In a decisive effort to nurture innovation and creativity among young Gambians, the Ministry of Justice, under the leadership of the Registrar General and through its Intellectual Property Office, in partnership with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization ARIPO, has selected five schools from Greater Banjul, Kanifing Municipality, and the West Coast Regions to participate in the national Intellectual Property competition themed: Intellectual Property and the Creative Industries: A Perfect Tool for Development.”
Ahead of the competition, a focused training program equipped two teachers from each of the five selected schools with essential knowledge and skills in key areas of Intellectual Property Rights IPR. The training covered foundational concepts such as the principles of Copyright and Related Rights, the importance of respecting intellectual property, and the practical role of IPR in fostering social and economic development, Trade marks, Patents and Industrial Design. Teachers were also trained in effective mentorship strategies to engage students in creative projects that showcase original ideas while respecting intellectual property laws.
Furthermore, the program emphasised how to instil teamwork, critical thinking, and effective communication within IP Clubs. These trained teachers are now expected to guide their students in developing innovative projects that demonstrate a clear understanding of IPR and highlight how intellectual property can drive growth in creative industries locally and regionally.
Each school’s IP Club limited to twenty students has been organised into teams of up to four members to undertake assigned projects. These teams will compete internally, with the winning group advancing to the national competition to challenge other top-performing schools.
The victorious team at the national level will represent The Gambia in the regional competition underscoring the country’s commitment championed by the Registrar General to leveraging intellectual property as a key driver of growth in creative industries across Africa.
By focusing efforts on these five strategically chosen schools and empowering their teachers through comprehensive training, the Ministry of Justice and Registrar General demonstrate a firm commitment to youth empowerment and capacity building preparing students to excel on both national and regional stages.
This initiative highlights The Gambia’s forward-looking approach to intellectual property education laying a strong foundation for future innovators who will contribute significantly to the nation’s development and global reputation.