Africa-Press – Gambia. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with the National Environment Agency (NEA), has handed over modern tools and equipment to refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians, marking a major step in The Gambia’s transition toward climate-friendly cooling systems.
The handing-over ceremony, held at the NaNA Conference Hall, followed a two-day training that equipped twenty-five technicians from the West Coast Region and Kanifing Municipality with new skills in sustainable refrigeration under the Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) Phasedown Initiative.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Applied Science, Engineering and Technology (USET), Professor Nazmat Surajudeen-Bakinde, described the support as a “strategic investment” in environmental sustainability and human capital. She noted that the donation would form the foundation for USET’s planned Recycling and Reclamation Centre, which will serve as a national hub for practical training and research on environmentally responsible cooling systems.
“This is not just a donation, it’s an investment in a greener future,” Professor Surajudeen-Bakinde said. “It will empower our students and technicians to drive innovation and sustainability in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector.”
Representing the Executive Director of NEA, Deputy Director Njagga Touray said the initiative aligns with The Gambia’s commitment to the Kigali Implementation Plan and the Montreal Protocol, both of which aim to reduce harmful gases that contribute to global warming.
“These tools symbolize our nation’s pledge to climate action,” Touray remarked. “They will enable our technicians to adapt best practices, reduce emissions, and promote energy efficiency in cooling systems across the country.”
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, technician Momodou Jeng from the West Coast Region expressed gratitude to UNIDO and NEA, describing the initiative as “a game-changer” for local technicians. “These tools will improve our work standards and help us handle refrigerants safely while protecting the environment,” he said, while Morche Assine, representing the Kanifing Municipality, emphasized the importance of collaboration and capacity building among local technicians. He also expressed gratitude to UNIDO, NEA, and USET for their continued support, adding that such partnerships “inspire professionalism and confidence among Gambian technicians.”
The training and equipment distribution were part of The Gambia’s broader effort to build national capacity in environmentally sustainable technologies, ensuring that local technicians and institutions lead the transition to green cooling solutions.
As the country faces rising temperatures and increasing energy demands, initiatives like this signal hope for a cooler, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
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