The Navarra Center for International Development researcher Javier Larequi gave an interview on Radio Africanía in which he explained the Tijan Bah project in relation to information gaps and irregular migration in Gambia and also the recent 'Empowering Africa Workshop' organized by the NCID together with the University of Pennsylvania to promote training in Economics for African university students. 

"African migration is one of the most important challenges we currently face, as we have recently seen at the African Union - European Union Summit. That is why it is important to support the training of young Africans with the aim of making them aware of the risks of irregular migration and the existing alternatives," explained Larequi. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the intention of Gambian youth to migrate, especially among those who are hesitant or who do not have the necessary financial resources. However, the last year has seen the highest mortality in boat arrivals to Spain from the Mediterranean. 

"It is necessary to promote the training and education of young African university students so that they realize that they can develop their research vocation in other places and then contribute to the economic development of their countries," explained the NCID researcher.