The UK Government has announced a £1.9 million investment to boost technology and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria through a new initiative called Sankore.
This project, launched under the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), is aimed at strengthening the tech ecosystem and driving economic growth across West Africa in close collaboration with the governments of Ghana and Nigeria.
Sankore’s focus is on supporting innovative solutions, improving policy frameworks for innovation, and enhancing digital service delivery by the governments in both countries.
The initiative will offer grants to non-profit organisations, establishing new partnerships that align with the UK’s commitment to fostering a thriving technology sector in West Africa.
During the launch in Accra, Lord Collins, the UK Minister for Africa, expressed the importance of the collaboration. He stated, “This initiative is all about how we can work together to strengthen the global technology sector, creating opportunities for rapidly growing economies with lots of potential to compete on the world stage. The Sankore grant fosters partnerships at its heart, with a strong message that we go far when we go together.”
In Nigeria, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology Uche Nnaji emphasised the project’s potential impact.
“The Sankore project is a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its innovation landscape by strengthening industry-science linkages and developing an enabling policy environment. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to developing practical solutions that lead to sustainable and inclusive growth,” he remarked.
The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, added, “Sankore exemplifies the UK’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria. The project will strengthen partnerships between businesses and innovators and drive the development of innovative solutions that address critical gaps in priority economic sectors.”
Sankore is part of the Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (UK-ATIP) Programme and serves as WARIH’s accountable grant mechanism.
This initiative seeks to strengthen technology and innovation systems in both Ghana and Nigeria, addressing key challenges and ensuring these economies are ready to compete on a global scale.
The project complements existing UK-supported programs that promote sustainable economic and private sector growth in West Africa, including FSD Africa, Manufacturing Africa, MOBILIST, and British international investments. Through Singapore, the UK aims to further drive innovation, job creation, and economic resilience in the region.