In a significant stride towards enhancing the technological capabilities of The Gambia, educators from across the nation gathered for a four-day ‘Train the Trainers’ workshop at the University of The Gambia from August 6 to 9, 2024. The workshop, organized by the Commonwealth Secretariat and delivered by Australia’s Queensland Cyber Infrastructure Foundation (QCIF), focused on equipping university educators with the skills needed in Python programming and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
This program represents a crucial advancement in the development of AI research capacity within The Gambia. Participants engaged with case studies that demonstrated the practical application of AI in various sectors, including environmental management, infrastructure, and transport. The initiative underscores the importance of preparing educational institutions to lead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape, ensuring that The Gambia remains competitive on the global stage.
Dr. Radika Kumar, Adviser for Artificial Intelligence & Transformative Technology at the Commonwealth Secretariat, emphasized the strategic importance of targeting the training to benefit the younger population. Highlighting the immense economic potential of AI, Dr. Kumar stated, “This program arrives at a critical juncture. AI is projected to contribute US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. It is therefore imperative that young people in Commonwealth countries are not only empowered to harness AI but are also equipped with the necessary skills to shape and benefit from it.”
Dr. Kumar further elaborated on the decision to pilot the program in The Gambia, describing it as a significant initial step. She reaffirmed the Commonwealth Secretariat’s commitment to replicating this initiative across other regions, with the goal of empowering and upskilling citizens throughout the member states. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all Commonwealth countries are well-prepared to navigate and thrive in an increasingly digital world.
As The Gambia continues to bolster its AI capabilities, the collaboration with the Commonwealth Secretariat and the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC) lays the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. This partnership is instrumental in positioning the nation to take full advantage of the opportunities presented by the digital economy. Abodulie Jammeh, Deputy Permanent Secretary of The Gambia’s Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, highlighted the importance of the program, stating, “As the lead for the Working Group on Research and Innovation for the CAIC, this represents a significant milestone for The Gambia. We are immensely grateful to the Commonwealth for facilitating this program, which is crucial in building our national capacity in AI and related technologies.”
Jammeh also underscored the program’s impact on youth, noting that it not only empowers educators but also ensures that Gambian youth are well-prepared for future workforce opportunities in AI development. This focus on youth is particularly important as they are positioned at the forefront of technological innovation and will play a key role in driving the nation’s economic and societal progress.
The workshop attendees have been equipped with the skills necessary to teach AI to their students, fostering a future talent pool capable of driving local innovation and contributing to the global AI landscape. Dr. Mbemba Hydara, Dean of the School of Information Technology and Communications at the University of The Gambia, emphasized the transformative impact of the training, stating, “The ‘Train the Trainers’ program has been a transformative experience for our faculty. It has equipped us with the tools to educate and inspire the next generation of Gambian innovators. This investment in human capital is vital, enabling us to make meaningful contributions to AI research and innovation on a global scale.”
The CAIC, established in 2023, is focused on fulfilling the mandate set out by the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to equip citizens with the skills necessary to fully benefit from digital innovation. With the Commonwealth Year of Youth continuing until the next CHOGM, there is an increased emphasis on engaging young people under the age of 30, who comprise 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s population.
Stela Solar, Director of Australia’s National AI Centre and the Lead for Research and Innovation for the Commonwealth AI Consortium, praised the program’s success, noting that it reflects the dedication and potential of the University of The Gambia’s educators. She highlighted the unique integration of Python programming, AI, and ecological research expertise as key components in supporting sustainable development and innovation in The Gambia.
As part of a broader suite of initiatives by the Commonwealth Secretariat, this training is aimed at accelerating progress across its 56 member states. Additionally, the Commonwealth AI Academy, in partnership with Intel, offers a range of youth-focused online courses, including Introduction to AI for Youth, Introduction to Generative AI, and Introduction to Responsible AI Skills, providing a foundation for a future where AI is pervasive and beneficial to all.
