Sankore, part of the UK- Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP) Programme 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 our 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 operationalisation of the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF) and the Nigeria National Research Fund (NRF).
• Support Nigeria to operationalise its National Research and Innovation Council (NRIC).
• Facilitate the commercialisation 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 programme launch in Abuja, UK’s Head of Intergrated Strategy and Delivery Unit, Ms. Susan Mshana, explained that the Sankore programme is an exciting addition that will strengthen the UK’s long-term partnership with West Africa governments and drive economic growth through innovation.

“By leveraging our skills, resources and expertise, we aim to accelerate shared goals of economic diversification job creation and improved service delivery in Nigeria and Ghana,” She added.

Also speaking, Dr. Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, Ghana’s minister of Environment, Science & Technology (MEST) 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 endeavour.” 

Additionally, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation in Nigeria,  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 and 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-month, concluding by 31 March 2026.

The 12-month MEST Training Programme will cover various tech-related fields such as software development, business and communication. It will also include extensive hands-on project work, after which there will be a final pitch and the chance to receive seed investment and grow businesses.

MEST Training Programme Class of 2024 will be run by internationally recognized faculty and individuals from some of the best universities around the world. 

Entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs) will get the opportunity to be mentored by real-life Entrepreneurs, CEOs and other executives from all over the world. Guest lecturers have been executives of Uber, Facebook, Safaricom, Samsung, Interswitch, and many more.

Since its inception in 2008, MEST has invested over $25 million in training 1000+ individual entrepreneurs and funded 80+ software companies across Africa. MEST entrepreneurs have developed solutions addressing local, regional and global markets, received follow-on funding from global investors, and gotten into top accelerator programs such as Y Combinator, 500 Startups and TechStars.

Eligibility 

To take part in the MEST Training Programme Class of 2024, you should meet the following criteria:

• Have a degree from a top university or Technical College or equivalent experience with at least two (2) years corporate and startup experience (preferred)
• Deep skills in either communications, business or software development (from the onset or acquired during the Pre-Learning stage)
• Young persons passionate about tech and entrepreneurship, and how to use technology to achieve business results
• Should be ready to commit to a full residential program for a whole year
• Disciplined, motivated self-starter who can work and deliver on assignments and projects – demonstrate this by completing the required Pre-Learning courses and MEST’s rigorous recruitment process
• An entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to start a company
• Ability to communicate candidly and persuasively
• Ability to work well in teams, proven academic or professional excellence
• Demonstrated leadership abilities
• Confident and independent thinking
• Excellent people skills

How to apply 

To participate in the MEST Training Programme of Class of 2024, apply before the deadline on Sunday, February 26, 2023.