Ghana, Nigeria, UK Collaborate, Unveils £1.9Million Initiative To Ameliorate Africa’s Tech Ecosystem
By Anuoluwapo Lebi
Aimed at galvanizing Africa’s Tech Ecosystem, the United Kingdom ‘s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST), and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST) have united to unveil Sankore, a £1.9 million initiative to strengthen science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) in West Africa.
The acclaimed tech program is part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP) which is aimed at deepening collaboration between the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana, supporting key agreements like the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy (2023-2027) and the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership signed in November 2024.
Contained in a statement issued on Monday by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in Lagos, Sankore will engage with stakeholders in Nigeria and Ghana to “Support the operationalization of Ghana’s National Research Fund (GNRF) and Nigeria’s National Research Fund (NRF).
“Help Nigeria establish its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC).
“Boost commercialization of innovative solutions in key sectors like agriculture and energy.
“Improve policies and regulations for innovation, ensuring better data access for businesses and researchers.
“Set up a Helpdesk to provide expert guidance to governments and partners.”
At the launch, in Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, 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 & Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, revealed that the Sankore initiative would position Ghana as a regional hub for scientific and technological advancement, adding that innovation is key to building a strong economy.
Also commenting on the initiative, Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said “Sankore aligns with our goal of promoting homegrown innovation while integrating global advancements. This partnership with the UK will accelerate Nigeria’s tech-driven economic progress.”
According to the statement, through its Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar, Senegal, and its national offices in Abuja and Accra, UNESCO will collaborate with national and regional partners including the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) to strengthen the national ST&I systems.
This is expected to contribute to achieving Nigeria’s and Ghana’s development priorities as well as advance and promote science in the interests of peace and sustainable development, in close collaboration with its Member States and various partners.
With Africa’s tech ecosystem rapidly growing, initiatives like Sankore could help Nigeria and Ghana leverage research, innovation, and policy reforms to drive economic transformation.
Discover more from cultureiqng.com
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
