By Fatou Gassama
The National Environment Agency (NEA) recently hosted a Technical Cooperation (TC) mission in The Gambia at the Sir Dawda Jawara Conference Centre.
The mission, led by the Programme Management Officer for the Africa Division at the Department of Technical Cooperation of the IAEA, aimed to engage with national stakeholders regarding The Gambia’s first cycle of Technical Cooperation Programme for the period 2026-2029.
Dr Dawda Badgie, NEA Executive Director, extended his sincere appreciation to the IAEA Technical Mission Cooperation for its continued partnership and support.
He highlighted the collaboration between The Gambia and the IAEA, grounded in a shared commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear science and technology for development.
The Gambia has been operating with the IAEA as a non-member state until its full membership was finalised in the first quarter of 2023. Since then, several initiatives have been established, notably the development of its first Country Programme Framework 2024-2029, focusing on nuclear and radioactive safety, food and agriculture, human health, and water resources management.
The TC mission aims to conduct consultative sessions with national project counterparts and key stakeholders to raise awareness of the proposed TC projects for the upcoming cycle.
Dr Badgie emphasised that the collaboration will focus on health, agriculture, and livestock production as priority sectors, enhancing cancer care, medical imaging, and disease diagnosis, and strengthening food security and climate resilience.
Abdou Salam Ndiath, Section Head Africa IAEA, thanked the Government of The Gambia for its excellent cooperation and commitment to advancing the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. He highlighted the IAEA’s support in establishing a radiotherapy facility, improving access to cancer care, and enhancing crop productivity through mutation breeding and improving soil and water management.
The IAEA will facilitate partnerships with international and regional institutions, providing expertise and technical support. Ndiath reaffirmed the IAEA’s strong commitment to supporting The Gambia in its journey towards nuclear science and technology for development.
