UK unveils £1.9m tech boost for Nigeria, Ghana

The UK government has announced a £1.9 million investment to boost economic growth in Nigeria and Ghana.

The funding aims to enhance technological advancements and foster innovation in both countries.

The UK’s Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced the latest support under a new project (Sankore).

The funding, according to a statement by the UK High Commissioner in Abuja, is expected to help strengthen economic growth through science, technology, and innovation in Nigeria and Ghana.

The statement further reads: “The UK government’s West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH) has launched Sankore to support economic growth by strengthening technology and innovation across West Africa, in close partnership with country governments.

“UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, announced the call for creative proposals for the project from non-profit organizations (including UN Agencies) at a press conference today, 17th September 2024, in Accra.

“The Sankore call for proposals will support the UK government’s partnership with the government in Nigeria and Ghana on science, technology, and innovation, facilitate commercialization of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy, and enhance government digital service delivery.

“Named after a West African medieval center of learning, Sankore will establish new partnerships worth up to £1.9 Million with non-profit organizations (including UN agencies) in Ghana or Nigeria.”

At the launch of the call for proposals, UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, 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.”

Also commenting, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, said: “Sankore exemplifies the UK’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.

“The project will strengthen partnerships between businesses and innovators as well as drive the development of innovative solutions that address critical gaps in priority economic sectors.

“The project will build on the UK’s wider efforts to support economic growth, create job opportunities, and propel Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem.”