Africa-Press – Gambia. The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has hosted a workshop on transformative investments in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) aimed at improving food self-sufficiency in The Gambia.
The workshop brought together stakeholders, experts and policymakers to discuss strategies for leveraging STI to strengthen national food security and promote sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at the ministry’s headquarters in Kanifing, the Permanent Secretary at MoHERST, Ms. Isatou Auber, said the activity, implemented under the Africa Regional Centres of Excellence programme, highlighted the critical role of regional and national institutions in strengthening innovation ecosystems and advancing the green transition.
She notes that the initiative seeks to lay the foundation for sustainable socio-economic transformation through a strategic framework for identifying investment opportunities tailored to sustainability challenges, particularly in enhancing food security.
“Government recognizes that science, technology and innovation are powerful drivers of national development. The workshop is both timely and strategic. Through the application of the Social Multi-Criteria Analysis methodology, we seek to prioritize investments in a transparent and inclusive manner, drawing on expert knowledge as well as the perspectives of diverse stakeholders,” she said.
Ms. Auber added that prioritizing STI investments could guide fundraising strategies and policy interventions aimed at strengthening food self-sufficiency, enhancing national capacity for evidence-informed policymaking and positioning institutions to respond effectively to future challenges.
She also expressed appreciation to the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and other partners for their continued collaboration and technical support.
The representative of the European Union Delegation to The Gambia, Mr. Buba Tamba, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting the transformation of The Gambia’s food systems through science, technology and innovation.
He says the EU stands alongside The Gambia in promoting sustainable development, noting that food self-sufficiency is essential for the country’s prosperity and resilience.
Mr. Tamba highlighted challenges facing the country’s food systems, including rising food insecurity, climate-induced shocks and economic vulnerabilities exacerbated by global crises, stressing the need for bold and innovative solutions.
“The Gambia’s rich agricultural heritage, coupled with its growing STI ecosystem, positions the country to lead in transformative, home-grown solutions that can ensure no Gambian goes to bed hungry,” he said.
He added that the STI for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) roadmap, developed through collaboration between the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre and MoHERST, demonstrates the potential of strategic partnerships.
Mr. Tamba further underscored the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and the AU-EU Innovation Agenda as frameworks supporting African-led innovation by leveraging local universities, research institutions and private-sector expertise.
Meanwhile, Mr. Paolo Canfora, representative of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, described STI as a key driver of transformation and highlighted the centre’s engagement with the ministry in developing actionable investment programmes.
He urged stakeholders in science and technology research to work collectively towards the success of the initiative and commended the ministry for hosting the workshop.
