Starting a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), self-help group, or community group in Gambia involves a formal registration process with the Ministry of Justice. This guide provides a detailed step-by-step procedure to help you register your organization, including the necessary documents, fees, and processing times.
Procedure to Register an NGO or Community Group in Gambia
- Define Your Organization’s Purpose
Clearly articulate the objectives, mission, and activities of your organization. Identify the community or social issue you aim to address and develop a mission statement. - Choose a Unique Name
Select a unique name for your organization that reflects its purpose and is not already in use. Ensure the name complies with the registration authority’s guidelines. - Form a Governing Body
Establish a governing body or board of directors to oversee the organization’s operations. Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each board member. - Draft Governing Documents
Prepare the necessary documents, such as a constitution, bylaws, or memorandum of association, which outline the organizational structure, membership criteria, decision-making processes, and other essential details. - Identify Legal Requirements
Research the legal requirements for registering an NGO or community group in Gambia. You may want to consult with a lawyer or organizations that assist with NGO formation to ensure compliance with regulations. - Register with the Ministry of Justice or Kanifing Municipal Council
Visit the Ministry of Justice or Kanifing Municipal Council to submit your registration application. Obtain the registration form and submit it along with the required documents and registration fee. - Submit the Completed Application
Submit the completed form with the registration fee (GMD 1,000) and incorporation fee (GMD 5,000). The authorities will review the application and, upon approval, issue a certificate of registration. - Follow Up and Obtain the Registration Certificate
After submission, follow up with the relevant authority to ensure your application is being processed. Once approved, you will receive a certificate of registration, which confirms the legal existence of your NGO or community group.
Required Documents
To register your NGO, self-help group, or community group in Gambia, you will need the following documents:
- Constitution or Memorandum of Association
- Bylaws or Rules and Regulations
- Board of Directors/Trustees Information (ID copies, personal details)
- Proof of Address (e.g., lease agreement, utility bill)
- Registration Fee Payment Receipt
- Minutes of Meetings
- Statutory Declarations
- Organizational Profile (including mission, objectives, activities)
- Annual Work Plan and Budget
- Identification Documents (for the founding members)
Eligibility
To be eligible for registration, the following criteria should be met:
- Non-Profit Purpose: The organization must be established for non-profit, social, educational, or humanitarian purposes.
- Governing Body: The organization must have a clearly defined governing body or board of directors.
- Local Presence: Some organizations may need to operate within a specific geographic area or be resident in Gambia.
- Transparency and Accountability: NGOs must maintain financial accountability and transparent reporting.
Fees
- Registration Fee: GMD 1,000
- Incorporation Fee: GMD 5,000
Validity
Once your NGO or community group is registered, the registration certificate remains valid indefinitely. However, you may be required to renew certain documents or file regular reports to maintain your registration status.
Processing Time
The processing time for registering an NGO or community group in Gambia typically takes up to 90 days or as advised by the registration authority.
Other Uses of the Registration Certificate
The registration certificate is essential for:
- Opening a bank account in the organization’s name.
- Applying for grants or funding.
- Bidding on contracts for public or private sector services.
- Legal recognition as an operating entity in Gambia.
Office Locations & Contacts
Ministry of Justice (Banjul)
- Address: 100 Marina Parade, Banjul, Gambia
- Phone: (+220) 422 7238
- Fax: (+220) 422 5352
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Link (Website under construction)
Kanifing Municipal Council
- Address: 57 Mamadi Manjang Highway, P.O. Box 2039, Serrekunda, Jeshwang (near Westfield Junction Cooperative)
- Phone: +220 439 0545, 437 2685 (Main switchboard)
- Fax: +220 437 0073
- Email: [email protected]
- Opening Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm
External Resources
For more information or to begin your NGO registration, please visit:
Ministry of Justice – Gambia
By following these steps and ensuring that you meet all eligibility criteria, you can successfully register your NGO, self-help group, or community group in Gambia. Be sure to gather all the required documents and pay the necessary fees to complete the registration process.
