The UK government today has announced up to £1.9 million in
funding to strengthen science, technology and innovation in Ghana
and Nigeria through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub.
The Sankore call for proposals will support the UK government's
partnership with governments in Ghana and Nigeria on Science,
Technology and Innovation, facilitate commercialisation of
innovative solutions, improve innovation policy and enhance
government digital service delivery.
Named after a medieval centre of learning in West Africa, Sankore
will support the implementation of the UK-Ghana Science,
Technology and Innovation Strategy. It will promote collaborative
work between universities, research centres and the private
sector, and help turn new ideas into useful products for industry
and support projects that fit with Ghana's tech goals.
Launching a call for proposals at a press conference in Accra,
Lord Collins, UK Minister for Africa, said:
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.
Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation,
Hon. Ophelia Mensah Hayford said:
Sankore will serve as a financing vehicle to catalyse the
implementation of the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy. This initiative
is one of many initiatives the Ministry with the support of the
UK Government intends to bridge the funding gap for Ghana's
Technological Innovation. We are happy to partner key actors in
the innovation ecosystem to drive the economic transformation in
Ghana through ST&I.
British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson added: >
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 science, tech and innovation, in line
with our joint the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy.
How to Apply:
Interested qualified organisations and partners should submit
their proposals to 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).
