambian youth can thrive in an ever-evolving job market.”
