Fonds National de la Recherche et de I’Innovation pour le Developpment (Burkina Faso)

The Fonds National de la Recherche et de l’Innovation pour le Développement (FONRID) plays a vital role in advancing research and innovation in Burkina Faso. Established in 2011, FONRID provides a secure and strategic framework for funding scientific research and innovation activities across the national territory.

Its mission is clear: to ensure that research outcomes contribute meaningfully to public well-being while generating economic growth and national prosperity.

FONRID began with a strong development mandate, aiming to integrate research into national policy and decision-making processes. As part of its core activities, it issues calls for research project proposals, supports capacity building, and equips laboratories across the country.

Through its initiatives, FONRID also provides support for researchers to attend scientific conferences and symposiums, boosting visibility, networking, and knowledge exchange.

FONRID has participated in the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI) since 2015 and formally signed a partnership agreement in 2018. This collaboration has significantly enhanced its operational capacity and reach.

SGCI support has enabled FONRID to strengthen its internal processes and launch impactful programmes focused on gender, inclusion, and diversity in research.

One notable achievement has been the integration of gender into funding mechanisms, removing barriers to access for female researchers and encouraging research on gender-related topics.

FONRID is actively raising its profile at national, regional, and international events, amplifying its role as a key player in Burkina Faso’s innovation ecosystem. It collaborates with other science granting councils, such as in Senegal, and is actively pursuing private sector partnerships to diversify funding sources.

As part of its gender platform, FONRID has introduced initiatives to inspire young girls to pursue careers in science and research, further promoting equality and diversity in the national research landscape.

In an insightful interview, Djibril Yonli, Project Leader at FONRID, shares how the institution has evolved since its inception. He highlights FONRID’s strategic contributions to Burkina Faso’s development goals and its growing impact on innovation across the African continent.