Hon. MEST Minister Opens Launch of the “Sankore Project” to Strengthen ST&I Partnership for Development in Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja, Nigeria – On Thursday, 20th March 2025, the Honourable Minister for Science, Technology, and Innovation (MEST), officially launched the Sankore Project, an exciting new initiative designed to strengthen partnerships in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) across West Africa. The launch took place today in Abuja, Nigeria, and marks a significant step toward fostering collaboration between nations in the region to address key development challenges.
The Sankore Project, funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Organization (FCDO), is a year-long, renewable project that will focus on advancing scientific research, technological innovation, and cross-border collaboration. It is expected to have a profound impact on strengthening ST&I ecosystems, driving sustainable economic growth, and building the capacity of both countries in various technological sectors.
A key feature of the project is its implementation by a strategic consortium, working in close partnership with MEST of Ghana and FMIST (Federal Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation) of Nigeria. Through this collaboration, the project will aim to enhance bilateral relations, improve research and development capabilities, and promote the use of technology and innovation to address critical socio-economic issues facing the region.
The launch event featured remarks from high-ranking officials from both Ghana and Nigeria, as well as key stakeholders from the FCDO. The Honourable Minister of MEST expressed excitement about the project’s potential to serve as a model for regional cooperation in ST&I and emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating lasting solutions for sustainable development.
The Sankore Project is poised to make significant strides in enhancing the innovation capacities of both nations and fostering a deeper, more impactful partnership in science and technology that will not only benefit Nigeria and Ghana but the entire West African region.