The UK Government has launched the Sankore Project, a new initiative aimed at strengthening technology and innovation and driving economic growth in Nigeria and Ghana through the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub.
The project will work closely with both governments and will provide up to £1.9 million in funding.
This was contained in a statement by the Senior Press and Public Relations Officer at the British High Commission in Nigeria, Ndidiamaka Eze, on Tuesday.
“Sankore, named after a medieval learning center in West Africa, will establish new partnerships worth up to £1.9 million with non-profit organizations (including United Nations agencies) in Ghana or Nigeria,” the statement reads in part. It is written.
Lord Collins, the UK Secretary of State for Africa, held a press conference in Accra on September 17, 2024, announcing a call for proposals for the Sankore project.
He called on non-profit organizations, including UN agencies, to submit creative solutions to strengthen the UK’s partnership with Nigeria and Ghana in science, technology and innovation.
“This work depends on how we can work together to strengthen the global technology sector and create opportunities for fast-growing economies with the potential to compete on the world stage. .
“At its core, the Sankore grant fosters partnership and sends a strong message that together we can go far,” Collins said.
Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said: “The Sankore project is a vital project that will strengthen Nigeria’s innovation prospects by strengthening industry-science linkages and developing an enabling policy environment.” “This is an opportunity,” he said, emphasizing the importance of the project.
“This partnership highlights our shared commitment to developing practical solutions that lead to sustainable and inclusive growth.”
British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Johnny Baxter, echoed similar sentiments, saying: “Sankore embodies the UK’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.”
“This project will strengthen partnerships between businesses and innovators and drive the development of innovative solutions that address critical gaps in priority economic sectors.
“This project builds on the UK’s broader efforts to support economic growth, create job opportunities and drive Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem.”
The SanColle initiative is part of the UK-Africa Innovation Partnership Programme, and complements other UK-supported initiatives such as FSD Africa, Manufacturing Africa, MOBILIST and UK International Investment. These initiatives aim to foster economic and private sector growth in Nigeria and West Africa as a whole.
Interested organizations can apply for the Sankore project by visiting the UK government’s official website. The submission deadline is October 25, 2024 at noon WAT.
Sankore is a new grant mechanism under WARIH that will provide up to £1.9 million to support technology and innovation systems in Ghana and Nigeria.
