By Fatoumata Joof
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, (MoHERST) last week received in audience the Secretary-General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation, Mr. Manssour Bin Mussallam and his delegation at the Ministry’s complex in Bijilo, where the parties commit to cooperation on relevant areas.
The two agencies recommit to strengthening the existing partnership between them while OSC SG pledged support to the ministry’s transformation agenda, particularly in the areas of research, science and technology, as well as on Technical and Vocational Education and Training.
During the meeting, the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez welcomed the head of delegation and Secretary General of the Organisation of Southern Cooperation, Mr. Manssour Bin Mussallam and thanked them for their timely visit to his ministry.
He informed his visitor that cabinet just approved the National Research Policy, and expressed his ministry’s willingness to continue the partnership with the OSC for the implementation of the policy, and others.
Secretary-General Manssour Bin Mussallam announced that his organisation plans to establish two research centres; one in Latin America and one in Africa and that The Gambia is the chosen country for the Research Centre in Africa.
He revealed that his Organisation’s 2024 areas of intervention include higher education, trans-disciplinary research and innovative technologies and digital infrastructure.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr. Yusupha Touray described the visit as timely as the ministry has its strategic plan in place which will end in December 2024.
He said The Gambia is a peaceful country in the sub-region; “thus establishing a research centre will boost the socio-economic development of the country”.
Mr. Manssour Bin Mussallam’s delegation comprised of the representative of the Secretary General for Technological Innovation and Digitalisation Enhancement, Dr. Shumete Gizaw; and Liaison and Protocol Officer-Arab Countries, Office of Secretary- General, Sabri Bazaziat.
