The UK government announced on September 17 that it will provide up to £1.9 million in funding through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub to bolster science, technology, and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria.
The initiative, named the Sankore Call for Proposals, aims to support the UK’s collaboration with the governments of both countries on various technological advancements.
Lord Collins, the UK Minister for Africa, emphasized at a press conference in Accra that the Sankore initiative is designed to strengthen the global technology sector, particularly in rapidly growing economies.
“This initiative is all about how we can work together to strengthen the global technology sector, creating opportunities for economies with lots of potential to compete on the world stage,” he said.
The funding will facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy, and enhance digital service delivery by governments.
The Sankore initiative, named after a historic centre of learning in West Africa, will support the implementation of the UK-Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy.
It aims to foster collaboration among universities, research centres, and the private sector, helping to transform new ideas into practical industry applications that align with Ghana’s technological goals.
Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford, stated that Sankore will be a crucial financing vehicle to bridge the funding gap for Ghana’s technological innovation efforts.
She expressed enthusiasm for partnering with key stakeholders to drive economic transformation in the country through science and technology.
British High Commissioner to Ghana Harriet Thompson affirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with African nations in science and innovation.
“The launch of Sankore sends a clear message: the UK sees enormous value in partnering with African countries, and we are committed to bringing those partnerships to life,” she said, highlighting that the grant aligns with the UK-Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy.