The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST) has officially inaugurated the Secretariat of the National Research and Innovation Fund (NRIF), marking a major milestone in strengthening research, science and innovation in The Gambia.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez, described the establishment of the NRIF Secretariat as a significant step toward building a knowledge-driven economy. He noted that the Fund will serve as a national mechanism to finance research, innovation and technological development aimed at addressing key national challenges.
The NRIF is anchored in the Recovery-Focused National Development Plan (2023–2027) and will support research and innovation in priority sectors such as agriculture, climate resilience, health systems, digital transformation and youth development.
Through its funding windows, the NRIF will provide grants to universities, research institutions and innovators, supporting initiatives from early-stage research to prototype development and commercialization.
Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez also highlighted that the NRIF will play a central role in the forthcoming National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (NSTIP 2027–2035), which aims to strengthen The Gambia’s science and innovation ecosystem.
MoHERST reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and inclusive participation in the Fund’s operations while expanding opportunities for young researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs across the country.
The inauguration officially marks the operationalization of the NRIF Secretariat as a national platform for advancing research, innovation and sustainable development in The Gambia.
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