ABUJA, NIGERIA – The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST) and Ghana’s Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST) today announced the official launch of Sankore, a £1.9m initiative aimed at boosting science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) ecosystems in West Africa.
Sankore, part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP) Program will strengthen UK ties with Nigeria and Ghana, supporting key agreements like the UK-Ghana ST&I Strategy (2023- 2027) and the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership signed in November 2024 by the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy MP and Nigeria’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
Focusing on Nigeria and Ghana, Sankore will work closely with actors in West Africa to:
- Support the operationalization of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) and the Nigeria National Research Fund (NRF).
- Support Nigeria to operationalize its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC).
- Facilitate the commercialization of innovative solutions in priority economic sectors such as agriculture and energy;
- Enhance the policy and regulatory environment for innovation, improving data accessibility and transparency for ecosystem actors;
- Establish a demand-driven Helpdesk supporting FCDO and government partners, providing expert guidance and advice.
Speaking at the program launch today in Abuja, UK’s Deputy Development Director Ms. Susan Mshana, explained that the Sankore program is an exciting addition that will strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with the governments of Nigeria and Ghana, driving economic growth through innovation.
“By jointly leveraging our skills, resources and expertise, we aim to accelerate the shared goals of economic growth, job creation and improved service delivery in Nigeria and Ghana,” she added.
Also speaking, Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST) Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, said:
“Innovation is a key enabler of a strong and inclusive economy. Sankore will be a catalyst to securing Ghana’s future as a hub for scientific advancement and technological innovation in the region, and we look forward to collaborating with the many partners who are bringing knowledge and expertise to this joint endeavor.”
Additionally, the Hon. Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation in Nigeria, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji said:
“Our goal at the FMIST is to foster sustainable development by promoting homegrown innovation while integrating global scientific advancements to ensure Nigeria’s progress on the global stage. Commercializing these innovations is key to unlocking economic value and creating jobs. Sankore represents an important next phase in our valued and productive partnership with the UK in driving a brighter future for all Nigerians through cutting-edge technology and economic progress.”
Sankore will be delivered by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and Results for Development (R4D) collaborating with local and international partners to ensure effective implementation and knowledge transfer.
The initiative will run for 15-months, concluding by 31 March 2026.
Note to Editors:
- Through its Multisectoral Regional Office for West Africa in Dakar, Senegal, and its national offices in Abuja and Accra, UNESCO will collaborate with national and regional partners including the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH) to strengthen the national ST&I systems to contribute to achieving Nigeria’s and Ghana’s development priorities as well as advance and promote science in the interests of peace and sustainable development, in close collaboration with its Member States and various partners.
- Results for Development (R4D), a global non-profit with offices in Nigeria and Ghana, has been at the forefront of development innovation through its management of initiatives such as the UK Frontier Technologies Hub, the Global EdTech Hub, the International Development Innovation Alliance (IDIA) and the Million Lives Collective (MLC). R4D will work with local partners such as the African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET), the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce in Ghana and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), to ensure Sankore and government partners in FMIST and MEST are able to benefit from local, regional and global expertise.
Further information:
For more information on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office.
For more information on the Africa Technology & Innovation Partnerships programme (ATIP), please visit: https://devtracker.fcdo.gov.uk/programme/GB-GOV-1-300704/summary
For more information on the Nigeria Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science & Technology (FMIST), please visit: https://scienceandtech.gov.ng/
For more information on the Ghana Ministry of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST), please visit: https://mesti.gov.gh/
For more information on UNESCO Natural Sciences Sector, please visit : Natural Sciences | UNESCO
For more information on the Results for Development Institute (R4D), please visit www.r4d.org
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About R4D
Results for Development (R4D) is a leading nonprofit global development partner. We collaborate with change agents — government officials, civil society leaders and social innovators — supporting them as they navigate complex change processes to achieve large-scale, lasting outcomes in health, education and nutrition. We work with country leaders to diagnose challenges, co-create, innovate and implement solutions built on evidence and stakeholder input. We also support them to engage in learning to adapt, iterate and improve the efficacy of programs. At the same time, we are working to strengthen global, regional and country ecosystems that support country leaders with expertise, evidence, and innovations. R4D helps country leaders solve their immediate challenges today, while also strengthening systems and institutions to address tomorrow’s challenges. And we share what we learn so others around the world can achieve results for development too. www.R4D.org
