Deadline: August 15, 2026
The programme focuses on enabling diaspora and international engagement through mentorship, co-financing, joint research, institutional partnerships, knowledge transfer, visiting expert placements, diaspora mentorship programmes, institutional twinning and capacity exchange, joint academic publications, and knowledge-sharing products. Its objectives are to create opportunities for Gambian diaspora professionals to contribute research expertise and mentorship, support joint research partnerships on national priorities, strengthen institutional capacity through visiting experts, and attract diaspora and international co-financing.
Applications are open to Gambia-based universities, research institutions, government agencies, registered enterprises working with diaspora professionals or international institutions, Gambian diaspora professionals with a formal Gambian institutional host, and diaspora-led businesses registered or in the process of registering in The Gambia with active local operations. Every application must include a Gambian institutional partner, and diaspora-led applications must be co-signed by the Gambian host institution.
The programme has a total Cycle 1 budget ceiling of GMD 1,000,000. Funding is available through different grant instruments, including Joint Research Partnership Grants of up to GMD 1,000,000 for projects lasting 12–24 months, Visiting Expert Placement Grants of up to GMD 400,000 for 6–12 months, and Diaspora Mentorship Grants of up to GMD 300,000 for 12 months.
Eligible projects include joint research initiatives, visiting expert placements, mentorship programmes, co-financing arrangements, institutional exchange programmes, and collaborative publications. Activities where the Gambian partner has only a nominal role, projects primarily serving international research agendas, diaspora remittance initiatives unrelated to research or innovation, and international conference participation without documented research or innovation outputs are not eligible.
At least 60% of project activities or direct beneficiaries must be based in The Gambia, while at least 50% of the grant funding must be spent within the country. A knowledge and technology retention plan is mandatory, and all foreign exchange transactions must comply with the regulations of the Central Bank of The Gambia.
For more information, visit NRIF.
