UK, Nigeria, and Ghana launch £1.9 million initiative to boost West Africa’s tech ecosystem 

The program, part of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP), aims to deepen collaboration between the UK, 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.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in Lagos, Sankore will work closely with stakeholders in Nigeria and Ghana to:

At the launch in Abuja, UK’s Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, Ms. Susan Mshana said:
“Sankore will strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with West Africa, driving economic growth through innovation. By combining our expertise, we aim to boost job creation, economic diversification, and service delivery in Nigeria and Ghana.” 

Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science & Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, stated that the Sankore initiative would position Ghana as a regional hub for scientific and technological advancement, adding that innovation is key to building a strong economy.

Also commenting on the initiative, Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, said:

“Sankore aligns with our goal of promoting homegrown innovation while integrating global advancements. This partnership with the UK will accelerate Nigeria’s tech-driven economic progress.” 

Sankore will be implemented by UNESCO and Results for Development (R4D), working with local and international partners. The 15-month program will run until March 2026.

With Africa’s tech ecosystem rapidly growing, initiatives like Sankore could help Nigeria and Ghana leverage research, innovation, and policy reforms to drive economic transformation.

By strengthening research funding and commercialization, the program could unlock new opportunities for startups, researchers, and investors in the region.