The European Union (EU), in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the government of The Gambia, launched a four-day capacity development training. The initiative aims to strengthen national systems for monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on migration governance within the framework of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM). The workshop gathers government officials, civil society representatives, and key stakeholders from the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration (NCM), its eight Thematic Working Groups (TWGs), and the Regional Coordination Mechanisms (RCMs) to enhance their reporting capabilities.
Strengthening Migration Governance
The Gambia adopted the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM) in December 2018, demonstrating its commitment to international migration governance frameworks. The nation's dedication was further recognized when it was designated a GCM Champion Country in March 2022. The Gambia has actively participated in regional reviews, including the Second Regional Review held in Addis Ababa in 2024. More recently, the country submitted its Second National GCM Progress Report to the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, detailing its advancements. The Gambia has also committed to producing a gender-responsive GCM Implementation and Monitoring Plan, which will cover all 23 GCM objectives. This full plan is aligned with the nation's Recovery-Focused National Development Plan for 2023–2027 and its overarching National Migration Policy.
Addressing Capacity Gaps
The training aims to address a documented capacity gap, specifically helping participants transition from merely reporting activities to systematically measuring results. Sessions within the program provide practical tools essential for effective data collection, verification, and analysis. Participants are also building skills to design gender-responsive indicators and develop a harmonized national migration indicator framework. By the conclusion of the training, participants are expected to produce a draft indicator list and a reporting workflow. This output will be aligned with The Gambia's Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (RF-NDP), the National Migration Policy, and the objectives of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).
Funding and Stakeholder Involvement
The training initiative receives financial backing from two primary sources. The European Union (EU) Cooperation Facility provides funding for the program. Additionally, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) Development Fund contributes to the training's financial support. This joint funding mechanism enables the capacity-building efforts aimed at enhancing migration reporting in The Gambia. The collaboration shows the commitment of both the EU and IOM to strengthen national systems for monitoring and evaluating migration governance. The resources facilitate the workshops and expert guidance provided to government officials and civil society representatives participating in the program.
Official Perspectives
Officials from both the European Union and the International Organisation for Migration have showed the significance of enhancing migration reporting capacities in The Gambia. The EU's involvement, through its Cooperation Facility, reflects a commitment to supporting partner countries in managing migration effectively and in line with international standards. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) similarly views the initiative as key for strengthening national systems. Both organizations emphasize that accurate data collection and strong reporting are fundamental for evidence-based policymaking and for ensuring the well-being of migrants. The collaboration aims to empower Gambian stakeholders to better track progress against national and international migration frameworks, ultimately contributing to more humane and orderly migration governance.