The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Nigeria and Ghana, have launched Sankore, a £1.9 million initiative aimed at strengthening science, technology, and innovation in West Africa.
This programme is part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP), and seeks to enhance collaboration between the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana.
It supports key agreements such as the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy (2023-2027) and the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership signed in November 2024.
The key focus areas of Sankore according to a statement issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in Lagos, include collaborating with stakeholders in Nigeria and Ghana to support the operation of Ghana’s National Research Fund and Nigeria’s National Research Fund.
The initiative will also assist Nigeria in establishing its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC) and promote the commercialization of innovative solutions in key sectors such as agriculture and energy.
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It will further improve policies and regulations for innovation, ensuring better data access for businesses and researchers, as well as set up a helpdesk to provide expert guidance to governments and partners.
At the launch event in Abuja, the UK’s Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, Ms. Susan Mshana, said “Sankore will strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with West Africa, driving economic growth through innovation.
“By combining our expertise, we aim to boost job creation, economic diversification, and service delivery in Nigeria and Ghana.”
Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Muhammed, remarked that the Sankore initiative will position Ghana, as a regional hub for scientific and technological advancement, emphasizing that innovation is crucial for building a robust economy.
