Mr. Bakary Colley, The Gambia's National TISC Focal Person and an Intellectual Property Expert at the Ministry of Justice, recently emphasized the critical role of intellectual property (IP) protection for the country's economic development. Colley participated in the 2026 Regional Meeting on the Development of the ARIPO TISC Network, which took place from June 29 to June 30, 2026. He stated, "When entrepreneurs register their businesses, they should also take the important step of protecting their intellectual property. Doing so gives them exclusive rights over their creations and provides legal remedies if those rights are infringed." He added that IP is "not just a legal safeguard, it is a valuable business asset that can attract investment, enhance competitiveness, and support business growth." Colley concluded, "The future of The Gambia's economy depends largely on our ability to innovate and protect the products of our creativity."
The Importance of IP Protection
Mr. Bakary Colley, National TISC Focal Person and an Intellectual Property Expert at The Gambia's Ministry of Justice, encouraged Gambian businesses, startups, innovators, and entrepreneurs to integrate intellectual property protection into the process of establishing and growing their ventures. He emphasized that this approach is key for securing their creations and for fostering sustainable business models. Mr. Colley further elaborated that making intellectual property protection an integral part of establishing and growing businesses is a strategic move that can yield long-term benefits. He noted that intellectual property serves as a valuable business asset capable of attracting investment, enhancing competitiveness, and supporting overall business growth. He underlined its importance beyond mere legal safeguarding, positioning it as a strategic component for economic advancement in a rapidly evolving global market. This proactive stance ensures that the creative outputs of Gambian enterprises are legally protected, allowing them to fully capitalize on their innovations.
Regional Meeting Context
The 2026 Regional Meeting on the Development of the ARIPO TISC Network took place in Harare, Zimbabwe. The event, held from June 29 to June 30, 2026, brought together participants to discuss intellectual property and its role in economic development. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) jointly organized the meeting, which received support from the Japan Patent Office (JPO). During the discussions, participants showed the importance of patent databases, noting that they constitute one of the world's largest sources of technical and scientific information. This information is considered key for innovation and technological advancement within the region, providing a rich resource for researchers, innovators, and businesses looking to develop new products and services. The meeting served as a vital platform for sharing best practices and strategies for strengthening IP ecosystems across African nations.
Gambia's Innovation Ecosystem
Mr. Bakary Colley reaffirmed The Gambia's commitment to promoting the effective use of intellectual property as a catalyst for innovation, entrepreneurship, industrial development, and sustainable economic growth. The nation believes that increasing intellectual property registrations will enhance its competitiveness in both regional and international markets. To support this objective, The Gambia is actively engaged in strengthening its national innovation and intellectual property ecosystem. This effort includes promoting awareness of intellectual property rights among its citizens and businesses, ensuring that creators understand the value of their intangible assets. By fostering a strong IP environment, The Gambia aims to stimulate creativity and innovation, thereby laying a strong foundation for future economic prosperity. This commitment is seen as essential for diversifying the economy and creating new opportunities for its citizens.
Call to Action and Future Outlook
Mr. Bakary Colley stated that registering a business must be accompanied by the protection of valuable intellectual property assets, including trademarks, patents, industrial designs, copyrights, and other innovations. He emphasized that intellectual property has emerged as one of the most valuable assets in the current knowledge-driven economy. This approach aims to secure creations and enhance competitiveness, providing businesses with a distinct advantage. By safeguarding these assets, entrepreneurs can protect their market share, attract investors, and build strong, recognizable brands. Mr. Colley's call to action notes the necessity for a full approach to business development, where IP protection is not an afterthought but a fundamental component of strategic planning. This forward-looking perspective is key for The Gambia to thrive in an increasingly competitive global landscape, where innovation and creativity are key drivers of economic success. The integration of IP protection into business practices is seen as vital for unlocking the full economic potential of the nation's creative and innovative sectors.
