Science and Technology Accelerator – Systems (STA-S) Southern Africa programme
The STA-S Southern Africa programme by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office supports systemic science and technology research partnerships to drive inclusive innovation and development in Southern Africa.
Funder: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Due Dates: August 26, 2026: Expression of Interest submission deadline | October 2, 2026: Second stage submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to £2.5 million total; up to £400,000 available for the first year; project period: Oct 2026–March 2030
Summary: Supports systemic innovation and research partnerships in Southern Africa to drive inclusive development and scalable impact in science and technology.
Key Information: Lead partner must be a not-for-profit; multi-partner consortia required; ODA eligibility applies.
Description
This multi-year initiative aims to strengthen science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) ecosystems across Southern Africa, primarily focusing on South Africa, with initial activities in Zimbabwe and Zambia. The programme targets systemic barriers to translating research and technological advances into practical, scalable impact, with an emphasis on inclusive economic growth and development. Key focus areas include AI and emerging technologies, digital inclusion, climate and energy, health, space, and the enabling policy and institutional environments that support innovation. The programme is structured around two integrated components: (1) strengthening policy and partnership systems for innovation, and (2) supporting inclusive research commercialisation and entrepreneurship. Collaboration between UK and Southern African partners is central, with the goal of deepening partnerships, enhancing research and innovation environments, and scaling successful approaches regionally.
