National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia

Are you an early-career researcher, innovator, or aspiring academic?
Apply for an opportunity to attend the historic Grand Launch of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) and join the conversation shaping the future of research and innovation in The Gambia.

Theme: Awakening the Giants: A New Era of Disruptive Research & Innovation for National Transformation
Event Date: 15th June 2026
Application Deadline: 10th June 2026

Apply here: https://forms.gle/FH1s1s5LSpJehVB27

The future belongs to bold thinkers. Be part of it.

Building global partnerships remains a key priority for the National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia.

Today, NRIF, led by Executive Director Professor Momodou Sallah, held a productive engagement with His Excellency Zhou Shangsen, Deputy Head of Mission at the Chinese Embassy in The Gambia.

Discussions focused on potential areas of collaboration, including building, China–The Gambia research initiatives, institutional partnerships, and exchange opportunities. The engagement also explored avenues for strengthening research cooperation and creating opportunities for Gambian researchers, institutions, and innovators to benefit from international collaboration.

As NRIF continues to operationalise its mandate, strategic partnerships such as these remain critical to advancing research and innovation, strengthening capacities, and supporting national development priorities.

The conversation marks an important step towards building meaningful collaboration and shared impact between The Gambia and China.

Partnerships are essential to transforming research and innovation into practical solutions for national development.

Today, the National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia held a productive engagement with Ms. Enrica Pellacani, Head of Cooperation at the European Union in The Gambia, at the EU Office in Fajara.

Led by Executive Director, Professor Momodou Sallah, the discussions explored potential areas of collaboration aimed at addressing key development challenges through research, innovation, and strategic investment. Priority areas discussed included waste management infrastructure, Europe-The Gambia joint research initiatives, and support for local innovators and entrepreneurs.

The engagement forms part of NRIF’s ongoing efforts to build strategic partnerships that strengthen The Gambia’s research and innovation ecosystem and accelerate the development of locally driven solutions to national challenges.

As NRIF continues to operationalise its mandate, partnerships remain central to advancing research and innovation, strengthening individual and institutional capacities, and ensuring that knowledge and innovation contribute meaningfully to national development priorities.

The conversation continues, and so do the opportunities for impactful collaboration!

Congratulations, Hon. Professor Pierre Gomez

The National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia extends its sincere congratulations to Hon. Professor Pierre Gomez, Minister, Ministry of Higher Education,Research Science and Technology , on being recognised with the Hero’s Award – Quiet Achiever Award.

This recognition reflects his continued service and contribution to advancing higher education, research, science, technology, and innovation in The Gambia.

As a Ministry, MoHERST has played a key role in creating the policy and institutional environment that supports knowledge generation, innovation, and human capital development, including the establishment and operationalisation of the National Research and Innovation Fund.

We join many Gambians in celebrating this achievement and wish him continued success in his service to the nation.

Congratulations, Hon. Minister!

Today, we had the pleasure of convening the Validation Session of our Draft Grants Manual at the NRIF Complex in Bijilo. This marks a major milestone in our journey toward fully operationalizing research and innovation financing in .

The session brought together key experts and stakeholders to review and strengthen this foundational document. Led by our Executive Director, Professor Momodou Sallah, the discussion benefited immensely from the insights of various institutions, including the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), represented by the Deputy Permanent Secretary (Technical), Dr. Samba Sowe.

For us at NRIF, the Grants Manual is more than just an operational document. It is the framework that will ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in how funding programmes are administered and managed. Validating it brings us a step closer to effectively supporting our researchers and innovators, building national capacity, and fostering evidence-based solutions to our development challenges.

We are incredibly grateful to everyone who participated. Your contributions ensure that this manual reflects both global best practices and the practical realities of The Gambia’s research and innovation ecosystem.

By building robust, reliable systems, we can better serve our national community. Thank you for partnering with us to lay a stronger foundation for growth and impactful development.

Eid Mubarak to all Muslims in The Gambia and around the world.

May this special day strengthen our spirit of unity, compassion, and shared progress towards a brighter and more innovative future for our nation.

Those big ideas in your notebooks.
Those late-night conversations in your group chats.
Those “what if…” moments about changing The Gambia.

They are no longer just dreams!

The National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia is here to help turn ideas into impact, research into solutions, and innovation into national transformation.

Join us on 15th June 2026 at the SDKJ International Conference Centre for the Grand Launch of the NRIF Windows.

Theme: “Awakening the Giants: A New Era of Disruptive Research & Innovation for National Transformation.”

The future of innovation in The Gambia begins now!

A new chapter for research and innovation in The Gambia begins here.

The National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia is proud to announce its Grand Launch under the theme: “Awakening the Giants: A New Era of Disruptive Research & Innovation for National Transformation.”

This landmark event marks the official unveiling of a national platform dedicated to financing research and innovation, strengthening individual and institutional capacities, and advancing solutions that support The Gambia’s development priorities.

The Launch will also feature the unveiling of the:
✅ NRIF D100 Million Endowment Fund
✅ NRIF Funding Windows
✅ NRIF Digital Platform

Date: 17th June 2026
Venue: SDKJ International Conference Centre
Time: 09:30 AM GMT

As we begin this transformative journey, NRIF looks forward to working with researchers, innovators, institutions, development partners, the private sector, and young people to build a stronger, knowledge-driven future for The Gambia.

Stay connected as the future of innovation starts now.