News Highlights:
- The UK, Nigeria, and Ghana have launched Sankore, a £1.9 million initiative to strengthen science, technology, and innovation ecosystems in West Africa.
- Sankore will support research funds, innovation councils, and commercialization efforts while fostering UK partnerships with Nigeria and Ghana.
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST), and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST) have officially launched Sankore, a £1.9 million initiative designed to strengthen science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) ecosystems in West Africa.
Sankore, part of the UK- Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP) Programme will strengthen UK ties with 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 by UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP and Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
Digital TimesNG understands that Sankore will focus on Nigeria and Ghana, collaborating closely with key stakeholders in West Africa to strengthen research and innovation systems. It will support the operationalization of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) and Nigeria’s National Research Fund (NRF), as well as assist Nigeria in establishing its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC). Additionally, the initiative aims to facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions in priority economic sectors such as agriculture and energy.
To further enhance the region’s innovation landscape, Sankore will work to improve the policy and regulatory environment, ensuring better data accessibility and transparency for ecosystem actors. It will also establish a demand-driven Helpdesk to support the FCDO and government partners by providing expert guidance and advice.
Speaking at the programme launch in Abuja, UK’s Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, Ms. Susan Mshana, explained that the Sankore programme is an exciting addition that will strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with West Africa governments and drive economic growth through innovation.
“By leveraging our skills, resources and expertise, we aim to accelerate shared goals of economic diversification job creation and improved service delivery in Nigeria and Ghana,” She added.
Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST), Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, said, “Innovation is a key enabler of a strong and inclusive economy. Sankore will be a catalyst to securing Ghana’s future as a hub for scientific advancement and technological innovation in the region, and we look forward to collaborating with the many partners who are bringing knowledge and expertise to this joint endeavour.”
Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji added, “Our goal at the FMIST is to foster sustainable development by promoting homegrown innovation while integrating global scientific advancements to ensure Nigeria’s progress on the global stage and Sankore represents an important next phase in our valued and productive partnership with the UK in driving a brighter future for all Nigerians through cutting-edge technology and economic progress.”
Sankore will be delivered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Results for Development (R4D) collaborating with local and international partners to ensure effective implementation and knowledge transfer.
The initiative will run for 15 months, concluding by 31 March 2026.