UK invests £1.9m on STI to strengthen economic growth in West Africa

The UK government’s West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH) has launched the £1.9 million Sankore initiative to support economic growth by strengthening technology and innovation across West Africa, in close partnership with regional governments.

UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced the call for creative proposals for the project from non-profit organizations (including UN agencies) at a press conference today, 17th September 2024, in Accra.

The Sankore call for proposals will support the UK government’s partnership with the governments of Nigeria and Ghana in science, technology, and innovation, facilitate the commercialisation of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy, and enhance government digital service delivery.

Named after a West African medieval center of learning, Sankore will establish new partnerships worth up to £1.9 million with non-profit organizations (including UN agencies) in Ghana or Nigeria.

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At the launch of the call for proposals, UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, said: “This initiative is about how we can work together to strengthen the global technology sector, creating opportunities for rapidly growing economies with the potential to compete on the world stage. The Sankore grant fosters partnerships at its core, with the strong message that we go further when we go together.”

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said: “The Sankore project is a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its innovation landscape by strengthening industry-science linkages and developing an enabling policy environment.

This partnership underscores our shared commitment to developing practical solutions that lead to sustainable and inclusive growth.”

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, also commented: “Sankore exemplifies the UK’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

The project will strengthen partnerships between businesses and innovators, driving the development of innovative solutions that address critical gaps in priority economic sectors.

It will build on the UK’s broader efforts to support economic growth, create job opportunities, and propel Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem.”

Interested and qualified organisations and partners are encouraged to visit Sankore Call for Proposals: Strengthening Innovation and Technology Across West Africa.