The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology (MoHERST) held a roundtable discussion on leveraging science, technology, and innovation (STI) for Africa’s Sustainable Development Goals, involving key stakeholders and experts to develop strategies for achieving these objectives.

The roundtable discussion, held under the auspices of the STI for SDGs Roadmap in Africa project, represents a significant milestone in shaping effective policies and strategies to bolster innovation ecosystems across the continent. This project, a collaboration between the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and the Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA) of the European Commission, aims to align STI initiatives with SDGs, with a specific focus on enhancing food self-sufficiency.

The project aimed to share information on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Roadmap in Africa, prioritize sustainability issues in The Gambia’s food system, and map existing STI instruments, enabling improvements, updates, or the creation of new tools.

Mr. Mucktarr M.Y. Darboe, Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical) of MoHERST, emphasized the significance of the event in leveraging STI to address pressing challenges in achieving sustainable development. He highlighted the role of the insights gathered in guiding future policies and initiatives of the Ministry towards ensuring a more food-secure and sustainable future for The Gambia.

Dr. Pierre Rialland, JRC representative, praised MoHERST for leading a roundtable discussion on STI for SDGs Roadmap in Africa, highlighting Gambian stakeholders’ commitment to shaping effective policies and strategies.

The Gambia’s STI for SDGs Roadmap will be developed through a collaborative effort with MoHERST, aiming to enhance food self-sufficiency through science, technology, and innovation. The roadmap will guide policymakers and provide actionable strategies for sustainable development. MoHERST is committed to working with national and international partners to translate insights into concrete actions.