The British government has announced that it will provide up to £1.9 million in financial support to improve science, technology, and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria through its West Africa Research and Innovation Hub, Sankore.
The Sankore call for proposals will aid the UK government’s partnership with the Ghanaian and Nigerian governments on Science, Technology, and Innovation, promote the commercialisation of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy, and strengthen government digital service delivery.
It will also develop a demand-responsive helpdesk to support technology and innovation systems in strengthening projects.
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What Sankore represents
Sankore is named after a medieval centre of learning in West Africa. It will help implement the UK-Ghana Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy.
It will enhance collaboration between universities, research centres and the private sector.
It will also support projects that fit with the tech goals of the involved countries.
The Sankore Grant fosters partnerships with the message that we go far when we go together.
British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, stated: “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 UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy.”
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How to apply
To be able to meet the requirements to apply for Sankore, your organisation should be a lead implementing partner with the capacity to engage and coordinate a diverse range of downstream partners
Your organisation should also be a lead implementing partner that is a non-profit organisation (including UN agencies) based in Ghana or Nigeria and have a deep understanding of the local context
Your organisation should be a legally registered entity in Nigeria or Ghana
You should have proven experience working with public and private sector stakeholders for innovation systems strengthening and national policy influencing in Ghana and Nigeria
If you have met these requirements, e-mail your completed documents to accra.warih@fcdo.gov.uk by 12 midday British Summer Time (BST) on 25 October 2024.