The National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research strives to undertake research and development that can contribute to national socio-economic development.

In line with this, its activities were in the identified priority areas of the Fifth National Development Plan (FNDP) and the NISIR Strategic Plan 2006-2011. These areas are Livestock Productivity and Disease Control, Biotechnology, Sustainable Use of Underutilized Genetic Resources, Post Harvest Food Processing and Nutrition, Water Energy and Environment. Nuclear Energy Applications and Analytical Services, Materials, Engineering and Technical Services and Information Services.