The firm carries out consultancy work on legislative drafting for donor funded legislative reform.
The firm provides advice to international firms on the Gambian regulatory environment including tax issues, assists in bidding processes and facilitating project implementation. It also undertakes consultancy work for government or donor agencies on governance or human rights related issues
Review and Drafting of the Civil Procedure Rules – (High Court Rules of The Gambia). Subsidiary legislation under the Courts Act
Year: 2023
Location: The Gambia
Client: The American BAR Association- Support to Judiciary of The Gambia
Drafting National Energy Efficiency Law
Year: 2023
Location: The Gambia
Client: Ministry of Petroleum and Energy with World Bank support
Main Project Features:
Co-consultant in partnership with Economic Consulting Associates (International Consultants).
Location: The Gambia
Client: Ministry of Petroleum and Energy with World Bank support
Main Project Features:
Co-consultant in partnership with Economic Consulting Associates (International Consultants).
Drafting the POPS and other Hazardous Chemicals Regulations, 2022
Year: 2022
Location: The Gambia
Client: National Environment Agency-United Nations Development Programme
Main Project Features:
Preparation of a legal and Institutional framework for sound management of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and reduction of Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) emissions in The Gambia. Baseline Report on existing legislation. Drafted the POPS and other Hazardous Chemicals Regulations, 2022
Location: The Gambia
Client: National Environment Agency-United Nations Development Programme
Main Project Features:
Preparation of a legal and Institutional framework for sound management of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and reduction of Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) emissions in The Gambia. Baseline Report on existing legislation. Drafted the POPS and other Hazardous Chemicals Regulations, 2022
Legal Advisory to International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)
Year: 2021
Location: The Gambia
Client: Islamic Development Bank group (IDB)
Main Project Features:
Assistance to International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) of the Islamic Development Bank group (IDB) in connection to a $8 million letter of credit financing arrangement to a local bank.
Location: The Gambia
Client: Islamic Development Bank group (IDB)
Main Project Features:
Assistance to International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) of the Islamic Development Bank group (IDB) in connection to a $8 million letter of credit financing arrangement to a local bank.
Assistance to the African Export-Import Bank in connection to a $16.8 million ‘Horizon Clinic’ health facility project financing
Year: 2020/2021
Location: The Gambia
Client: Ministry of Petroleum and Energy-African Development Bank
Main Project Features:
Security arrangements, drafting transaction documents and due diligence. Advised the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy under the Africa Legal Support Facility of the African Development Bank for the provision of legal and technical support on the alignment of policy and legislative instruments in the Petroleum Sector
Location: The Gambia
Client: Ministry of Petroleum and Energy-African Development Bank
Main Project Features:
Security arrangements, drafting transaction documents and due diligence. Advised the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy under the Africa Legal Support Facility of the African Development Bank for the provision of legal and technical support on the alignment of policy and legislative instruments in the Petroleum Sector
Legal Advisory for the acquisition of a majority stake West African regional banking group
Year:2019/2021
Location: The Gambia
Client:African Export-Import Bank
Main Project Features:
Advised African Export-Import Bank in connection to a €53,000,000 financing arrangement for the acquisition of a majority stake West African regional banking group.
Advisory Services and Capacity Building Services
Location: The Gambia
Client:African Export-Import Bank
Main Project Features:
Advised African Export-Import Bank in connection to a €53,000,000 financing arrangement for the acquisition of a majority stake West African regional banking group.
Advisory Services and Capacity Building Services
Year:2020
Location: The Gambia
Client:National Water and Electricity Corporation
Main Project Features:
Advised National Water and Electricity Corporation under the Africa Legal Support Facility of the African Development Bank for the provision of legal and technical support.
Deliverables:
Both advisory services and capacity building services, for the tender process and negotiation of a 30MW solar/HFO independent power producer (IPP) projects.
Location: The Gambia
Client:National Water and Electricity Corporation
Main Project Features:
Advised National Water and Electricity Corporation under the Africa Legal Support Facility of the African Development Bank for the provision of legal and technical support.
