Banjul, The Gambia — 29 August 2026: The Government of The Gambia, through Cabinet, has on Thursday 27th August 2026 approved the National Research, Development and Innovation Council (NaRDIC) Bill, 2026.
The approval marks a significant step towards strengthening the governance, coordination and promotion of research, development and innovation in The Gambia.
The NaRDIC Bill seeks to establish a comprehensive legal and institutional framework for the coordination, regulation and promotion of research, development and innovation across the country.
Research and innovation are critical drivers of sustainable socio-economic development. However, The Gambia’s current research and innovation landscape remains fragmented, with limited coordination and inadequate regulatory oversight. The country also lacks a central authority responsible for setting national research priorities and ensuring compliance with appropriate ethical and scientific standards. The Bill seeks to address these gaps through the establishment of the National Research, Development and Innovation Council (NaRDIC) as an autonomous body corporate.
Thus, the NaRDIC will serve as the apex institution responsible for coordinating research activities, promoting innovation and ensuring that research efforts are aligned with national development priorities.
The proposed framework will also provide for a Governing Body representing key sectors, including government, academia and the private sector, to promote inclusive and strategic decision-making.
To strengthen integrity, accountability and public confidence in research, the Bill provides for the mandatory registration, licensing and ethical approval of research conducted in The Gambia. In addition, it further provides for the establishment of a National Research Ethics Committee and a National Scientific Committee, which will contribute to ensuring ethical compliance and maintaining appropriate scientific standards.
The establishment of NaRDIC is expected to strengthen national research governance, enhance the country’s innovation capacity, support evidence-based policymaking and contribute to economic diversification and sustainable national development.
The Ministry welcomes Cabinet’s approval of the Bill and recognises the contribution of all stakeholders who have supported the development of this important legislative framework.
The next steps will include the necessary processes towards the consideration and enactment of the Bill into law.
Ministry of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology
Copyright © 2026. All Rights Reserved