The UK Government has announced £1.9m of funding to boost science, technology and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria through the West Africa Research and Innovation Centre.
The Sankore call for proposals will support the UK Government’s collaboration with the Governments of Ghana and Nigeria on Science, Technology and Innovation, facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy and enhance the delivery of government digital services.
Named after a medieval center of learning in West Africa, Sankore will support the implementation of the UK-Ghana Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy. It will promote collaboration between universities, research centers and the private sector and help turn new ideas into useful products for industry and support projects that match Ghana’s technology goals.
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.
Lord Collins, UK Secretary for Africa
Sankore will serve as a funding vehicle to catalyze the implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy. This initiative is one of the many initiatives that the Ministry with the support of the UK Government intends to bridge the funding gap for Ghana’s Technological Innovation. We are delighted to partner with key players in the innovation ecosystem to drive economic transformation in Ghana through ST&I.
Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ghana
The launch of Sankore sends a clear message: the UK sees huge value in working with African countries in science, technology and innovation, and we are committed to bringing these partnerships to life. This grant will further strengthen our existing science, technology and innovation partnerships in line with our joint UK-Ghana ST&I strategy.
Harriet Thompson, British High Commission, Ghana