UK Government Announces £1.9 Million Funding to Strengthen Science, Technology, and Innovation in Ghana and Nigeria

PRESS RELEASE

UK Government Announces £1.9 Million Funding to Strengthen Science, Technology, and Innovation in Ghana and Nigeria

17 September 2024 – The UK Government, through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub, has announced up to £1.9 million in funding to strengthen Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) in Ghana and Nigeria. This initiative, named Sankore, will facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions, enhance innovation policies, and improve government digital service delivery.

Named after the historic medieval center of learning in West Africa, Sankore aims to bolster collaboration between universities, research institutions, the private sector, and governments in both countries. The initiative will specifically support the implementation of the UK-Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy, advancing Ghana’s technological innovation agenda and creating opportunities for global competitiveness.

At a press conference held in Accra, Lord Collins, UK Minister for Africa, emphasized the importance of partnerships, saying:

“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.”

The Honourable Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, also highlighted the importance of this initiative for Ghana, stating:

“Sankore will serve as a financing vehicle to catalyse the implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy. This initiative is one of many that the Ministry, with the support of the UK Government, intends to use to bridge the funding gap for Ghana’s technological innovation. We are happy to partner with key actors in the innovation ecosystem to drive economic transformation in Ghana through ST&I.”

Harriet Thompson, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, further reiterated the UK’s commitment to strengthening ties through ST&I:

“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 the UK-Ghana strategy.”

The Sankore call for proposals offers a unique opportunity for organizations to contribute to Ghana’s and Nigeria’s growth through innovation, commercialization, and collaboration.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified organizations should submit their proposals via the Sankore call for proposals: strengthening innovation and technology across West Africa – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) by 25th October, 2024, 12PM West Africa Time (WAT) 

About MESTI

The Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) is committed to ensuring Ghana’s sustainable development through the promotion of science, technology, and innovation. We collaborate with various stakeholders to drive the transformation of Ghana’s economy.

Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/19-million-announced-for-science-technology-and-innovation-in-west-africa