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THE GAMBIA

National Research and Innovation Fund
N R I F

Catalysing knowledge. Financing innovation. Transforming The Gambia.

Explore NRIF
INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE

Building a thriving research & innovation ecosystem

The National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF) is The Gambia's dedicated national institution for building a thriving research and innovation ecosystem. Established as a strategic instrument of national development, NRIF finances research, develops talent, and convenes the partnerships that convert knowledge into solutions, and solutions into impact.

Our Mandate

Three interdependent pillars driving national transformation

I

Financing Research and Innovation

NRIF provides strategic, targeted funding across the full research and innovation lifecycle, from early-stage concept development to scale-ready solutions, with emphasis on national relevance, rigour, and real-world impact.

II

Strengthening Capacity

The Fund invests in capabilities of individuals and institutions through training, fellowships, mentorship, building a national research system that is competitive and globally connected.

III

Advancing National Development

NRIF aligns investments with The Gambia's national development priorities, ensuring knowledge generation produces measurable impact across health, agriculture, education, industry, and environment.

◆ VISION

To be a leading national institution driving excellence and impact in research and innovation for sustainable and inclusive development.

◇ MISSION

To mobilise and strategically invest resources in high-quality research and innovation, strengthen national capacity, and foster partnerships that generate knowledge, solutions, and measurable impact for The Gambia.

Strategic Priorities

Six priorities guiding NRIF's investment decisions and institutional partnerships

1. Strategic Research Funding

Financing high-quality research aligned with national development priorities, addressing societal challenges with direct policy applications.

2. Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Supporting startups, innovation labs, and scalable solutions with commercial potential.

3. Capacity Development

Systematically strengthening human capital and institutional infrastructure for a high-performing national research system.

4. Partnerships & Collaboration

Convening cross-sectoral partnerships between academia, industry, government, and international bodies.

5. Knowledge Management & Policy Influence

Enhancing research evidence uptake in policymaking and increasing visibility of Gambian knowledge.

6. Resource Mobilisation

Diversified blended financing model ensuring sustainability and expanded programme reach.

NRIF's Position in The Gambia's Development Landscape

A national catalyst for knowledge-led transformation

Enable Translation of Knowledge into Solutions

NRIF ensures research does not end in journals. It invests in mechanisms, prototyping support, market access, and commercialization pathways.

Strengthen Linkages Between Academia, Industry & Government

Operating as a convener and co-investor, NRIF builds cross-institutional trust and collaboration that no single actor can establish alone.

Mobilise Resources at Scale

Through its blended financing model and international partnerships, NRIF expands total resources available to Gambian researchers and innovators.

Build a Globally Connected, Nationally Impactful Ecosystem

NRIF connects Gambian researchers to regional and global networks, ensuring national capacity meets international standards.

Governance Framework

Rigorous oversight, institutional independence, and full accountability

Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST)

Policy oversight – ensuring NRIF's alignment with national policies

Governing Board

Strategic leadership, governance, and oversight — composed of distinguished professionals

NRIF Secretariat

Operational management, programme implementation, and day-to-day delivery

Governing Board

# Name Board Role Affiliation
1 Dr. Ebrima Sall Chairperson Trus Africa | Former Executive Secretary, CODESRIA
2 Ms Isatou Auber Ex-Officio Member Permanent Secretary, MoHERST
3 Mr Famara Badjie Designated Representative Deputy Permanent Secretary, MoFEA
4 Dr Yusupha Touray Ex-Officio Member Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
5 Ms Mbayang Njie Designated Representative Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture
6 Mr Ebrima Jawara Ex-Officio Member Permanent Secretary, MoECCNR
7 Mr Alagie Bulli Mustapha Dibba Ex-Officio Member Permanent Secretary, MoYS
8 Ms Mariama Fofana Designated Representative Deputy Permanent Secretary, MoTIE
9 Abdoulie Colley Designated Representative Senior State Counsel
10 Fatoumatta Mbenga Private Sector Representative Private Sector
11 Sarata Conateh Private Sector Representative GCCI
12 Prof. Momodou Sallah Secretary / Executive Director NRIF

NRIF Secretariat

# Name Role
1 Prof. Momodou Sallah Executive Director
2 Mr. Samba Bah Director of Finance
3 Mr. Modou A. Njie Director of Resource Mobilisation, Investment and Partnerships
4 Mr. Saidina Babucarr Ceesay Director of Programmers
5 Dr. Lamin Darboe Technical and Research Translation Specialist
6 Mr. Alhagie M. Touray Procurement Specialist
7 Mr. Sheikh Tijan Njie Communication and Knowledge Management Specialist
8 Ms. Maimuna Ceesay Executive Officer
9 Ms. Aisha Gomez Office Assistant
10 Mr. Ebrima M. Jarju Driver and Messenger

Funding Architecture

Diversified, merit-based, and strategically aligned financing

Research Grants

Supporting basic and applied research across priority national sectors.

Innovation Grants

Supporting startups, innovation labs, and scalable solutions with commercial potential.

Capacity Building Grants

Supporting training, fellowships, and institutional strengthening across the ecosystem.

Blended Financing Model


Government Allocations
Core public funding

Development Partners
Bilateral & multilateral

Private Sector Investment
Strategic co-financing

International Collaborations
Joint ventures & partnerships