TIKA Supports the Strengthening of Halal Quality Infrastructure in The Gambia

The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), within the framework of the Quality Infrastructure Support Programme (KALDEP), organized the “National Awareness and Capacity Building Programme on Halal Standards and Quality Infrastructure” in The Gambia in cooperation with the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC), the Halal Accreditation Agency, and The Gambia Standards Bureau (TGSB).

The programme, held in Banjul from 1 to 5 June 2026, was officially opened at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Center. Representatives of Gambian public institutions, policymakers, sector representatives, academics, certification bodies, private sector stakeholders, and relevant partners attended the programme.

Organized under the theme “Fostering a Sustainable and Internationally Recognized National Halal Quality Infrastructure in The Gambia,” the programme aimed to support technical knowledge sharing and institutional capacity building in the fields of Halal standards, conformity assessment systems, certification, accreditation, and international recognition.

During the opening ceremony, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to The Gambia Türker Oba, TiKA The Gambia Coordinator Ali Kerim, Secretary General of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC) İhsan Övüt, Director General of The Gambia Standards Bureau Papa Secka, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment Abdoulie Jammeh, and Chairman of the Board of The Gambia Standards Bureau Dr. Ernest Aubee delivered remarks.

Within the scope of the programme, SMIIC experts provided technical training on OIC/SMIIC Halal standards, general requirements for Halal food, permitted additives and chemicals in Halal food, traceability and compliance requirements, requirements for restaurants, catering and food service facilities, as well as hygiene, storage, and serving conditions.

In the following sessions, TGSB experts received comprehensive training on conformity assessment requirements for Halal certification bodies, certification schemes for Halal products, accreditation processes, assessment procedures, and mechanisms for international recognition.

Through this programme, TiKA aims to contribute to strengthening The Gambia’s Halal quality infrastructure, supporting the implementation of internationally recognized standards, developing certification and accreditation capacity, and enhancing the competitiveness of Gambian products and services in the global Halal market. The programme is expected to serve as an important step toward increasing consumer confidence, facilitating trade, strengthening the investment environment, and supporting compliance with international standards in The Gambia.