By Ebrima Mbaye
In a bold move to bridge the intellectual property (IP) awareness gap highlighted in The Alkamba Times’ viral feature, “From Music to Manuscripts: Are Gambian Creators Truly Protected?”, the Ministry of Justice has rolled out an ambitious initiative to educate and empower the nation’s youth. The Intellectual Property School Club Project, launched today at the Office of the Registrar General, marks a significant step toward fostering a generation of informed and innovative Gambians.
The pilot program, supported by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), commenced with an inaugural meeting attended by representatives from five schools across the Greater Banjul Area and the West Coast Region. Led by the Registrar General’s Department under Mr. Abdoulie Colley, the initiative aims to embed IP education into school curricula through dedicated clubs. These clubs will introduce students to critical concepts such as patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs, equipping them to protect their creative and intellectual works.
The launch event was dynamic, beginning with introductions and a detailed project overview. Participants, including school representatives and Ministry officials, discussed selection criteria, club roles, and a roadmap for activities. The session buzzed with engagement as students and educators posed insightful questions about integrating IP clubs into their schools. The Ministry announced that full implementation is set to commence on July 21, 2025, with a national IP competition planned to incentivize participation. Winning clubs will receive awards and certificates, and The Gambia is aiming to secure a spot in ARIPO’s regional IP School Competition alongside other African member states.
“This is a crucial investment in our youth,” said a Ministry official during the event. “We’re not just imparting knowledge but nurturing future innovators who understand their rights and can protect their creations.” Preparations are already underway, with a virtual coordination meeting held on June 10, 2025, to finalize logistics. Plans for a documentary-style video to capture the competition’s journey are also underway, adding a creative dimension to the initiative.
In a parallel development, the Ministry of Justice welcomed Mr. Henry Kedi Okurut, an ICT consultant from the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), for a five-day technical support mission that began on July 9. Mr. Kedi’s visit focuses on enhancing the Registrar General’s Office’s digital infrastructure, streamlining IP administration processes, and promoting transparency. His hands-on guidance is pivotal in aligning The Gambia’s IP systems with global best practices, laying the foundation for long-term reform.
A picture with Mr. Okurut Henry Kedi, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) expert
These efforts directly respond to the issues raised in The Alkamba Times’ earlier exposé, which revealed how many Gambian creators, from musicians to writers, remain unaware of their IP rights, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. The feature sparked widespread discussion and underscored the urgent need for education and systemic improvements in IP protection.
The IP School Club Project is being hailed as a game-changer, addressing the knowledge gap at the grassroots level while fostering a culture of innovation. By targeting students, the Ministry aims to cultivate a generation of inventors, artists, and entrepreneurs who are both creative and legally empowered. The initiative’s regional and international backing, through ARIPO and EUIPO, further strengthens its potential to transform The Gambia’s IP landscape.
Stakeholders are optimistic about the project’s impact. “This is about more than just education,” said one school representative. “It’s about giving our students the tools to dream big and protect their ideas.” National competition and potential regional participation are expected to inspire healthy school rivalry and innovation. At the same time, the technical upgrades are supported by Mr. Kedi’s mission promise to modernize IP administration for creators across the board.
The Ministry of Justice has committed to providing regular updates as the IP School Club Project unfolds. With implementation imminent and international collaboration in full swing, The Gambia is poised to take significant strides toward a future where creativity is celebrated and safeguarded. For a nation brimming with talent, these initiatives signal a turning point in ensuring that Gambian creators are truly protected, from music to manuscripts and beyond.
The post Justice Ministry Launches IP Education Drive with School Clubs appeared first on The Alkamba Times.
