The UK government’s West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH) has launched a new initiative, Sankore, aimed at fostering economic growth through technology and innovation in Nigeria and Ghana.
Announced by UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, at a press conference in Accra, Sankore will provide up to £1.9 million in funding to non-profit organizations, including UN agencies, to support collaborative projects in science, technology, and innovation.
The initiative seeks to strengthen partnerships between governments, businesses, and innovators in both countries, facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions, and enhance government digital service delivery.
“Sankore is about working together to create opportunities for West African economies to compete globally,” stated Lord Collins. “By fostering partnerships and supporting innovation, we can drive sustainable economic growth.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to strengthen industry-science linkages and create an enabling policy environment for innovation.
Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, emphasized the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem. “Sankore will build on our existing efforts to create jobs and drive economic growth,” he said.