The European Union launches a project to boost the skills of young people in agriculture

On 17 April 2026, in partnership with the Ministry of Youth & Sports, The Gambia Songhai Initiative (GSI), INFODEF, FAZOS, INNOQUALITY SYSTEMS, University of Education The Gambia (UEG), and the Gambia Start-Up Chamber of Commerce (GSCC), the European Union launched the “AGREEN Gambia” project. This GMD 34.5 million initiative, funded under the Erasmus+ programme, promotes collaboration between European organisations from Spain, Croatia, and Ireland and their Gambian counterparts.

AGREEN Gambia will strengthen vocational education and training, promote climate-smart agriculture, and create employment opportunities for youth and women in The Gambia. As agriculture supports the livelihoods of approximately 72% of the population, developing skills that match labour market demands is essential for sustainable job creation. The project aligns with the EU Global Gateway strategy and The Gambia’s National Development Plan.

EU Deputy Head of Mission, Raphaël Brigandi, stated: “Vocational education is not just about skills—it is about opportunity, resilience, and empowerment. Through AGREEN Gambia, we are ensuring that young Gambians can find opportunities in agriculture and agri-business, which are growing sectors.”

Speaking for the Government, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Lamin Camara, said: “This project represents a critical opportunity to modernise vocational education and equip young people with the skills needed for employment and sustainable development.”

Background

Erasmus+ is the European Union's primary programme dedicated to supporting education, training, youth, and sport in Europe and beyond, providing funding for international exchange and the development of innovative educational partnerships that strengthen professional skills and social inclusion.

The Global Gateway is the European Union’s flagship strategy for investing in high-quality, sustainable infrastructure and building resilient links in the digital, energy, and transport sectors, as well as strengthening health, education, and research systems worldwide to narrow the global investment gap.