NASENI, The Gambia partner to advance tech commercialisation, skills transfer - ITREALMS

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has initiated strategic moves to deepen technology development, TVET skills cooperation, and technology commercialisation with the Republic of The Gambia, reports ITREALMS.

Both entities have agreed to draft a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) spanning technical education, research, and indigenous technology transfer across West Africa.

This development follows a high-level experiential learning visit led by The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (GMoHERST), Professor Pierre Gomez, to NASENI Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Prior to the executive session, the Gambian delegation inspected key facilities, including NASENI's Centre of Excellence and NASENI Solar Energy Limited (NSEL), gaining direct insight into the agency's operational capabilities.

The targeted bilateral cooperation spans renewable energy and solar photovoltaic systems, power electronics, industrial automation, agricultural mechanisation, advanced manufacturing, solid minerals processing, aeronautics, drone technology, and technical skills development. NASENI's collaborative framework also strengthens ties with universities and private-sector partners to support curriculum development, joint research, and technical certification.

Speaking on behalf of Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Director of Technology Business Development, Engr. Ozigi O. Benard, emphasized NASENI's role as a regional development engine. He noted that the agency operates through specialized institutes anchored on its 3Cs principle—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation—to move research outputs out of laboratory settings and directly into active marketplaces.

Professor Pierre Gomez stated that The Gambia aims to transform its higher education and TVET ecosystem through practical learning and stronger African cooperation. He highlighted that his delegation visited Nigeria specifically to adapt NASENI’s practical approach to research, development, and technology transfer for implementation in The Gambia.

The meeting was attended by key NASENI executives, including Prof. Ikyo Barnabas Achakpa, Acting Managing Director of the Solid Minerals Machinery and Equipment Development Institute; Dr. Mahmoud Jafar, Overseeing Officer at the Scientific Equipment Development Institute in Minna; and Mr. Yusuf Kasheem, Coordinator of the Implementation Management Office and Special Adviser on Institutional Reforms.