Deliverables:
Both advisory services and capacity building services, for the tender process and negotiation of a 30MW solar/HFO independent power producer (IPP) projects.
Review of The Biodiversity/Wildlife Act 2003 (BW Act 2003)
Year:2020
Location: The Gambia
Client:Ministry of the Environment and the – United Nations Development Program
Main Project Features:
Wildlife And Biodiversity Conservation Bill, 2020. Consultative Report
Location: The Gambia
Client:Ministry of the Environment and the – United Nations Development Program
Main Project Features:
Wildlife And Biodiversity Conservation Bill, 2020. Consultative Report
Review of Local Government Finance and Audit Act 2004
Year:2020
Location: The Gambia
Client:Ministry of the Environment and the – United Nations Development Program
Main Project Features:
Wildlife And Biodiversity Conservation Bill, 2020. Consultative Report
Location: The Gambia
Client:Ministry of the Environment and the – United Nations Development Program
Main Project Features:
Wildlife And Biodiversity Conservation Bill, 2020. Consultative Report
Finalized the Strategic Plan of The Judiciary Of The Gambia – 2018 – 2020
Year:2020
Location: The Gambia
Client:Judiciary of The Gambia and the United Nations Development Program
Main Project Features:
Draft Strategic Plan, situation analysis and budget
Location: The Gambia
Client:Judiciary of The Gambia and the United Nations Development Program
Main Project Features:
Draft Strategic Plan, situation analysis and budget
Legal Advisory
Year:2017/2018
Location: The Gambia
Client:Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
Main Project Features:
Advised Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy under the Africa Legal Support Facility of the African Development Bank in connection to the development and upgrading of their Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Licences and negotiation with International Oil Companies for the open offshore oil and gas blocks. Provided training and capacity building as well as legal advisory services.
Location: The Gambia
Client:Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy
Main Project Features:
Advised Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy under the Africa Legal Support Facility of the African Development Bank in connection to the development and upgrading of their Petroleum (Exploration, Development and Production) Licences and negotiation with International Oil Companies for the open offshore oil and gas blocks. Provided training and capacity building as well as legal advisory services.
Legal Advisory
Year:2014
Location: The Gambia
Client:An oil and gas company
Main Project Features:
Assisted an oil and gas company in the acquisition of farm in rights into a Petroleum (Exploration, Development & Production) Licence of two offshore oil and gas blocks.
Location: The Gambia
Client:An oil and gas company
Main Project Features:
Assisted an oil and gas company in the acquisition of farm in rights into a Petroleum (Exploration, Development & Production) Licence of two offshore oil and gas blocks.
Legal Assistant in the acquisition of FIB Bank group in The Gambia, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry.
Year:2015/2016
Location: The Gambia
Client:FIB Bank group
Main Project Features:
Assisted as transactional counsel in the acquisition of a FIB Bank group in The Gambia, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry.
Location: The Gambia
Client:FIB Bank group
Main Project Features:
Assisted as transactional counsel in the acquisition of a FIB Bank group in The Gambia, Congo, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Conakry.
