Today, APDC welcomed a delegation from the Republic of The Gambia led by Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology. The delegation included Mr Aliyu Hassan, General Manager of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Centre of Excellence, and Engineer Bashir Datti, Head of the National Skills Qualification Framework of Nigeria.

The visit formed part of a learning mission to examine APDC's integrated approach to Technical and Vocational Education and Training, entrepreneurship, and agribusiness incubation as The Gambia works towards establishing Centres of Excellence in agribusiness, horticulture, and fisheries to expand economic opportunities for youth and women.

Following a presentation on APDC's eight years of impact, the delegation toured The Centre's urban demonstration farm and training facilities, gaining firsthand insight into the integrated model that combines practical skills development with market access, enterprise support, and peer networks, enabling young people to build sustainable livelihoods.

Professor Gomez observed that APDC offers a practical and replicable model for The Gambia. While many young people across West Africa receive vocational training, they often lack entrepreneurial pathways. APDC's evidence-based responses address this systemic gap. The visit concluded with a shared commitment to knowledge exchange and exploring joint programming that will strengthen employment pathways for young people across the region.

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