Officials from 13 institutions receive their Monitoring and Evaluation Certification from the EU and UNDP

On 14 May 2026, the European Union (EU), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and national institutions, held the graduation and closing ceremony of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Certification Programme under the EU-UNDP GREAT Project in The Gambia. The programme brought together participants from 13 institutions across the justice, governance, and security sectors, including the Judiciary, Ministry of Justice, National Human Rights Commission, Gambia Police Force, Immigration Department, Prison Service, NAATIP, NALA, ADRS, and local government institutions. The cohort recorded 43% female participation.

EU Deputy Head of Mission, Raphaël Brigandi, emphasized that effective governance depends on the use of evidence and strong institutional systems. "Experience shows us that monitoring and Evaluation functions are often fragmented or informal. To address the situation, the challenge is to collect relevant data, first, and secondly, using it to take the measures that will lead to better results. Through this training programme we have strengthened practical skills in monitoring, reporting, data collection, and analysis. He added: "Monitoring and evaluation is not merely a technical exercise; it is the foundation of transparency, accountability, and better service delivery for citizens," he said.

UNDP Resident Representative Sainey Ceesay highlighted the importance of results-based governance and institutional strengthening.

"Strong monitoring and evaluation systems are at the heart of evidence-based governance and are essential for delivering public services that respond to citizens' needs," he stated. He further noted: "Participants have moved from fragmented understanding to a shared results-based approach that strengthens planning, accountability, and performance across institutions."

Delivering testimonies on behalf of participants, Fatoumata Jallow from the Judiciary described the programme as transformative: "We have moved from a culture of reporting to a culture of learning. We are departing not just with certificates, but with a mandate to create measurable value for citizens."

Counsel Ugar from NALA also reflected on the shift in practice: "We now approach M&E with clarity, structure, and purpose, equipped with practical tools to design indicators and measure impact for improved service delivery and access to justice."

Participants noted that the training strengthened their ability to apply results-based management and institutional M&E frameworks in practical settings.

Implemented under the EU-UNDP GREAT Project, the programme will enhance data-driven decision-making, institutional performance, and accountability across the public sector.

The EU and UNDP reaffirmed their commitment to supporting The Gambia's efforts to strengthen democratic governance, institutional capacity, and results-based public service delivery.