The United Kingdom Government, through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), has unveiled the Sankore project, a new initiative aimed at enhancing technology and innovation in Nigeria and Ghana. The project will provide up to £1.9 million in funding to support this goal, in partnership with the governments of both nations.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ndidiamaka Eze, Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer at the British High Commission in Nigeria, detailed that the Sankore project is named after a historic West African 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.
UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced the call for proposals at a press conference in Accra on September 17, 2024. He encouraged non-profit organisations and UN agencies to submit proposals that will enhance the UK’s partnership with Nigeria and Ghana in the fields of 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, highlighted the significance of the project, saying, “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.”
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, also underscored the impact of the Sankore initiative. “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. It will build on the UK’s wider efforts to support economic growth, create job opportunities, and propel Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem,” Baxter said.
The Sankore project is part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships Programme, complementing 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 across West Africa.
Organizations interested in applying for the Sankore project can visit the UK government’s official website. The deadline for submissions is October 25, 2024, at noon WAT.