If you are a dedicated Gambian eager to further your studies in fields like statistics, data science, artificial intelligence, demography, or applied economics, this opportunity could make your dream a reality. The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS), with backing from the World Bank, has introduced an exciting new Graduate Scholarship Program as part of the Harmonising and Improving Statistics in West and Central Africa (HISWACA) initiative.
Precise, timely, and dependable statistics are essential for
monitoring progress, addressing national issues, and formulating effective
development strategies. The HISWACA project was initiated to modernise and
harmonise statistical systems throughout West and Central Africa.
For The Gambia, the project has a clear objective:
- Enhance national statistical performance to provide decision-makers with accurate, timely data.
- Standardise regional practices to ensure The Gambia’s data is comparable internationally. Increase data accessibility for stakeholders and the public.
- Update statistical systems with state-of-the-art tools and technologies. This is where you, as a prospective scholar, come into play.
What Is the Graduate Scholarship Program?
This opportunity offers full funding for Gambian nationals
aiming to pursue Master's degrees in essential, high-demand areas that align
with the country's National Statistical Development Strategy (NSDS) and broader
African data priorities.
Through this scholarship, chosen students will acquire
advanced technical skills, academic knowledge, and practical expertise in
subjects crucial for national development, ranging from machine learning to
demography, statistical modelling to applied economics.
However, this is not merely an academic endeavour.
Scholarship recipients are expected to actively contribute to The Gambia’s
National Statistical System (NSS) after their studies, committing to public
service roles for a minimum of three years. This means your education will have
a direct impact on how our nation gathers, analyses, and utilises data.
The Bigger Picture: Why You? Why Now?
We are currently experiencing a data revolution era. Around
the globe, governments, businesses, and non-governmental organisations are
increasingly depending on big data analytics, AI-generated insights, and
statistical predictions to guide their decision-making processes. To achieve
its objectives, The Gambia must adapt to these changes if it wants to achieve
its target, including:
- The 2023–2027 Results-Focused National Development Plan
- Africa’s Agenda 2063
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- World Bank Statistical Capacity Building indicators
This scholarship is designed to create a critical mass of
trained statisticians and data experts who can meet these challenges head-on.
What You Can Study
The GBoS scholarship covers Master of Science (MSc) degrees
in four key disciplines:
- Focus: Machine learning, predictive analytics, data mining, tools to transform raw data into actionable insights for policy, business, and social development.
Statistics
- Specialisations: Official statistics, econometrics, survey methodology, foundational skills required to produce reliable, trustworthy statistics for decision-making.
Demography
- Concentration: Population dynamics, migration studies, fertility and mortality statistics, understanding population shifts that shape national policy.
Applied Economics
- Emphasis: Development economics, policy analysis, impact evaluation, applying economic principles to real-world challenges and development goals.
Who Should Apply?
This scholarship is highly competitive, it’s for the best,
the driven, the committed. Before applying, you must make sure you tick all the
boxes:
- You are Gambian.
- You must have valid Gambian citizenship and national identification.
- You are connected to the National Statistical System (NSS). That means you are either a current permanent staff member of an NSS institution, or you have a binding letter of commitment stating you will join the NSS after your degree.
- You are academically strong: You hold a recognised Bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA (Upper Second Class) in a relevant field: Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, Computer Science, or another quantitative field.
- You have an offer of admission: You must already have an unconditional offer letter from an accredited university. The program must not exceed 24 months.
- Your Commitment: The scholarship doesn’t just fund your studies; it’s a partnership between you and your country. As a beneficiary, you will:
- Serve in the NSS for at least three years post-graduation, when and where your expertise is needed.
- Mentor junior statisticians, passing on the skills you gain to the next wave of data professionals.
- Contribute to methodological advancements, be part of shaping better, faster, and more reliable statistical processes.
- Compliance is serious: Quarterly academic reports will be submitted to GBoS, and upon finishing, your final thesis/dissertation will be deposited in the official GBoS library.
If you choose not to fulfil your service commitment, you
must repay the full scholarship amount plus a 20% administrative fee, and legal
action may follow.
Selection Process: How You’ll Be Chosen
The GBoS will assess applicants based on:
- Academic excellence: Minimum Upper Second-Class degree.
- Field relevance: Your chosen study must align with NSS capacity needs.
- Institutional support: Endorsement from GBoS or another NSS partner entity.
- Leadership potential: Evidence of commitment to public service and leadership qualities.
This is not just a financial award, it’s an investment in
future leaders. They’re looking for those who can not only excel at their
studies but also inspire change within the statistical community.
Why This Could Be a Life-Changing Opportunity
Let's face it, pursuing a graduate degree, particularly overseas, can be costly. Expenses such as tuition, research, housing, and daily living can quickly accumulate. This scholarship alleviates that financial strain, allowing you to concentrate fully on your academic pursuits.
Even better, the
included service commitment means that upon your return, you won't just be job
hunting; you'll have a specific role in advancing national development.
In addition, you'll become part of a network of regional and
international experts, gain access to cutting-edge technologies, and be
prepared to tackle high-stakes, transformative projects that can revolutionise
a country's statistical framework.
How to Apply
All Expressions of Interest (EOI) must be submitted in
writing to the GBoS Project Implementation Unit (PIU) no later than 4:00 PM
Gambian Time on 22 August 2025.
Delivery Method
- Must be submitted in-person
- Address:
- Projects Implementation Unit (PIU)
- Gambia Bureau of Statistics
- Kanifing Institutional Layout
- Attn: Mr. Mohammed L. Janneh, Project Coordinator
- Phone: 7296325, 9824270, or 2827526
- Emails:
Final Thought
The Graduate Scholarship Program offered by HISWACA is more
than just financial support for obtaining a degree — it serves as a link
between your aspirations and The Gambia's developmental objectives.
It is an invitation
to action for the most talented individuals who have faith in the influence of
data, technology, and evidence-based policymaking. Consider the potential
impact: You study either abroad or locally with top-tier professors. You return
filled with ideas, insights, and tools.
You join The Gambia’s National Statistical System and
revolutionise the way the country gathers, analyses, and utilises data —
affecting everything from agricultural policies to healthcare planning and
economic strategies.
If you’ve been looking for a sign to pursue your advanced
degree, this is it. Your expertise is in demand. Your country is calling. The
future is driven by data, and you can be at the heart of it.
Question for You
If accepted, which of
the four priority MSc programs do you believe would have the greatest impact on
The Gambia’s development, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Share your thoughts
and Do not Spam in Comments.