Project Background

The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO), supports the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Based in Geneva, Switzerland, ITC is implementing the EU Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) focused on the Tourism and Creative Industries in The Gambia. This project aims to enhance the competitiveness, inclusiveness, and sustainability of these sectors through three specific objectives: improving the business environment, enhancing investment and market access, and boosting MSMEs' competitiveness.

Key actions include streamlining creative industry regulations, strengthening business support institutions, enhancing branding and marketing, creating market linkages, building MSME capacities for sustainable tourism, and improving skills for youth and women. The project addresses challenges such as weak coordination, skill gaps, climate vulnerability, and limited market diversification. Funded by the EU for 56 months, the project empowers youth and women, promotes job creation, and fosters skills development, targeting MSMEs and various public and private sector institutions.

Gambian cuisine represents a rich blend of traditional West African flavours, ingredients, and cooking techniques, deeply rooted in local history and culture. In recent years, there has been a significant transformation in how food is consumed and shared—from home-cooked traditional dishes to innovative street food offerings that blend heritage with modern flair. This shift reflects broader societal trends, such as urbanization, youth engagement in food entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation through innovation.

This TV series seeks to document and promote the evolution of Gambian gastronomy, offering a visual and narrative journey that celebrates local flavours, traditional knowledge, and their contemporary reinterpretations

2.0 Objective

The objective is to produce a high-quality, 5-episode promotional television series that showcases the historical and cultural evolution of Gambian cuisine from traditional dishes to modern street food, targeting both local and international audiences.

3.0 Scope of Work 

The selected production firm will be required to:

3.1 Research and script five episodes that each focus on:

• Traditional Gambian Cuisine: Origins, ingredients, and community roles.

• Cooking Techniques and Tools: Evolution of preparation methods.

• The Role of Food in Gambian Culture and Celebrations

• The Rise of Street Food Culture: Influences and contemporary trends.

• The Future of Gambian Gastronomy: Young chefs, fusion cuisine, and sustainability.

3.2 Identify and collaborate with key stakeholders, including:

• Relevant stakeholders, including the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBOARD), the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) and the National Centre for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

• Yabouy Home cooking

• Chef Association of the Gambia

• Street food vendors

• Cultural experts

• Community members and elders

3.3 Film and produce 5 episodes of 30 minutes, incorporating:

• Interviews

• On-location cooking demonstrations

• Archival and contemporary footage

• Visual storytelling of food markets, homes, and street food scenes

3.4 Edit and deliver the series in broadcast-ready format (HD/4K), including:

• Subtitles (English)

• Voice-over narration

• Background music (licensed)

• Branding and opening/closing credits

3.5 Develop promotional materials, including:

• 2–3-minute trailers for each episode

• High-resolution images for press and digital use

• Social media teasers

Download the terms of reference for more information. 

To apply, please submit all quotes (technical and financial) by 1:00pm 15th July 2025 to Daouda Niang dniang@intracen.org and copy yusupha.keita@intracen.org