The United Kingdom has announced a significant investment of up to £1.9 million to bolster science, technology, and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub. This funding initiative, known as the Sankore project, is set to enhance the commercialization of innovative solutions, strengthen innovation policies, and improve government digital services in these key West African nations.
The Sankore project is part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships Programme, designed to stimulate economic growth and advance innovation systems in Ghana and Nigeria. By providing targeted financial support, the project aims to foster collaboration between universities, research institutions, and the private sector, generating new technologies and driving progress in these countries.
Ghana’s Minister for Environment, Science, and Technology, Ophelia Mensah Hayfors, welcomed the initiative, highlighting its role in bridging the funding gap for Ghana’s technological innovation. The support from the UK Government is seen as a crucial step towards advancing Ghana’s tech sector and fostering a more innovative environment.
British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, emphasized that this grant reaffirms the UK’s commitment to partnering with African nations on science, technology, and innovation. She stated that the Sankore project will further strengthen the existing collaborations between the UK and Africa, contributing to shared goals of technological advancement and economic development.
The Sankore project represents a strategic investment in the future of science and technology in Ghana and Nigeria, with the potential to transform how innovation is nurtured and utilized across the region. By bridging gaps in funding and policy, the project aims to create a more robust and dynamic innovation ecosystem.
This initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in driving technological progress and economic growth. The UK’s support is expected to have a lasting impact on the development of innovation systems in Ghana and Nigeria, paving the way for future advancements in the sector.