The UK government’s West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH) says it has launched Sankore, a £1.9 million initiative to boost innovation and technology across West Africa.

The British Deputy Commission’s Office in Lagos disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

It said the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, made the call for creative proposals for the project from non-profit organisations (including UN Agencies) at a press conference today in Accra.

The commission said the Sankore call for proposals would support the UK government’s partnership with Nigeria and Ghana in science, technology, and innovation.

According to the commission, Sankore will facilitate the commercialisation of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy and enhance government’s digital service delivery.

It said the initiative, named after a West African medieval centre of learning, Sankore, would establish new partnerships worth up to £1.9 million with non-profit organisations (including UN agencies) in Ghana or Nigeria.

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

Also, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, said the Sankore project was a pivotal opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its innovation landscape.

Mr Nnaji said the country could strengthen its industry-science linkages and develop an enabling policy environment.

He said the partnership underscored a shared commitment to developing practical solutions that lead to sustainable and inclusive growth.

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, commented, “Sankore exemplifies the UK’s commitment to driving innovation and sustainable development in Nigeria.”

“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,” Mr Baxter said.

(NAN)