In a landmark development for the legal community, The Gambia has officially listed Rwanda among the jurisdictions whose legal practitioners are recognized under the Gambia Rules, 2024. This recognition paves the way for the graduates of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), whether Gambians or not, to practice in The Gambia. 

With over a thousand international graduates from seventeen African Countries including forty 40 Gambian graduates in the Diploma in Legal Practice (DLP) program at ILPD, this recognition highlights the Institute’s growing influence in shaping the legal profession across Africa. Alumni from ILPD have shared their inspiring experiences, underlining the Institute’s unique role in equipping them for regional and international legal practice.

The recognition of the DLP in The Gambia is a win for legal education and practice in Africa. ILPD’s role in this achievement reflects its dedication to preparing lawyers who can excel in a globalized legal landscape. As Gambian and Rwandan legal professionals forge stronger ties, the future of legal collaboration in Africa looks brighter than ever.

Among other jurisdictions that are recognized in The Gambia are Canada, England, Ghana, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, Sierra Leone and States of the Commonwealth of Australia. 

"ILPD provided me with practical skills beyond theory," says Fatoumata B. Jobarteh, a 2024 Gambian graduate. "Its hands-on approach and dual legal system training made me adaptable to both civil and common law."

Fatoumata further states that ILPD unites African legal practitioners, fosters harmonization, collaboration, and capacity building. Through diverse programs, it promotes shared legal standards, best practices, and regional integration, strengthening justice and the rule of law across the continent.

Fatoumata B. Jobarteh, a 2024 Gambian graduate

Similarly, Momodou L Suso, working for Gambia Revenue Authority in Customs and Excise Department highlights the institute’s contribution to fostering cross-border collaboration: “Studying at ILPD was transformative. We were trained alongside students from diverse African countries, creating a network that is now instrumental in my career. The recognition of Rwandan practitioners in The Gambia underscores the quality of education at ILPD.”

Momodou L Suso, DLP graduate 

“ILPD is not just an academic institution; it’s a hub for innovation in legal practice,” adds Baboucarr Bajo, currently studying at ILPD. “The program emphasized practical training through moot courts, internships, and case simulations, which are essential in real-world practice.”

Baboucarr Bajo, currently studying at ILPD

For Gambian law graduates aspiring to advance their careers, ILPD offers a unique opportunity to gain practical legal training in a dynamic, multicultural setting. With Alumni now practicing in various African countries, ILPD’s network continues to grow, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange across borders.

As Justice Dr. Aimé Muyoboke Karimunda, Rector of ILPD notes: “This recognition is not just about enabling lawyers with ILPD degrees to practice in The Gambia; it’s about creating a shared vision for a unified and robust African legal profession. ILPD remains committed to producing practitioners who can address the continent’s complex legal challenges with skill and integrity.”

Rwanda has emerged as a top destination in Africa due to its strong governance, economic growth, and commitment to sustainability. In 2024, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the country and city rankings, has ranked Rwanda the second destination in Africa for International Conferences after South Africa. The country is renowned for its safety and stability, maintaining one of the lowest crime rates on the continent. Tourism is a major attraction, with the famous mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, Akagera National Park's Big Five Safari, and Nyungwe Forest’s canopy walk, among others. The nation’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in Africa, fueled by innovation in technology, with Kigali emerging as a tech hub. As of the latest available data, Rwanda consistently ranks as the top country in Africa for adherence to the rule of law. In the World Justice Project's (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2024, Rwanda achieved an overall score of 0.63, leading the continent in governance and justice.

The Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD) headquarters is located in Nyanza City, in the Southern Province—a historical city that once served as the capital of the Rwandan kingdom. In 2024, the city celebrated its 125 years since it was established by King Yuhi V Musinga. Nyanza is renowned for its rich cultural heritage with two historical museums, inyambo cows generally known for the symmetrical white horns that stretch into the air several feet above their heads, cleanliness and peaceful environment, making it an ideal place for learning and living.

ILPD boasts state-of-the-art infrastructure, including modern, well-equipped classrooms, advanced ICT facilities, high-speed internet connectivity across the campus, and the best law library in the region. It provides on-campus accommodation tailored to students' preferences and offers various leisure activities to enhance the students’ experience.

The Institute's faculty consists of both local and international legal experts, ensuring a high-quality, practice-oriented education. On its faculty there foreign and Rwandan Justices and Chief Justices, Prosecutor Generals and National Prosecutors, Senior Counsels, highly qualified academics, etc. The Institute implements a competence-based curriculum that is completed by public lecturers from highly qualified policy or decision- makers from Rwanda and from abroad. The Institute perspective falls within the vision of the Rwandan leader, President Paul Kagame, that it is possible to have a world-class education right here in Africa. 

ILPD graduates gain the unique advantage of being qualified to practice in both civil and common law jurisdictions, equipping them for diverse legal careers across Africa and beyond. ILPD also offers a high-quality legal education at a competitive cost, making it an excellent choice for aspiring legal professionals seeking affordability without compromising excellence.

With its world-class facilities, expert faculty, and serene learning environment, ILPD stands as a premier institution for legal training in Africa.