The Gambia ratifies Beijing Treaty to protect performers

The National Assembly of The Gambia has ratified the Beijing Treaty on Audiovisual Performances, an international agreement designed to strengthen intellectual property protections for performers. The treaty covers actors, musicians, dancers, and others whose work is featured in audiovisual productions such as films and television programs.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Dawda A. Jallow moved the motion for ratification, stating that the agreement provides a modern framework to recognize the economic and moral interests of performers. The move aims to support the development of the Gambian creative sector and ensure performers have greater control over the recording, distribution, and use of their work as technology changes how content is consumed.

Legislators noted that the treaty could make local content more economically viable and potentially create more jobs within the creative industries. The ratification brings The Gambia into an international framework shared by approximately 34 other countries.