The UK government has announced a funding allocation of up to £1.9 million, as part of the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub initiative, aimed to enhance collaboration between the UK, Ghana, and Nigeria, focusing on research and innovation systems strengthening.
This investment marks a pivotal moment for the rapidly growing economies of Ghana and Nigeria as they work to position themselves as global competitors in the technology sector.
The announcement was made today at a press conference held in Accra, Ghana, by Lord Collins, the UK Minister for Africa. Speaking at the event, Lord Collins emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the field of science and technology.
“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.”
Lord Collins, UK Minister for Africa
Named after the medieval Sankore University in West Africa, a renowned center for knowledge and learning in its time, the “Sankore” grant will serve as a vehicle for the UK-Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy.
Its primary aim is to promote partnerships between universities, research centers, and the private sector to turn cutting-edge ideas into market-ready products and services. By supporting innovation-driven projects, Sankore will play a critical role in helping Ghana achieve its technological development goals.
Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation in Ghana, Mrs. Ophelia Mensah Hayford, at the press conference expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, highlighting its role in accelerating technological growth in the country.
“Sankore will serve as a financing vehicle to catalyze the implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy. This initiative is one of many steps the Ministry, with support from the UK Government, intends to take to bridge the funding gap for technological innovation in Ghana.
“We are happy to partner with key actors in the innovation ecosystem to drive economic transformation in Ghana through ST&I.”
Mrs. Ophelia Mensah Hayford, Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation
Deepening UK-Africa Relations on Science and Technology
The launch of the Sankore initiative is part of a broader strategy by the UK government to deepen its partnerships with African nations, particularly in the field of technology and innovation.
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, emphasized the importance of this collaboration and its potential for long-term impact.
“The launch of Sankore sends a clear message: the UK sees enormous value in partnering with African countries on science, technology, and innovation, and we are committed to bringing those partnerships to life. This grant will further strengthen our existing partnerships on ST&I, in line with our joint UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy.”
Harriet Thompson, British High Commissioner to Ghana
The £1.9 million funding, allocated through the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub, will also extend support to Nigeria, recognizing the potential of both countries to serve as hubs of technological advancement in the region.
The Sankore initiative’s call for proposals invites qualified organizations and partners in Ghana and Nigeria to submit their project proposals by 25th October 2024. The proposals will be evaluated based on their potential to foster collaboration between academic institutions, research centers, and private enterprises while aligning with each country’s technological priorities.
The UK and Ghana’s co-developed ST&I strategy, launched last year, laid the foundation for this collaboration. The strategy aims to increase the quantity, quality, and impact of science and technology partnerships between the two nations.
In 2023, both governments followed this up with a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their commitment to using science, technology, and innovation as tools for sustainable development.
For Ghana, the Sankore initiative comes at a critical time as the country continues its push towards becoming a technology and innovation hub in West Africa. By working closely with universities, private companies, and government bodies, Sankore aims to help accelerate the development of new technologies that can be applied across various industries, from agriculture to health care.
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