The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) recently inaugurated its intellectual property project, aiming to bolster the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by women. The launch event, held on Tuesday, garnered significant interest from regulatory bodies and the business community.

The initiative, designed to empower SMEs with essential knowledge on intellectual property rights, is set to benefit 50 identified business owners who will undergo training on enhancing business performance and competitiveness.

Loretta Asiedu, the acting director of the Africa Division at the World Intellectual Property Organization, and Baboucarr Saho, GCCI’s director of business development and programs, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to support businesses in The Gambia.

In her remarks, Asiedu emphasized the transformative impact of the project, encouraging businesses to leverage the available intellectual property tools to gain a competitive edge in local and global markets. She underscored the importance of SMEs in driving innovation, generating employment, and fostering sustainable growth in The Gambia.

Hussain Tomasi, the Solicitor General of The Gambia, and Professor Mohamadou kah, the country’s permanent representative to the UN, praised the initiative, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting economic growth through such programs. They applauded GCCI for its foresight in launching the project and highlighted the value of intellectual property as a strategic asset for businesses.

The project’s launch, which featured a hybrid format, included insights from various speakers, including David Zhang, the lead consultant. Participants shared their expectations of how acquiring IP knowledge will enhance their businesses, highlighting the role of intellectual property rights in ensuring quality services for both producers and consumers.

The intellectual property project represents a significant step towards equipping SMEs in The Gambia with the necessary tools to thrive in competitive markets. As the project unfolds, it is expected to contribute to the growth and sustainability of businesses, particularly those led by women, and enhance their participation in the global IP ecosystem.