The UK government, through the West African Center for Research and Innovation, has launched Project Sankore, a new initiative aimed at boosting technology and innovation in Nigeria and Ghana to drive economic growth.
The project, working closely with the governments of both nations, will provide funding of up to £1.9m.
This was contained in a statement by the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer of the British High Commission in Nigeria, Ndidiamaka Eze, on Tuesday.
“Named after a medieval West African center of learning, Sankore will create new partnerships worth up to £1.9 million with non-profit organizations (including UN agencies) in Ghana or Nigeria,” it reads in part at statement.
The UK Secretary for Africa, Lord Collins, announced the call for proposals for the Sankore project at a press conference in Accra on 17 September 2024.
He called on non-profit organisations, including UN agencies, to submit creative solutions that would strengthen the UK’s cooperation with Nigeria and Ghana in science, technology and innovation.
“This initiative is about how we can work together to strengthen the global technology sector, creating opportunities for fast-growing economies with a lot of potential to compete on the global stage.
“The Sankore grant fosters partnerships at its heart, with a strong message that we go far when we go together,” said Collins.
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, highlighted the importance of the project, saying: “The Sankore project is a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to improve the innovation landscape by strengthening industry-science linkages and developing an enabling environment policy.
“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 lead to 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 employment opportunities and promote Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem.”
The Sankore initiative is part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Programme, which complements other UK-supported efforts such as FSD Africa, Manufacturing Africa, MOBILIST and British International Investments. These initiatives are aimed at promoting economic development and private sector development in Nigeria and across West Africa.
Interested organizations can visit the official UK government website to apply for the Sankore project. The submission deadline is 25 October 2024, 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.