Evaluation of GGCP/CS/103 Business Environment Component
Year:2015
Location: The Gambia
Client:Government of The Gambia (GoTG)
Main Project Features:
Ministry of Trade & Industry Growth & Competitiveness Project Co-consultant with Patrick Nomo (PSD Consulting Ltd Ghana) for the evaluation of the GGCP/CS/103 overall business environment component using Doing Business Assessment on Gambia Reference : Permanent Secretary Ministry of Trade and Industry
Location: The Gambia
Client:Government of The Gambia (GoTG)
Main Project Features:
Ministry of Trade & Industry Growth & Competitiveness Project Co-consultant with Patrick Nomo (PSD Consulting Ltd Ghana) for the evaluation of the GGCP/CS/103 overall business environment component using Doing Business Assessment on Gambia Reference : Permanent Secretary Ministry of Trade and Industry
Reviewed following components:
Contract enforcement, land/property administration and Getting Credit. Report on Evaluation
Draft FGM bill and explanatory memorandum for the Ministry of Justice
Year:2015
Location: The Gambia
Client:United Nations Development Programme/ The Gambia UNDP
Main Project Features:
Consolidation of all draft Laws developed by civil society organisations for the banning of female genital mutilation -FGM
Deliverables: Draft FGM bill and explanatory memorandum for the Ministry of Justice
Location: The Gambia
Client:United Nations Development Programme/ The Gambia UNDP
Main Project Features:
Consolidation of all draft Laws developed by civil society organisations for the banning of female genital mutilation -FGM
Deliverables: Draft FGM bill and explanatory memorandum for the Ministry of Justice
Review of the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Legislation
Year:2015
Location: The Gambia
Client:GIEPA
Main Project Features:
1. Review of applicable laws and policy documents (GIEPA 2010 and Regulation 2012)
2. Drafting the revised laws and regulations
3. Presentation for validation by stakeholder forum
4. Submitting final draft.
Location: The Gambia
Client:GIEPA
Main Project Features:
1. Review of applicable laws and policy documents (GIEPA 2010 and Regulation 2012)
2. Drafting the revised laws and regulations
3. Presentation for validation by stakeholder forum
4. Submitting final draft.
Legal advisory services to support the GoTG and NAWEC, assisted by ALSF
Year:2015
Location: The Gambia
Client:Government of the Gambia and the NAWEC
Main Project Features:
Provision of legal advisory services to support the Government of The Gambia (GoTG) and the National Water and Electricity Company(NAWEC), assisted by the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), in connection with an independent power project (IPP) consisting of an approximately 35 MW heavy fuel oil-fired electric generating power plant in The Gambia (the “Project”).
Location: The Gambia
Client:Government of the Gambia and the NAWEC
Main Project Features:
Provision of legal advisory services to support the Government of The Gambia (GoTG) and the National Water and Electricity Company(NAWEC), assisted by the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), in connection with an independent power project (IPP) consisting of an approximately 35 MW heavy fuel oil-fired electric generating power plant in The Gambia (the “Project”).
Deliverables: Partnered with Dentons as local counsel and developed templates, based on international practice of transaction documents for the Project as well as template supporting documents for the use by NAWEC and GoTG in the project. Legal assistance to PPP project for development of 10MW Solar energy project in The Gambia. Negotiated and drafted PPP and supporting financial and security agreements.
LModernising Business and Secured Lending Registration System Teaming Agreement with Alfa XP (American Software Company)
Year:May 2012 – Dec 2013
Location: The Gambia
Client:Ministry of Trade and Industry, & Ministry of Justice The Gambia
Main Project Features:
Provision of legal advisory services to support the Government of The Gambia (GoTG) and the National Water and Electricity Company(NAWEC), assisted by the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), in connection with an independent power project (IPP) consisting of an approximately 35 MW heavy fuel oil-fired electric generating power plant in The Gambia (the “Project”).
Location: The Gambia
Client:Ministry of Trade and Industry, & Ministry of Justice The Gambia
Main Project Features:
Provision of legal advisory services to support the Government of The Gambia (GoTG) and the National Water and Electricity Company(NAWEC), assisted by the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF), in connection with an independent power project (IPP) consisting of an approximately 35 MW heavy fuel oil-fired electric generating power plant in The Gambia (the “Project”).
Deliverables: Partnered with Dentons as local counsel and developed templates, based on international practice of transaction documents for the Project as well as template supporting documents for the use by NAWEC and GoTG in the project. Legal assistance to PPP project for development of 10MW Solar energy project in The Gambia. Negotiated and drafted PPP and supporting financial and security agreements.
Modernising business and secured lending Registration System (2 Part project).
