WACREN Has Laid the Digital Backbone for Collaboration, Innovation, and Knowledge Exchange, Says Prof. Gomez

Hon. Pierre Gomez, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology

By Seedy Jobe

The Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science, and Technology, Hon. Pierre Gomez, has underscored the critical importance of digital sovereignty to Africa’s future, describing it as a defining factor in the continent’s development trajectory.

Prof. Gomez made these remarks on Thursday, March 26, 2026, during the official opening of the 2026 West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN) Conference, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center in Bijilo.

Addressing delegates, the minister noted that Africa stands at a pivotal moment, where its future will increasingly be shaped not only by natural resources but by its capacity to generate knowledge, govern data, and develop resilient digital systems.

“Africa stands today at a decisive inflection point. The future of our continent will not be determined solely by the resources beneath our soil, but increasingly by the knowledge we generate, the data we govern, and the digital systems we build and control,” he stated.

The conference, held under the theme “Connected Futures: Advancing Africa’s Digital Sovereignty through Open Collaboration,” highlights the urgency for African nations and institutions to take ownership of their digital ecosystems. Prof. Gomez emphasized that institutions across the continent must move beyond being passive consumers of technology to becoming active designers, owners, and regulators of digital infrastructure.

He commended WACREN for its pivotal role in advancing digital collaboration and strengthening knowledge exchange across the region.

“WACREN has laid the digital backbone for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange by connecting national research and education networks across our region,” he said.

Prof. Gomez further highlighted The Gambia’s growing engagement with WACREN initiatives, noting that the country is positioning itself to harness digital transformation through strategic investments and policy commitment.

“The Gambia stands at a crossroads characterized by a youthful population, expanding digital ambition, and a government fully committed to ICT-driven transformation,” he added.

Calling for collective action, the minister urged stakeholders to focus on three key imperatives: ownership, collaboration, and sustainability. He stressed the importance of building capacity to manage data effectively and fostering partnerships that transcend borders, disciplines, and institutions.

“Let us prepare ourselves to master our data and deepen partnerships to build shared solutions,” he urged.

He concluded by encouraging participants to ensure the conference serves as a turning point for Africa, marking a transition from participation in the digital age to leadership within it.

Prof. Gomez also expressed appreciation to key development partners, including the European Union and the West African Development Bank, for their support.

“Your partnerships are not merely financial; they are strategic, catalytic, and transformative,” he said.