GNOC, Ministry of Justice mark World Intellectual Property Day
By Muhammed L. Saidykhan
Banjul The Gambia, April 27, 2026 — The Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC), in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, today commemorated World Intellectual Property Day under the theme “IP and Sports: Ready, Set, Innovate.”
The event brought together key stakeholders from government, sport, and the legal community to explore how intellectual property (IP) can drive creativity, innovation, and sustainable growth within the sports sector.
Speaking at the event, Yorro Njie, Secretary General of the GNOC, stressed the importance of protecting sports innovations, branding, and creative assets in an increasingly competitive global environment. He noted that effective IP protection is essential for athletes, clubs, and federations seeking to maximize value from their ideas and performances.
Also delivering remarks, Abdoulie Colley, Registrar General at the Ministry of Justice, outlined the legal frameworks available in The Gambia to safeguard intellectual property rights. He encouraged stakeholders in the sports ecosystem to take full advantage of these mechanisms to protect their work and investments.
For his part, Lamin Jawara, Chairman of the National Sports Council, highlighted the need for stronger collaboration between sports institutions and the government. He emphasized that partnerships are key to building a more structured and commercially viable sports industry.
The event was graced by the presence of Bai Dodou Jallow, President of the GNOC, whose attendance underscored the significance of the occasion and the organization’s commitment to advancing innovation in sport.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions on how intellectual property can empower athletes, protect creative works, and unlock new commercial opportunities across the sports value chain.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment from both the GNOC and the Ministry of Justice to foster a culture of innovation and ensure that sports stakeholders in The Gambia are well-positioned to thrive in a knowledge-driven global economy.
