Cycle 1 Call for Proposals opens 15 June 2026. GMD 15,000,000 available across 10 funding windows. View Funding Windows →
Republic of The Gambia · Established under NRIF Act, 2025

National Research
& Innovation
Fund (NRIF)

Funding Gambian researchers, students, innovators, and institutions to turn local ideas into national impact.

Cycle 1 · Now Open

Call for Proposals

Launch date 15 June 2026
Period July 2026 – Dec 2027
Total budget GMD 15,000,000
Windows open 10 of 10
Min. score 7.0 / 10
Go to Application Portal →
10
Funding Windows
GMD 15M
Cycle 1 Budget
3
Mandate Pillars
13
Board Members
Graduates of a Gambian university

Investing in The Gambia's next generation of researchers and innovators.

Every grant NRIF awards is a step toward a more self-reliant, knowledge-driven Gambia.

What NRIF makes possible

Three connected pillars ensure every dalasi invested in Gambian research creates lasting change: funding the idea, building the people, and shaping the policy.

I

Financing Research & Innovation

Providing direct financial support for research projects, innovation activities, and evidence-based solutions that address national priorities and market opportunities.

II

Strengthening Capacity

Building human capital, institutional capabilities, and infrastructure to enable researchers, innovators, and institutions to conduct world-class research and develop sustainable innovations.

III

Advancing National Development

Ensuring research and innovation outcomes directly contribute to national development goals, evidence-led policymaking, and the achievement of The Gambia's Vision 2025.

10 Funding Windows

The Cycle 1 Call is structured around 10 thematic and cross-cutting windows designed to support diverse research and innovation activities across key national priorities. All proposals are evaluated by the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) against established criteria, with a minimum score of 7.0 / 10 required for funding consideration.

Window I
Government Systems & Evidence
Window II
Cross-Cutting Capacity Strengthening
Window III
Research Infrastructure & Systems
Window IV
Innovation Lifecycle & Market Readiness
Window V
Student Research & Innovation
Window VI
TVET & Skills Innovation
Window VII
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Window VIII
Local Government & Provincial Development
Window IX
Partnerships & Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration
Window X
Diaspora & International Collaboration
View full details for each window →

This fund is for you

NRIF funds individuals and institutions across The Gambia. Identify your category below to find the right window.

Researchers & Academics

Universities, research institutions, and policy research bodies conducting evidence-based work on national priorities.

Windows I, III, VII →
Students & Young Innovators

Undergraduate and postgraduate students, and TVET institutions building skills and conducting applied research.

Windows V, VI →
Government & Public Sector

Ministries, sub-vented agencies, local government authorities, and Area Councils driving evidence-led governance.

Windows I, VIII →
Startups & Private Sector

Registered innovation hubs, SMEs, and entrepreneurs developing market-ready solutions and cross-sector partnerships.

Windows IV, IX, X →

Your research can change The Gambia.

The Application Portal is now open for Cycle 1. GMD 15,000,000 across 10 windows. Submit your proposal before the deadline.

Cycle 1 Timeline

Mark your calendar with these important dates for Cycle 1. Each milestone represents a critical moment in the funding journey, from national launch to programme completion.

✓ Complete
1
2 June 2026
Board Approval
● Now Open
2
15 June 2026
National Launch & Applications Open
Upcoming
3
August 2026
Submission Deadline
Upcoming
4
December 2027
Cycle 1 End