In 1997 the government launched its vision 2020 goals, which articulated it long-term development goals for the country. This led to the Governance framework being conceived. The Government recognised that improving the governance environment was a necessary prerequisite to sustainable development and the welfare of The Gambian people. The 1997 Constitution sets the context for the governance framework. Restoration of democratic governance was preceded by a constitutional reform process, which was carried out in close consultation with the Gambian people. The programme has been up and running since 1997 and is implemented through six broad sub components funded by the UNDP, one of which is to improve the administration and dispensation of justice. The Governance Programme saw the need for capacity building in the Department of State for Justice through the need for more qualified lawyers to cope with the legal needs of the state. It also saw the need for proper records management and computerisation of legal data for easy access to legal information, which will strengthen the skills of the professional staff whilst keeping them abreast with the law. The overall objectives of the Good Governance Programme for the Department of State for Justice are as follows:

To enhance professional and administrative capacity of the Department.

To encourage the retention of trained personnel

To introduce proper records management and to computerise legal data.

To improve conditions of service of personnel particularly professional personnel

To upgrade library facilities

To build a core of well-trained support staff in the form of legal executives or secretaries.

Through the Governance Programme, the Department of State for Justice through a consultancy funded by UNDP, carried out training needs assessment exercise in 2001 and now proudly has training needs manual.

In 2003, the Department of State for Justice with funding from UNDP, embarked on a review exercise of the Business related legislation of the country namely; The Companies Act 1955, the Business Registration Act 1973 and to formulate a Partnership Act. The reasons for the review was to provide a business/investment friendly environment for the private sector.

During the short period of transition from military to Civilian Rule, 1994-1996, there was a sharp decline in the number of Companies and Businesses registered at the Companies Division. This could be attributed to the fact that, during the aforesaid transitional period, several investors refrained from registering/incorporating Companies, Businesses and Partnerships at the Companies Division because they were panic-stricken by the change of the political status quo. This setback was short lived; it soon became a thing of the past and it was replaced by a massive and eventful success story, evidenced by the sharp increase in the registration of Companies, Businesses and partnerships after the aforesaid transition period. The aforesaid success story, came about as a direct result of the then A. F. P. R. C. Government regaining the confidence of foreign investors, and creating a conducive atmosphere, in which direct foreign investment in The Republic of The Gambia, flourished and progressed accordingly. Since the inauguration of the Second Republic, the number of new companies and businesses registered increased. The investment climate is very conducive and this is evidenced by the number of businesses that are operating currently in The Gambia.

It is envisaged that by the end of this year The Gambia will have a modern Companies Act, a modern Business Registration Act and a new Partnership Act. The Promulgation of such legislation will be in line with the APRC Government’s commitment to modernise and improve the legal infrastructure according to Vision 2020. BACK