A new Science, Technology & Innovation (ST&I) helpdesk has officially launched to strengthen resource mapping, stakeholder engagement, and innovation support systems across West Africa.
The ST&I helpdesk offers rapid, evidence-based technical guidance tailored to the region’s science, technology, and innovation needs. Designed as a one-stop platform, it connects and supports stakeholders with critical data, expert insights, and strategic partnerships to drive sustainable development. The ST&I Helpdesk aspires to become a regional leader and trusted resource for governments, researchers, development partners, private sector actors, and civil society.
The Science, Technology & Innovation helpdesk is just one output from the Sankore initiative. This programme, funded by the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and delivered by UNESCO working in partnership with the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology’s West Africa Office, will strengthen the national Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) ecosystems in West Africa.
This pioneering initiative, led by the UKCEH West Africa Office, will build a network of institutions and experts with the ST & I ecosystem to deliver technical support in terms of policies brief, technical advice, strategic programme delivery assistance to Ministries, agencies and organizations who will make such a request to the helpdesk through FCDO.
Head of UKCEH’s West Africa Office, Adelaide Asante said,
“As a key partner in the Sankore initiative, we are delighted to be able to launch the Science, Technology & Innovation helpdesk to help strengthen science, technology and innovation in West Africa. As the ‘go to’ support platform, we encourage you to get in contact – for us to connect you with the right expertise and knowledge related to the ST & I ecosystem of the sub-region.
Contact the helpdesk
Email: STIhelpdesk@ceh.ac.uk
Priscilla Serwaah Gyasi – Science, Technology & Innovation Manager
prigya@ceh.ac.uk
Background information on Sankore
Sankore, a new £1.9 million initiative, was launched in March 2025, by 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).
The programme, 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.
With Africa’s science ecosystem rapidly growing, initiatives like Sankore could help Nigeria and Ghana leverage research, innovation, and policy reforms to drive economic transformation.
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.
Find out more about the project launch here.