The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has launched a call for proposals, inviting applications by 3 October 2025 to conduct a comprehensive study on start-up funding in East Africa, with a particular focus on Kenya and Tanzania. Commissioned through the UK Kenya Tech Hub, the East Africa Research and Innovation Hub, and the Evidence Fund, the research will provide a deep analysis of funding dynamics across the region.
The study will map the start-up financing landscape across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Its aim is to generate insights that can guide future policies and programmes developed by the FCDO and its partners. By examining funding sources, recipient profiles, investment criteria, and barriers to scaling from minimum viable product to seed and series A funding, the research will shed light on critical stages of growth for East African start-ups.
Beyond mapping the ecosystem, the research seeks to close evidence gaps that currently hinder effective programme design, targeted investments, and policy interventions. It will emphasise equitable support for start-ups in key sectors such as climate innovation, fintech, bioscience, and agri-tech. Case studies of both successful and unsuccessful ventures will highlight the key factors influencing growth, resilience, and long-term sustainability, offering practical recommendations for funders and policymakers.
The opportunity is open to organisations from all ODA-eligible countries. Applicants are expected to demonstrate proven technical and contextual expertise in data collection, analysis, and communication of research findings. They must also show experience in conducting similar studies and a strong understanding of the regional start-up ecosystem. Proposals that encourage collaboration between start-up ecosystem practitioners and academic experts are particularly welcomed, as such partnerships can provide a balanced perspective on strengthening innovation systems in East Africa.
Related Posts
