National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia

07/09/2026

Strengthening research partnerships, expanding opportunities for researchers.

Led by Executive Director Professor Momodou Sallah, the National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia team today met with Processor Sir Tumani Corrah, Founder of the Africa Research Excellence Fund (AREF), and Professor Akhere Omonkhua to explore opportunities for collaboration in advancing research and empowering researchers in The Gambia and across Africa.

The discussions focused on potential areas of collaboration, including the development of joint resource mobilisation initiatives to support our shared commitment to financing research, building capacity, and driving solutions to national and continental development challenges.

NRIF sincerely appreciates Professor Sir Tumani and Professor Akhere for hosting us. We look forward to building on today’s conversation and translating these discussions into meaningful opportunities for researchers and institutions.

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

From proposals to possibilities!!!

The review of applications under Cycle 1 of the NRIF Call for Proposals is underway.

Members of the NRIF Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) are meeting to assess submissions, advance promising proposals, and engage in strategic discussions around projects with the potential to address real national challenges.

This is more than a review process. It is about identifying ideas that can generate knowledge, drive innovation and create meaningful impact.

Ideas matter. Impact matters more.

01/09/2026

Meet the NRIF Technical Advisory Committee

Behind every credible research and innovation funding programme is strong expertise, perspectives and review.

We are pleased to introduce the 11-member Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) of the National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia, a diverse group of subject-matter experts appointed to provide technical guidance and review applications submitted under Cycle 1 of the Call for Proposals.

Drawing on expertise across different fields of research, innovation and national development, the Committee will contribute to a fair, rigorous and evidence-informed review process, helping NRIF identify proposals with strong potential for impact.

Swipe through to meet the experts supporting this important stage of the NRIF funding process.

Knowledge. Innovation. Impact.

31/08/2026

Shaping The Gambia’s Future Through Science, Technology & Innovation 🇬🇲

The Executive Director, Prof. Momodou Sallah and team at the National Research & Innovation Fund-NRIF The Gambia today joined key national stakeholders at the Validation Workshop for The Gambia’s Science, Technology and Innovation Policy ( ) 2027–2035, convened by the Ministry of Higher Education,Research Science and Technology (MoHERST).

The workshop provided an important platform to review and strengthen the draft policy, which sets out key strategic priorities, including research and innovation financing, digital transformation and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, STEM development, women’s participation in STI, climate-resilient innovation, university–industry linkages, STI data and measurement, and regional and international cooperation.

For , the policy is particularly significant as it places the and strengthening of NRIF at the heart of The Gambia’s national agenda. It provides direction on scaling the Fund, increasing national investment in research and innovation, and mobilising resources to complement government financing.

Stakeholders also reviewed the draft STI Bill, which seeks to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for advancing science, technology and innovation in The Gambia.

NRIF remains committed to working with MoHERST and partners to build a stronger, better-coordinated and adequately financed research and innovation ecosystem, one capable of turning knowledge and ideas into solutions for national development.

Together, we are building the foundation for a more innovative, knowledge-driven Gambia.

27/08/2026

Are you a researcher or innovator in The Gambia?

is building a National Research & Innovation Registry to connect researchers, innovators and institutions, strengthen collaboration, and support research funding and evidence-based national development.

Register and be part of The Gambia’s growing research and innovation ecosystem.

Complete the form here: https://ee.kobotoolbox.org/x/bH2OMgSw

27/08/2026

When girls rise, families rise. When women lead, communities advance.

NRIF’s Executive Officer, Ms. Maimuna Ceesay, represented the Executive Director, Professor Momodou Sallah, at the Girls Support Girls (GSG) Meet & Greet Conference, held under the theme “The Role of Women & Girls in Society.”

In her remarks, Ms. Ceesay highlighted the critical role of women and girls in shaping national development, emphasising the importance of creating opportunities for them to learn, lead, innovate and contribute to solving society’s challenges.

She also encouraged young girls to believe in themselves, build their skills, seek mentorship and, as they rise, hold the door open for others.

For NRIF, empowering girls and women is not only about inclusion, it is about building a stronger, more innovative and prosperous Gambia.

25/08/2026

Empowering young innovators to turn ideas into impact.

Our Director of Programmes, Mr. Saidina Babucarr Ceesay, represented the Executive Director as Guest Speaker at the AfriMMAK Young Innovators Challenge, held under the theme “The Importance of Entrepreneurship and Innovation for Sustainable Development.”

In his remarks, Mr. Ceesay highlighted NRIF’s mandate to support research and innovation that translates into evidence-based, sustainable solutions for national development, while encouraging young innovators to look beyond ideation and focus on creating solutions with lasting impact.

We thank AfriMMAK for the invitation and for creating a platform that celebrates, inspires and nurtures the ingenuity of young Gambians.

18/08/2026

Applications are officially closed!

We received 159 applications under the NRIF Cycle 1 Call for Proposals. Thank you to every researcher, innovator and institution that submitted a proposal.

Our Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) will now begin the assessment process, and applicants will be notified of the outcome within 30 days after a decision has been made.

The journey continues as we turn research and innovation into impact for The Gambia.

17/08/2026

Strengthening partnerships for impact.

Today, NRIF, led by Executive Director Professor Momodou Sallah, met with Ms. Sibgha Aajaz, Officer-in-Charge of IOM The Gambia, and her team to explore opportunities for collaboration in research, innovation and evidence-based solutions for sustainable development and migration governance.

We look forward to turning these conversations into meaningful partnerships and impact for The Gambia.