THE SANKORE INITIATIVE

West Africa is on the verge of a tech revolution.

The UK, Nigeria, and Ghana have jointly launched the Sankore Initiative, a £1.9 million investment designed to boost science, technology, and innovation across the region. This program aims to create a thriving ecosystem for tech startups, digital entrepreneurs, and research institutions, fostering deeper collaborations between these nations.

Ms. Susan Mshana, UK’s Head of Integrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, stated: “Sankore will strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with West Africa, driving economic growth through innovation.”

Ghana’s Minister of Environment, Science & Technology, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, emphasized the initiative’s role in positioning Ghana as a regional hub for scientific and technological advancement. He stated:

“Innovation is key to building a strong economy,”

Similarly, Nigeria’s Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, stated:

“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.”

But what does this truly mean for the future of tech in West Africa?

The Purpose of the Sankore Initiative

The Sankore Initiative is built to strengthen West Africa’s tech infrastructure, providing funding and support to entrepreneurs, researchers, and digital innovators. With Nigeria and Ghana already establishing themselves as tech powerhouses in Africa, this program will:

• Fund and support startups in AI, fintech, agritech, and edtech.
• Encourage cross-border collaboration between innovators in the UK, Nigeria, and Ghana.
• Enhance digital skills and tech literacy among young Africans.
• Provide research grants and incubation programs to drive local innovation.

Can Sankore Build a West African Silicon Valley?

Nigeria’s Lagos and Ghana’s Accra are home to some of Africa’s most promising tech hubs. With investments pouring into fintech startups like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Chipper Cash, West Africa has proven it can compete on the global stage. But many startups struggle with limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and regulatory hurdles. The Sankore Initiative addresses these challenges by creating a more sustainable innovation environment, ensuring techpreneurs and researchers receive the funding, mentorship, and resources they need to scale globally.

Partnership or Digital Dependency?

The UK’s involvement in the Sankore Initiative raises questions: Is this true collaboration, or another form of Western control over African innovation? While the funding is crucial, it’s essential that African governments and stakeholders take charge to ensure local ownership of the project.

West Africa has seen numerous foreign-backed initiatives fail due to poor execution and lack of government involvement. For Sankore to succeed, Nigerian and Ghanaian governments must actively shape policies that favor local startups and innovators rather than create unnecessary bureaucratic bottlenecks.

What Does This Mean for Young African Innovators?

For young Africans in the tech space, the Sankore Initiative is a huge opportunity. Whether you’re an AI developer, blockchain entrepreneur, or fintech innovator, this initiative could provide access to funding, mentorship, and global exposure. To fully benefit from the Sankore Initiative, here’s what African techpreneurs should do:

• Stay informed about grants and funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with international partners to build scalable solutions.
• Engage with policymakers to ensure the initiative supports local entrepreneurs effectively.

Will Sankore Deliver on Its Promise?

The Sankore Initiative could be a transformative moment for West African tech, but its success will depend on execution, transparency, and local involvement. If properly managed, this investment could propel Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider region into a new era of digital dominance. For now, the African tech scene is watching closely.

Will the Sankore Initiative be the launchpad for the next big unicorn startup?

Time will tell.