1. Modernising of the business registration systems of The Gambia. Drafted:
Companies Act 2013, schedule and forms;
Single Windows Business Registration Act, Regulation and electronic forms
Amended Trade Licencing Act, Income and Value Added Tax Act; Social Security & Housing Finance Act; Stamp Act and supporting regulations for all the Acts
2. Secured Lending and Collateral Registration System of The Gambia
Legislation Drafted:
Security interest in movable assets Act; Collateral registry regulations and electronic forms.
National consultative meetings and validation workshops were conducted and attended by a cross section of the business community and the chamber of commerce.
Training manuals developed; trainings conducted on legislation & implementation of systems and attended by registry staff lawyers, Judges, Municipality staff and tax officers.
The Growth and Competitiveness Project (GCP)
Year: October – December 2013
Location: Banjul
Client: International Development Agency – World Bank
Main Project Features:
The objective of this assignment is to review the GIEPA Act 2010 and Regulations 2012 taking into account the lessons learnt, feedback from stakeholders, the current business environment. Key Government policies affecting investments and develop a revised act and regulations in line with international best practice to encourage and support private sector led growth. The Revised Act and Regulations should be clear and concise, harmonized and consistent with other laws and regulations. This project requires a review of the (Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Act) GIEPA Act 2010, GIEPA Regulations 2012 and other relevant laws and regulations of The Gambia in line with international best practice and our national vision and development aspiration.
Location: Banjul
Client: International Development Agency – World Bank
Main Project Features:
The objective of this assignment is to review the GIEPA Act 2010 and Regulations 2012 taking into account the lessons learnt, feedback from stakeholders, the current business environment. Key Government policies affecting investments and develop a revised act and regulations in line with international best practice to encourage and support private sector led growth. The Revised Act and Regulations should be clear and concise, harmonized and consistent with other laws and regulations. This project requires a review of the (Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Act) GIEPA Act 2010, GIEPA Regulations 2012 and other relevant laws and regulations of The Gambia in line with international best practice and our national vision and development aspiration.
Land Governance Assessment Framework
Year: November 2012 – May 2013
Location: Banjul
Client: World Bank
Main Project Features:
Implementing the Land Governance Assessment Framework in The Gambia
Position Held: Country Coordinator
Activities performed:
Location: Banjul
Client: World Bank
Main Project Features:
Implementing the Land Governance Assessment Framework in The Gambia
Position Held: Country Coordinator
Activities performed:
- Assessing the Legal and Institutional Framework for Land Governance including Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management
- Coordinating Country Experts to conduct an assessment of 5 Land Governance thematic areas including Land Use Planning, Valuation and Taxation, Public Land Management, Public Provision of Land information and Forestry.
- Organise and conduct 8 workshop panels on different subject areas
- Organising National Validation Workshop
- Preparing workshop Report, Draft Report and Final national Report
Modernising of the Business and Secured Lending Registration Systems of The Gambia
Year: 2012 – 2013
Location: Banjul
Client: World Bank
Main Project Features:
Draft Legislation for the establishment of a Single Window Business Registry and to streamline and simplify the Regulatory Processes relating to Business Registry and Registration of Collaterals
Position Held: Legal Consultant with Alfa XP Team – International Consultant
Activities performed:
Location: Banjul
Client: World Bank
Main Project Features:
Draft Legislation for the establishment of a Single Window Business Registry and to streamline and simplify the Regulatory Processes relating to Business Registry and Registration of Collaterals
Position Held: Legal Consultant with Alfa XP Team – International Consultant
Activities performed:
- Review the existing Legislative Framework for Business Organisation and Start-up and replace the Business Registration Act with a Single Window Business Regulation Framework.
- Amend the Company, License and Social Security and Housing Finance Acts.
- Put in place a new Regulatory Framework to support the Single Window Registry operations.
- Put in place a legal framework to support implementation of a modern system of financing secured by moveable assets.
- Develop a modern secured transactions law and related coordinating legislation.
- Assist the Government with the development of the implementing regulation for the law.
- Assist the Government with the development of regulations for operation of the registry.
