By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Sept. 18, GNA – The UK government has launched a fund to promote science, technology, and innovation in Ghana and Nigeria.
The initiative, known as the “Sankore” grant, was announced Tuesday in Accra and offers up to £1.9 million in financial support through the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub.
It would, among other things, promote the UK government’s collaboration with the governments of the two West African countries and “facilitate the commercialisation of innovative solutions, improve innovation policy, and enhance government digital service delivery.”
The funding is also expected to “promote collaborative work between universities, research centres and the private sector, and help turn new ideas into useful products for industry and support projects that fit with Ghana’s tech goals.”
Lord Collins, the United Kingdom (UK) Minister for Africa, launching the call for proposals as part of his visit to Ghana, thanked the governments of Ghana and Nigeria for their “leadership.”
Highlighting the benefit of government-private sector partnerships, he urged stakeholders in academia, industry, and the private sector to apply for the grant.
“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,” he noted.
Interested qualified organisations and partners are to submit their proposals to international development funding at – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) by October 25, 2024.
Lord Collins also commended the work of Kofa Technologies, a private entity establishing “battery swapping stations” for electric motorcycles.
The batteries, according to the company, are designed to support “multiple high-energy demand applications.”
Mr. Eric Nygard, CEO, Kofa Technologies, said the company planned to expand beyond Accra, and establish about 100 additional swapping stations in the country in the next 12 months.
Mr. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Minister for Transport, also called for private sector collaboration and skills training for Ghanaian youth to protect the environment.
GNA