The event held at Fandema Women’s Development Centre in Tujereng, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Justice and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The move is part of initiative designed to renew commitment to securing the nation’s intellectual property rights.
At the event, Bakary Colley, a representative of the Registrar General outlined the impact that the inauguration of the Technology and Innovation Support Centres (TISCs) in 2020 has had on public engagement with patent-related matters.
These centres, he added, have not only increased awareness on intellectual property rights but also sown the seeds of innovation across the country.
He spoke of government’s ambitious plans to modernize national IP laws including accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), a move that will enable Gambian inventors to access the global patent system and open new avenues for growth and international recognition.
Colley reminded that while these technological advancements and legal reforms are significant achievements, the true value of intellectual property lies in its ability to impact communities and empower young innovators.
He hailed event as one that will now serve as a beacon of opportunity for the youth, while renewing government’s commitment to nurturing local talent.
“Here, young minds are not only encouraged to innovate but are also equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to protect and monetize their creations,” he said.
Reflecting on the broader vision of WIPO, Ali Jazairy, Senior Counsellor of WIPO explained that the organization is committed to reaching every segment of society not only those already producing intellectual property, but also youth, women, startups, and other previously underserved groups.
He highlighted that local innovations such as portable solar panel displayed are designed to provide cost-effective electricity solutions, further stressing that even small-scale projects can have a substantial impact if protected in time.
“I think that the sky is the limit when it comes to potential collaborations between WIPO and The Gambia. We are at the very beginning of our IP journey here, and there is so much more to be achieved.”
His message resonated deeply with the audience, composed predominantly of women, setting the stage for a future of enhanced capacity building and innovation protection throughout the region.
President of the Fandema Women’s Development Centre and leader of the ‘Mbolo’ Association, Silvia Llopart Gracia, for her part, disclosed that the name “Mbolo is a Wollof parlance meaning “come together” while “Fandema” is a borrowed word from Mandinka ‘to help yourself’.
Highlighting grassroots initiatives, she maintained that solar multifunctional platforms are designed and operated by rural women and is a pioneering solar toolkit project developed in partnership with the UNDP Climate Promise Project.
“Our projects address real challenges from energy deficits to social injustice, while empowering women and youth who have long been marginalized in our society,” she said.
