The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Ms. Isatou Auber, has called for collective commitment to ensure that the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP) 2027–2035 becomes a practical instrument for national transformation.
Delivering her welcoming remarks at the National Validation Workshop on Monday, 31 August 2026, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, Ms. Auber said the policy represents a stronger and more inclusive framework, informed by the lessons and experiences of the previous NSTIP 2015–2024.
She outlined four key foundations of the new policy: a statutory governance framework for effective coordination, a fully operational National Research and Innovation Fund, a national STI measurement system to track progress, and an STI Secretariat to coordinate implementation.
Ms. Auber emphasised that advancing science, technology and innovation is a shared national responsibility and should not rest with MoHERST alone. She called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, universities, research institutions, the private sector, civil society and development partners.
According to the Permanent Secretary, the policy is intended to support national development priorities, including climate-resilient agriculture, digital innovation in health, STEM and TVET development, and greater opportunities for women and young people in science, technology and entrepreneurship.
She encouraged participants to engage actively in the validation process, share their insights candidly and contribute to refining the policy so that it reflects the aspirations of the Gambian people and the realities of national institutions.
Ms. Auber also expressed appreciation to the national stakeholders, development partners and technical experts whose contributions have supported the development of the policy.
She concluded by urging stakeholders to work together to ensure that the NSTIP 2027–2035 moves beyond being a policy document and becomes a living instrument of transformation for The Gambia.
Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved