National Research Fund launched to drive innovation, development
The launch, held under the theme “Awakening the Giants: A New Era of Disruptive Research and Innovation for National Transformation,” brought together Cabinet ministers, lawmakers, researchers, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives and students. Professor Gomez said many countries that have successfully transformed their economies did so by creating institutions capable of supporting research and turning knowledge into practical solutions. “The decisive factor is not the abundance of ideas but the institutions that capture, fund and apply those ideas for national development,” he said. Established under the National Research and Innovation Fund Act 2025, NRIF is a semi-autonomous body mandated to finance research and innovation, build the capacity of researchers and institutions, and align scientific inquiry with national development priorities. The minister noted that while solutions to many of the country’s challenges in agriculture, health, education, climate resilience, energy and digital transformation already exist within universities and innovation hubs, the missing link has been adequate funding and institutional support. He revealed that the fund was developed through an extensive consultative process involving 177 participants from 108 institutions across government, academia, civil society, innovation hubs, the private sector and development partners. A major highlight of the event was the formal opening of the NRIF funding windows and the launch of the fund’s inaugural call for proposals, which will allow researchers, innovators, institutions and entrepreneurs to compete for financial support. Professor Gomez also launched the NRIF Endowment Fund, which aims to raise D100 million to ensure the long-term sustainability of research financing in The Gambia. He called on government institutions, businesses, development partners and Gambians in the diaspora to contribute to the endowment and support the country’s research ecosystem. Declaring the National Research and Innovation Fund fully operational with immediate effect, Professor Gomez expressed optimism that the initiative would unlock the country’s untapped talent and creativity. “Together, let us build a Gambia where ideas are valued, innovation is supported, research is put to use, and knowledge becomes one of the most powerful tools for our shared transformation,” he said. The launch marks a new chapter in The Gambia’s efforts to harness science, research and innovation as key drivers of sustainable national development.
Black News 
The launch, held under the theme “Awakening the Giants: A New Era of Disruptive Research and Innovation for National Transformation,” brought together Cabinet ministers, lawmakers, researchers, development partners, members of the diplomatic corps, private sector representatives and students.
Professor Gomez said many countries that have successfully transformed their economies did so by creating institutions capable of supporting research and turning knowledge into practical solutions.
“The decisive factor is not the abundance of ideas but the institutions that capture, fund and apply those ideas for national development,” he said.
Established under the National Research and Innovation Fund Act 2025, NRIF is a semi-autonomous body mandated to finance research and innovation, build the capacity of researchers and institutions, and align scientific inquiry with national development priorities.
The minister noted that while solutions to many of the country’s challenges in agriculture, health, education, climate resilience, energy and digital transformation already exist within universities and innovation hubs, the missing link has been adequate funding and institutional support.
He revealed that the fund was developed through an extensive consultative process involving 177 participants from 108 institutions across government, academia, civil society, innovation hubs, the private sector and development partners.
A major highlight of the event was the formal opening of the NRIF funding windows and the launch of the fund’s inaugural call for proposals, which will allow researchers, innovators, institutions and entrepreneurs to compete for financial support.
Professor Gomez also launched the NRIF Endowment Fund, which aims to raise D100 million to ensure the long-term sustainability of research financing in The Gambia.
He called on government institutions, businesses, development partners and Gambians in the diaspora to contribute to the endowment and support the country’s research ecosystem.
Declaring the National Research and Innovation Fund fully operational with immediate effect, Professor Gomez expressed optimism that the initiative would unlock the country’s untapped talent and creativity.
“Together, let us build a Gambia where ideas are valued, innovation is supported, research is put to use, and knowledge becomes one of the most powerful tools for our shared transformation,” he said.
The launch marks a new chapter in The Gambia’s efforts to harness science, research and innovation as key drivers of sustainable national development.
