W’Africa gets £1.9m UK support for tech, innovation

The United Kingdom Government, through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub, has launched the Sankore project, a new initiative aimed at strengthening technology and innovation in Nigeria and Ghana to drive economic growth.

The project, in close partnership with the governments of both nations, will provide up to £1.9 million in funding.

This was contained in a statement from the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer, British High Commission in Nigeria, Ndidiamaka Eze, on Tuesday.

“Named after a West African medieval center of learning, Sankore will establish new partnerships worth up to £1.9 Million with non-profit organisations (including UN agencies) in Ghana or Nigeria,” the statement read in part.

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.

“This initiative is all about how we can work together to strengthen the global technology sector, creating opportunities for rapidly growing economies with lots of potential to compete on the world stage.

“The Sankore grant fosters partnerships at its heart, with a strong message that we go far when we go together,” Collins stated.

Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, emphasised the importance of the project, saying, “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.”

British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Sankore exemplifies the UK’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“The project will strengthen partnerships between businesses and innovators as well as drive the development of innovative solutions that address critical gaps in priority economic sectors.

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

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.

Interested organizations can visit the UK government’s official website to apply for the Sankore project. The deadline for submissions is 25th October 2024, at noon WAT.

Sankore is a new grant mechanism under WARIH, providing up to £1.9 million to support technology and innovation systems in Ghana and Nigeria.