The UK Government, through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), has unveiled the Sankore initiative, aimed at fostering economic growth by advancing technology and innovation across West Africa.
The initiative is a key part of the UK’s collaboration with Ghana and Nigeria to enhance innovation policy, facilitate the commercialization of solutions, and improve digital service delivery in government.
The Sankore call for proposals will fund up to £1.9 million in new partnerships with non-profit organizations, reinforcing the UK’s commitment to strengthening West Africa’s innovation landscape.
The UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced the call for proposals for the Sankore project at a press conference in Accra on 17th September 2024.
He invited non-profit organisations, including UN agencies, to submit creative solutions that will bolster the UK’s partnership with Nigeria and Ghana in science, technology, and innovation.
During the launching, he highlighted the importance of global collaboration in the technology sector. He emphasized that Sankore is designed to forge partnerships that support rapidly growing economies, enabling them to compete on the world stage.
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In response, Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, noted that the Sankore project is pivotal for Nigeria’s innovation landscape. He expressed optimism about how it will enhance industry-science linkages and create an enabling environment for innovation.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, echoed this sentiment, adding that Sankore represents the UK’s broader commitment to sustainable development in Nigeria. He emphasized that it will support partnerships between businesses and innovators, driving growth in critical sectors.
The Sankore initiative is part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships Programme, which complements other UK-supported efforts such as FSD Africa, Manufacturing Africa, MOBILIST, and British International Investments. These initiatives aim to foster economic and private-sector growth in Nigeria and across West Africa.