National Water and Electricity Company Ltd Consultancy for Staff Audit and Institutional Assessment
Year: 2011 – 2012
Location: Banjul
Client: National Water and Electricity Company Ltd
Main Project Features:
Conduct a staff audit and institutional assessment of the company to review and assess the staffing level and organisational structure of the company, with specific reference to staff numbers and functional responsibilities of the various divisions in the company. The audit examined amongst other matters staff competence, adequacy, redeployment and re-training where necessary in order to improve efficiency.
Position Held: Co-consultant
Activities performed:
Location: Banjul
Client: National Water and Electricity Company Ltd
Main Project Features:
Conduct a staff audit and institutional assessment of the company to review and assess the staffing level and organisational structure of the company, with specific reference to staff numbers and functional responsibilities of the various divisions in the company. The audit examined amongst other matters staff competence, adequacy, redeployment and re-training where necessary in order to improve efficiency.
Position Held: Co-consultant
Activities performed:
- Review all relevant reports, studies, policy statements, laws and regulations developed by or for the Gambia with specific reference to staffing within the public enterprises and international best practices within the industry.
- Examine the current organisational structures and recommend one that was most responsive to NAWEC’s operations and service delivery responsibilities.
- Undertake an assessment of the organisational and operational structure of NAWEC and provide a plan for achieving a competent workforce profile without increasing personnel and administrative cost.
- Follow a rational and structured process to identify staff to be retrained, redeployed, reduced and/or expanded.
- Recommend the options available in terms of staff reductions, retraining and redeployment to enhance efficiency and productivity.
- In the case of staff reduction, come up with strategies in terms of the overall cost of voluntary redundancy packages and how they would be funded. Include plans for repaying internal borrowing; the timing of payments to reduce overall cost; the cost of making long serving staff redundant and the consideration of the ease of administration of various options.
Develop Legislative Framework for Financial Reporting in The Gambia
Year: 2010 – 2011
Location: Banjul
Client: World Bank
Main Project Features:
Drafted a framework legislation for the regulation of the accounting profession, establish an Institute of Chartered Accountants and Financial Oversight Reporting Board
Position Held: Co-consultant with World Bank Financial expert
Activities performed:
Location: Banjul
Client: World Bank
Main Project Features:
Drafted a framework legislation for the regulation of the accounting profession, establish an Institute of Chartered Accountants and Financial Oversight Reporting Board
Position Held: Co-consultant with World Bank Financial expert
Activities performed:
- Reviewed existing legislation for input into ROSC study to appraise financial reporting infrastructure
- Developed concept paper for a proposed draft law for presentation to Government and select group of stakeholders
- Drafted a Financial Reporting Law and held consultative meetings with different stakeholders to review draft bill
- Assisted Governor of Central Bank to organise validation workshop
Judicial Reform
Year: 2006 – 2007
Location: Gambia
Client: DIFID UK Government
Main Project Features:
Preparation of Legislation on self accounting for the Judiciary, Judges Salaries and Judicial Service Commission Regulations.
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
Location: Gambia
Client: DIFID UK Government
Main Project Features:
Preparation of Legislation on self accounting for the Judiciary, Judges Salaries and Judicial Service Commission Regulations.
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
- Held sector wide consultations.
- Proposed drafts
- Organised consultative workshops for the consideration of the drafts
- Finalised and submitted drafts
Legal Sector Reform
Year: 2004
Location: Gambia
Client: CBEMP – Capacity Building for Economic Management Project World Bank Project
Main Project Features:
Preparation of a Legal Sector Strategy for The Gambia covering the Judiciary including the Islamic Court System and customary Courts and the Department of State for Justice and Civil Society
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
Location: Gambia
Client: CBEMP – Capacity Building for Economic Management Project World Bank Project
Main Project Features:
Preparation of a Legal Sector Strategy for The Gambia covering the Judiciary including the Islamic Court System and customary Courts and the Department of State for Justice and Civil Society
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
- Assisted Judiciary in the preparation of legal sector strategic document covering a five year period
Review and revise legislation for collection of national statistics
Year: 2004
Location: Gambia
Client: CBEMP Capacity Building for Economic Management Project (CBEMP) funded by the World Bank
Main Project Features:
Review National Statistics Legislation to Establish National Statistics Bureau. Also drafted implementation regulations
Position Held: Legal Expert
Activities performed:
Location: Gambia
Client: CBEMP Capacity Building for Economic Management Project (CBEMP) funded by the World Bank
Main Project Features:
Review National Statistics Legislation to Establish National Statistics Bureau. Also drafted implementation regulations
Position Held: Legal Expert
Activities performed:
- Worked with FJP consultants to produce a report on the status of the statistics law.
