By: Fatou Krubally
The National Assembly Monday opened its First Ordinary Session of the 2026 Legislative Year, during which three key bills were read a second time and referred to committee stage, while the Vetting Bill 2023 was formally withdrawn.
The bills advancing to the next stage include the Intellectual Property Bill 2025, the Communications Bill 2025, and the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Dawda A. Jallow, moved the second reading of the Intellectual Property Bill 2025, which aims to harmonize the administration of intellectual property rights in The Gambia through a unified framework.
“The reform is designed to improve efficiency, strengthen legal protection, and align the country’s intellectual property regime with international standards,” the minister said.
The Communications Bill 2025, moved by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Lamin Jabbi, also passed its second reading. The bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework governing electronic communications, broadcasting, digital transactions, spectrum management, and cybersecurity, while promoting investment and consumer protection.
Similarly, the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (Amendment) Bill 2025 was read a second time and referred to committee for further scrutiny. The amendment is intended to strengthen the agency’s legal framework to enhance investment promotion and export development.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General formally withdrew the Vetting Bill 2023 from the Assembly, removing it from the current legislative agenda.