By Musa Saho
The Intellectual Property Office under the Ministry of Justice in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) recently held a 3-day capacity building and awareness-raising seminar for policy makers, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) meant for creating a better understanding on the important role of IP in nation building.
The seminar, held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, brought together key officials from the Ministry of Justice, delegates of WIPO, representatives of the University of The Gambia, judiciary, and representatives from different government ministries, Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry among others.
In his opening remarks, the Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, Mr. Hussein Thomasi said the seminar was very pertinent as it would provide policymakers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to develop and implement policies and programmes that are effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the people.
“The experiences of selected African countries have shown that trademarks, certification marks, collective marks, and geographical indications can be powerful tools for wealth creation and economic growth,” he said.
The Acting Director of the WIPO Division for Africa, Mrs. Loretta Asiedu said the seminar was aimed at demystifying intellectual property and assisting policymakers and senior officials to support the creation of a conducive, environment that fosters a robust IP system in support of innovation and creativity.
Highlighting the work of WIPO in The Gambia, Mrs. Loretta said, her office from 2016 to 2019, collaborated with The Gambia to develop a National IP Policy and Strategy, which was adopted by the cabinet and launched in 2021. She that this effort and others demonstrates the importance WIPO attached to intellectual property promotion in the country.
Furthermore, she said her office is convinced that by nurturing a deep understanding of intellectual property rights and their impact, they empower policymakers and senior officials to promote legislation and strategies that foster innovation, protect creativity, and drive economic growth.
Mr. Abdoulie Colley, the Registrar General, described the crucial role played by policymakers in shaping and regulating intellectual property (IP), to foster innovation, protect the rights of creators, and promote economic growth. He added that one of the primary areas in which policymakers play an important role is the development of legislation and regulation that define and protect various forms of intellectual property, including patents, copyrights, trademarks, and trade secrets.
He concluded by expressing optimism that the seminar would build the skills and awareness needed to develop, adopt, and harness the Intellectual Property system so as to promote national economic and development goals.