Science and Technology Accelerator – Systems (STA-S) Southern Africa programme
The STA-S Southern Africa programme by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office funds research and innovation ecosystem transformation for inclusive, sustainable development in Southern Africa.
Funder: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Due Dates: August 26, 2026 (Expression of Interest) | October 2, 2026 (Full Proposal)
Funding Amounts: Up to £2.5 million total; up to £400,000 for 2026/27; project duration to March 2030.
Summary: Supports system-level transformation of science, technology, and innovation ecosystems for inclusive growth in Southern Africa.
Key Information: Lead partner must be a not-for-profit; consortium approach and ODA eligibility required.
Description
This funding opportunity aims to strengthen science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) ecosystems across Southern Africa, with a primary focus on South Africa and initial activities in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The programme seeks to address systemic barriers that limit the translation of research and innovation into practical, region-wide benefits. Supported activities span AI, emerging technologies, digital inclusion, climate and energy, health, and space, with an emphasis on policy, regulatory, and institutional strengthening, as well as research commercialisation and entrepreneurship. The initiative is designed to foster UK–Southern Africa collaboration, scale effective approaches, and generate models for sustainable development and robust partnerships.
