In a significant move to drive economic growth and sustainable development in West Africa, the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana have launched the £1.9m Sankore initiative, reports ITREALMS.
This program aims to strengthen science, technology, and innovation ecosystems in the region.
The launch ceremony, held in Abuja, Nigeria, brought together dignitaries from the three countries. Ms. Susan Mshana, the UK's Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, emphasized that Sankore will leverage skills, resources, and expertise to accelerate shared goals of economic diversification, job creation, and improved service delivery.
Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana's Minister of Environment, Science & Technology, highlighted the importance of innovation in driving economic growth. He noted that Sankore will be a catalyst for securing Ghana's future as a hub for scientific advancement and technological innovation.
The 15-month initiative will focus on four key areas:
Supporting National Research Funds: Strengthening research commercialization, innovation policy, and innovation system projects in Nigeria and Ghana.
Commercializing Innovative Solutions: Facilitating the commercialization of innovative solutions in priority economic sectors such as agriculture and energy.
Enhancing Policy and Regulatory Environments: Improving innovation policies, regulatory environments, and government digital service delivery.
Establishing a Demand-Driven Helpdesk: Providing expert guidance and advice to support technology and innovation systems strengthening projects.
The Sankore initiative is a collaborative effort between 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). UNESCO and Results for Development (R4D) will deliver the initiative, working with local and international partners.
The launch ceremony, held in Abuja, Nigeria, brought together dignitaries from the three countries. Ms. Susan Mshana, the UK's Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, emphasized that Sankore will leverage skills, resources, and expertise to accelerate shared goals of economic diversification, job creation, and improved service delivery.
Hon. Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana's Minister of Environment, Science & Technology, highlighted the importance of innovation in driving economic growth. He noted that Sankore will be a catalyst for securing Ghana's future as a hub for scientific advancement and technological innovation.
The 15-month initiative will focus on four key areas:
Supporting National Research Funds: Strengthening research commercialization, innovation policy, and innovation system projects in Nigeria and Ghana.
Commercializing Innovative Solutions: Facilitating the commercialization of innovative solutions in priority economic sectors such as agriculture and energy.
Enhancing Policy and Regulatory Environments: Improving innovation policies, regulatory environments, and government digital service delivery.
Establishing a Demand-Driven Helpdesk: Providing expert guidance and advice to support technology and innovation systems strengthening projects.
Chuks Egbune/Editor
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