From Research to Practice: NASENI and The Gambia Plan to Build Africa’s Technology Future

For decades, a significant issue facing Africa's development has been the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application. Despite universities and research institutions producing graduates, conducting studies, and generating ideas, many innovative concepts fail to transition from labs and classrooms into factories, businesses, and communities.

This paradox is explained by Africa's abundance of human talent and natural resources, yet its heavy reliance on imported technologies, equipment, and technical expertise. In response to this challenge, Nigeria's National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and The Gambia's government are collaborating on a new technology cooperation initiative.

This partnership aims to bridge the gap between research, technical education, and innovation, turning them into practical technologies, employable skills, and commercially viable products.

The groundwork for this collaboration was laid during a high-level experiential learning visit organized by The Gambia's Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez. During his visit to NASENI headquarters in Abuja on August 12, 2026, Prof. Gomez and his delegation observed Nigeria's technology development ecosystem, which integrates research, prototyping, manufacturing, training, technology transfer, and commercialisation.

The delegation saw the value in adopting Nigeria's practical approach to research and technology development, and they identified several ways to transfer these lessons to The Gambia, focusing on building an education system that equips young people not just with certificates but with the ability to create, operate, and maintain technologies.

The Gambia's interest in this initiative stems from a practical need to develop an education and skills system that produces young people capable of contributing to the nation's technological advancement. During their visit to NASENI Solar Energy Limited (NSEL), the delegation witnessed the actual production of solar modules, examined technologies developed through research and development, and were introduced to practical training equipment.

The delegation emphasized the importance of moving from acquiring certificates without practical knowledge to embracing technology transfer. The visit underscored the significant difference between possessing theoretical knowledge and having the technical competence to apply that knowledge. Prof. Gomez stated clearly that it was time to move from the "African thing of acquiring certificates without practical knowledge; we are ready for technology transfer."

NASENI's strategic direction is guided by the "3Cs" principles: Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialisation. These principles aim to close the gap between research outputs and their practical application by ensuring that research results can become products and services that address real-world problems and generate economic value.

The delegation was particularly interested in solar photovoltaic systems, given The Gambia's aim to expand its energy options and develop local technical capacity. NSEL presented its work in solar panel production, installation, research, training, and the development of tailored solar solutions. They also highlighted partnerships that have supported youth-oriented initiatives across Nigeria.

The Gambia sees potential in NSEL's solar power trainer, a practical training tool that provides hands-on exposure to solar technology. This could be crucial in building the technical workforce needed to support and maintain renewable energy systems.