The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening Innovation and research partnerships with Nigeria, as Professor Charlotte Watts, the Chief Scientific Adviser for the UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), embarked on a transformative visit to the country. Her mission focused on assessing UK-backed projects enhancing the country’s science, technology, and innovation system. During her trip, Professor Watts visited Lagos and Abuja, where she interacted with key stakeholders, innovators, and partners to evaluate the impact of these initiatives. The projects she reviewed aim to drive economic growth, create jobs, and address societal challenges through innovative solutions.
Professor Watts visited the University of Lagos and Hinckley Recycling in Lagos, both beneficiaries of the UK-Africa Technology and Innovation Partnerships (ATIP) programme. ATIP, funded by the FCDO’s Research and Evidence Directorate, seeks to enhance African technology ecosystems. Hinckley Recycling, a standout UK-backed initiative, focuses on e-waste management and has pioneered second-life solutions for lithium-ion batteries. During her tour of the facility, Professor Watts emphasised the benefits of projects like Hinckley’s advancing global net-zero goals while empowering local communities with clean energy to support small businesses.
Industries like music, film, and content creation were explored in Lagos.
She also met with representatives from Lagos’ creative industries, including music, film, and content creation. These discussions centered around an ongoing study commissioned by the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH) to explore the potential of the nation’s creative sector. The study’s findings are expected to provide insights into improving the sector’s contribution to economic development. Professor Watts’ itinerary in Abuja included high-level discussions with senior Nigerian officials in the science and innovation sectors. Key meetings included dialogues with the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation and the National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC).
One major highlight was the discussion on establishing a domestically funded Science Granting Council. This initiative aims to strengthen local capacity for funding and managing research projects to align with global best practices. The proposed council underscores the region’s ambition to build a robust, independent research funding system to drive local innovation and solutions. Her visit shows the UK’s long-standing commitment to promoting global partnerships that address pressing challenges and create shared opportunities. By supporting transformative projects, the UK aims to unlock the potential of creativity to drive sustainable Economic Development and improve livelihoods.
Charlotte Watts’s role in global partnership, research, and health.
Furthermore, the Global Alliance Africa initiative, funded by the UK Government, exemplifies this commitment. The initiative connects governments, businesses, and academia to strengthen African innovation ecosystems. As a result, these collaborations have translated into education, healthcare, manufacturing, and Environmental Sustainability advancements. Professor Charlotte Watts is a distinguished figure in global science and public health. As the FCDO’s Chief Scientific Adviser, she provides strategic counsel on scientific challenges to UK ministers and senior officials. Her role includes leading the Research and Evidence Directorate, which oversees significant research investments and supports international science diplomacy.
With an academic background rooted in social and mathematical epidemiology, Professor Watts’ work has made groundbreaking contributions to infectious disease prevention, HIV research, and violence reduction. Her achievements have earned her global recognition, including appointments as a Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences and a Foreign Associate Member of the US National Academy of Medicine. In 2019, she was honoured as a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George for her exceptional contributions to global health. This accolade highlights her commitment to using science as a tool for improving lives worldwide.
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Lastly, the growing collaboration between the two countries is set to yield more innovative solutions that address local and global challenges. The visit serves as a reminder of the transformative power of partnerships in science and technology, not just as tools for economic development but as mechanisms for sustainable development. By leveraging shared expertise and resources, both nations are poised to tackle critical issues such as environmental sustainability, healthcare innovation, and creative industry development. These efforts highlight the importance of global cooperation in building resilient and inclusive societies.