
The UK government, through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), has launched the Sankore project, a £1.9 million initiative aimed at enhancing technology and innovation in Nigeria and Ghana. The project, in partnership with both nations’ governments, aims to drive economic growth through technology.
Announced by the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, during a press conference in Accra on September 17, 2024, the Sankore project invites non-profit organizations, including UN agencies, to propose innovative solutions that can bolster UK partnerships with Nigeria and Ghana in science, technology, and innovation.
Named after the renowned medieval learning center in West Africa, Sankore aims to establish new collaborations and foster partnerships. Lord Collins emphasized that the initiative seeks to strengthen the global technology sector, enabling rapidly growing economies like Nigeria and Ghana to compete on the world stage.
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, welcomed the project, calling it a “pivotal opportunity” to enhance the country’s innovation landscape. The project will focus on strengthening industry-science connections and fostering a policy environment conducive to innovation.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that Sankore will drive innovative solutions addressing critical gaps in key economic sectors. He added that the initiative will complement other UK-supported efforts, such as FSD Africa, Manufacturing Africa, MOBILIST, and British International Investments.
Interested organizations are invited to apply for the Sankore project by visiting the UK government’s official website. The deadline for submissions is October 25, 2024, at noon WAT.
Sankore is part of the broader UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships Programme, designed to support economic and private-sector growth in West Africa.
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