Gambia eyes Tanzania model for skills training overhaul

Unguja. The Gambia has sent a high-level delegation to Tanzania to learn from its progress in vocational education and training, as the West African nation prepares to establish a similar framework with support from the World Bank.

The nine-member delegation, led by Gambia’s Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof Pierre Gomez, visited both mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar to observe first-hand the systems and structures that underpin vocational training in the country.

Speaking during a visit to Mkokotoni Vocational Training Centre in Unguja North on July 9, 2025, Prof Gomez said Tanzania’s experience offered valuable lessons as The Gambia prepares to introduce a formal vocational education system.

“We are in the early stages of promoting skills-based education in The Gambia, but we are not yet where Tanzania is. This visit has opened our eyes,” Prof Gomez said.

“We’ve seen how students here are trained practically, and we will begin planning how to implement similar systems at home.”

He described vocational and technical education as the new foundation for socio-economic development across Africa.

“This is where the continent needs to focus. Even as a professor, I can’t manufacture or build anything—I lack practical skills. We must move beyond theory and into hands-on learning,” he added.

Prof Gomez thanked the Tanzanian government for its openness in sharing knowledge and best practices, noting that the World Bank had advised The Gambia to study Tanzania’s approach due to its notable achievements in the sector.

The Executive Director of the Zanzibar Vocational Training Authority (VTA), Dr Bakar Ali Silima, said the Gambian team had requested access to training guidelines and curricula to help in the formulation of their national strategy.

“It is encouraging that other countries are now coming to learn from Tanzania. This motivates us to keep strengthening our system and extend support to neighbours and international partners,” said Dr Silima.

He added that the VTA had shared available resources with the Gambian delegation and would continue providing support where possible.

“Their visit was prompted by guidance from the World Bank, and we are glad to play a part in shaping their future training efforts.”

During their tour, the delegation observed students undergoing training in various disciplines, including tailoring, electrical installation, welding, and machinery operations.