UK Announces $2.5M To Strengthen Tech And Innovation In West Africa

The UK government has launched an initiative to strengthen science, technology, and innovation systems across West Africa, with a new £1.9 million ($2.5 million) funding package. 

The initiative, named Sankore, was announced by Lord Collins, UK Minister for Africa, at a press conference in Accra. 

This project is part of the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), designed to support economic growth in the region by driving innovation and strengthening digital services.

Focus on Ghana and Nigeria

The Sankore project will primarily focus on Ghana and Nigeria, two of West Africa’s leading economies.

The UK government aims to establish partnerships with non-profit organizations to foster innovation, enhance policy frameworks, and commercialize new technological solutions. 

The project, under the Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (UK-ATIP) program, will bring together government agencies, businesses, and innovators from both countries.

“Sankore is a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its innovation landscape by strengthening industry-science linkages and developing an enabling policy environment,” said Nigeria’s Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.

“This initiative is about working together to strengthen the global technology sector, creating opportunities for rapidly growing economies to compete on the world stage.”

A Call for Proposals

The Sankore call for proposals is now open, with applications due by October 25, 2024. 

Interested organizations in Ghana and Nigeria with non-profit status are encouraged to apply. The UK government hopes to foster collaboration with local organizations that have a deep understanding of the region’s challenges and opportunities, to maximize the project’s impact.

Feature Image Credit: Techpoint Africa