FCDO Call for Tenders: Strengthening Research Systems in Southern Africa

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has announced a call for tenders to strengthen research systems in Southern Africa. The initiative focuses on measuring, incentivising, and rewarding academic research that delivers socio-economic impact. Applications are due by 23 January 2026.

  Background and Rationale

• National research systems across Southern Africa face challenges in adapting funding frameworks to prioritize impact-focused research.
• Current mechanisms often emphasize publications rather than social outcomes.
• There is a lack of comparative evidence from both developed and developing countries on successful models for reform.
• This evidence gap hinders the design of robust, context-sensitive systems that can reward research contributing to socio-economic development.
• The study aims to address these gaps by identifying and comparing approaches that go beyond traditional academic outputs.

  Objectives of the Fund

The study will generate recommendations for the FCDO and its partners to:

• Strengthen national research funding mechanisms in Southern Africa.
• Incentivise and reward research that prioritizes social impact.
• Promote opportunities for early-career researchers.
• Align with Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) objectives.

  Requirements for Organisations Wishing to Apply

Applicants must demonstrate strong expertise and contextual knowledge. Key requirements include:

• Core team expertise in national/domestic funding allocation for higher education and research in Southern Africa.
• Familiarity with current best practices, drawing on UK and international experience.
• Technical and contextual skills in:
  • Collection and interpretation of research data.
  • Synthesis and communication of findings.
  • Dissemination of recommendations to stakeholders such as governments, universities, and research institutions.
• Experience in designing and implementing research that addresses structural barriers for marginalized groups.
• Preference for bidders with:
  • Established networks and contacts in Southern Africa.
  • Proven experience delivering similar research in the region.
  • Ability to gather evidence effectively within short timeframes.

  Collaboration and Inclusion

The FCDO emphasizes collaboration between international and local expertise:

• Research teams should meaningfully include local researchers from Southern African countries.
• Priority will be given to teams where local researchers serve as principal or co-investigators.
• Applications are especially welcomed from consortia uniting UK and African institutions.

  Application Process

• Submit tender documents via email to: uk_evidence_fund_administration@pwc.com.
• Deadline: 11:59pm UK time, 23 January 2026.
• Clarification questions may be sent by 16 January 2026.
• Responses to questions will be provided by 19 January 2026.

Required Documents (Volumes)

1. Invitation to tender instructions and evaluation criteria
2. Terms of reference
3. Application form
4. Commercial pro formas
5. Contract documents
   • Form of contract
   • Standard terms and conditions
   • Terms of reference
   • Special conditions
   • Schedule of prices
6. Conflict of interest and safeguarding policies
7. Letter and declaration to accompany tenders

  Key Dates

• 11 December 2025 – Initial publication of the call.
• 29 December 2025 – Latest update to the tender notice.
• 16 January 2026 – Deadline for clarification questions.
• 19 January 2026 – Responses to clarification questions.
• 23 January 2026 – Final deadline for tender submission.

  Expected Impact

This initiative is designed to:

• Provide evidence-based recommendations for reforming research funding systems.
• Encourage impact-driven research that addresses socio-economic challenges.
• Support early-career researchers, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in research opportunities.
• Strengthen collaboration between UK and African institutions, fostering long-term partnerships.
• Promote GESI objectives, ensuring marginalized groups are not excluded from research opportunities.