- Drafted new law and regulations
Local Government Reform
Year: 2001-2002
Location: Gambia
Client: European Development Fund (EDF)
Main Project Features:
Review all Local Government Legislation to put in place a decentralized system for
local government to give effect to the decentralisation policy
Position Held: Legal Expert
Activities performed:
Location: Gambia
Client: European Development Fund (EDF)
Main Project Features:
Review all Local Government Legislation to put in place a decentralized system for
local government to give effect to the decentralisation policy
Position Held: Legal Expert
Activities performed:
- Worked with team of EU consultants to translate local government reform into law.
- Produced a comprehensive local government law which consolidated all previous legislation
- Also drafted local government Finance and Audit Law
Preparation of Statutes for the establishment of the African Itinerant College
Year: 2000
Location: Gambia
Client: UNESCO
Main Project Features:
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
Location: Gambia
Client: UNESCO
Main Project Features:
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
- Drafting of statutes and rules
Rural Development Programme for The Gambia
Year: 1999
Location: Gambia
Client: European Development Fund (EDF)
Main Project Features:Legal input into the project
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
Location: Gambia
Client: European Development Fund (EDF)
Main Project Features:Legal input into the project
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
- Appraisal of the legal framework for rural development.
- Assisted in drafting policy framework for the reform of the Local Government System.
Commonwealth Access to Justice Programme
Year: 1996
Location: London
Client: Commonwealth Secretariat
Main Project Features:Preparation of a Workshop Programme on Access to Justice to be conducted in various Countries in the Caribbean African and Pacific Regions of the Commonwealth.
Position Held: Member of team of experts
Activities performed:
Location: London
Client: Commonwealth Secretariat
Main Project Features:Preparation of a Workshop Programme on Access to Justice to be conducted in various Countries in the Caribbean African and Pacific Regions of the Commonwealth.
Position Held: Member of team of experts
Activities performed:
- Reviewed studies carried out in Commonwealth Africa and the Caribbean on access to justice and the application of administrative law
- Produced a report on the way forward
Evaluation of Administrative Law Workshops conducted in Zambia, Malawi, Seychelles, Lesotho and Botswana during 1992-1995
Year: 1996
Location: Zambia, Malawi, Seychelles, Lesotho and Botswana
Client: Commonwealth Secretariat
Main Project Features:Survey an appraisal of workshops impact and follow up activities
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
Location: Zambia, Malawi, Seychelles, Lesotho and Botswana
Client: Commonwealth Secretariat
Main Project Features:Survey an appraisal of workshops impact and follow up activities
Position Held: Consultant
Activities performed:
- Developed questionnaires and conducted a survey in the various countries
- Wrote a Report for the Secretariat
Reform of electoral systems and processes and constitutional review
Year: 1995
Location: Gambia
Client: UNDP
Main Project Features:Preparation of project support document
Position Held: Local Consultant
Activities performed:
Location: Gambia
Client: UNDP
Main Project Features:Preparation of project support document
Position Held: Local Consultant
Activities performed:
- Reviewed laws and policy documents on need for electoral and constitutional reform
- Prepared an annotated outline on Comprehensive Governance Programme for The Gambia; and provide input into design of Planned National Governance workshop after transition to multi party democracy.