On February 28, 2025, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia addressed the MoHERST award ceremony for scholarship grants under Window Two of the Skills Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SIE) Fund. This initiative is part of the World Bank-funded Resilience, Inclusion, Skills, and Equity Project (RISE), managed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST). The project aims to develop a skilled workforce for the country's socio-economic growth.
President Barrow highlighted that the SIE Fund aligns with The Gambia's higher education sector Strategic Plan (2021–2025) and the Recovery Focused National Development Plan (2023–2027). He stated that this initiative provides scholarships to students at public and private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. It focuses on empowering youth and women by equipping them with technical skills to start their ventures.
The project supports decentralization and social inclusion efforts by increasing access to TVET programs in various regions. It also aims to boost enrollment among physically challenged individuals and other disadvantaged groups. President Barrow assured that a rigorous evaluation process ensured fairness in awarding scholarships.
"The review involved assessing the institutions based on the agreed criteria," he said. "One of them is linked to the priority sectors identified in our Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (2023 - 2027)."
The government will distribute approximately 396 million Dalasis from the SIE Fund, starting with an initial allocation of 31 million Dalasis. A total of 1,087 scholarships will be awarded across 25 TVET institutions. Each scholarship includes tuition fees and stipends for students, along with additional support for those attending regional centers.
President Barrow emphasized that agreements between MoHERST and beneficiary institutions would ensure compliance with SIE Fund standards. He also announced plans for Window One of the SIE Fund, which will enhance infrastructure at TVET institutions, and Window Three, set to launch later in 2025, offering startup support for young entrepreneurs.
He acknowledged contributions from development partners like the World Bank Group in supporting these initiatives. "I commend the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology...and quite notably,the World Bank for making this programme happen," he stated.
President Barrow urged beneficiary institutions to utilize this opportunity effectively by ensuring students complete their programs successfully. He called on other partners to join efforts in building a robust human capital base for The Gambia.
"I thank you all for your kind attention," he concluded his address.
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