G.R.E.E.N. Gambia: Strengthening Skills for Food Processing and Ecotourism

Just before Christmas 2025, CINOP and LTC visited The Gambia as part of the G.R.E.E.N. Gambia project. The visit marked an important milestone in strengthening vocational education aligned with labour market needs in Food Processing and Ecotourism. LTC brought even two teachers who never been outside Europe which appeared to be an adventure.

Over the past year, all four project partners engaged extensively with private sector stakeholders in both sectors to identify the competences required for graduates entering these fields. This collaboration resulted in a clear and shared competence framework that reflects current and future industry demands.

Based on these findings, The Gambia College and the Gambia Songhai Initiative developed three curriculum outlines. CINOP and LTC subsequently worked together during Summer to further design and develop the corresponding educational programmes.

During the visit, the draft programmes were discussed in detail with Gambian partners. Based on their feedback, the programmes were refined and formally validated. In addition, the full implementation plan was agreed upon, paving the way for a first pilot to start early in the year, followed by a second pilot later in the year.

The visit also included meetings with the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, recognising the importance of strong collaboration and communication—particularly in the field of Ecotourism—for the success of the project.

Finally, CINOP and LTC paid a courtesy visit to the Deputy Secretary of State, who expressed his appreciation for the initiative and offered his support for the project.