The AGREEN Gambia project was officially launched in Banjul, bringing together representatives from government institutions, vocational education providers, the private sector, international partners, and development organisations committed to strengthening skills development and sustainable agriculture in The Gambia.
The launch marked the beginning of a 30-month Erasmus+ Capacity Building in VET initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity and relevance of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to support the transition towards Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA), sustainable rural development, and improved employment opportunities for young people and women.
The launch event formed part of a three-day kick-off meeting held from 15 to 17 April 2026, during which project partners worked together to define priorities, coordinate upcoming activities, and establish the foundations for successful collaboration. Discussions focused on key project actions, including the creation of a Gambia-EU Community of Practice, stronger cooperation between TVET institutions and employers, the development of innovative training resources, and the design of a national reference curriculum on Climate-Smart Agriculture.
Hosted by the Ministry of Youth and Sports through the Gambia Songhai Initiative, the event highlighted the crucial role of skills development in addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges. Speaking during the launch, EU Deputy Head of Mission Raphael Brigandi described vocational education as “an opportunity, resilience, and empowerment”, underlining its importance in supporting sustainable development and creating pathways to employment for young people.
With agriculture providing livelihoods for a large share of the population, stakeholders emphasised the need to equip learners, educators, and entrepreneurs with the skills required to respond to climate change and support the modernisation of the sector. Lamin Camara, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, highlighted that AGREEN Gambia will contribute to strengthening the country’s TVET system through innovative teaching approaches, digital learning tools, and closer links between education and employment.
The project will focus on improving the quality and relevance of vocational education, promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture, fostering collaboration between training providers and industry, and expanding opportunities for youth and women in rural communities. As noted by AGREEN Gambia Project Coordinator Jesús Boyano, the initiative is fully aligned with national priorities on climate adaptation and social inclusion, while drawing on innovative European approaches to excellence in vocational education.
Beyond the official launch, partners also visited key national stakeholders involved in youth development, entrepreneurship, and education, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that will guide the project throughout its implementation.
By bringing together expertise from The Gambia, Spain, Croatia, and Ireland, AGREEN Gambia aims to strengthen the connection between education, agriculture, and employment, helping to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future for communities across the country.
The official launch of AGREEN Gambia received positive media coverage in The Gambia, helping raise awareness of the project’s goals and expected impact. The articles highlighted the importance of strengthening TVET, fostering Climate-Smart Agriculture, and supporting youth employability and entrepreneurship through innovative skills development initiatives.
Further coverage of the launch event can be found in:
