The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has invited tenders to assess the effectiveness of UK higher education (HE) partnerships in East Africa, with applications due by 17 October 2025. The study will examine the equity, collaboration, and measurable benefits of these partnerships for both UK and East African institutions.
The UK has a long history of HE collaboration across Africa, rooted in colonial ties, post-independence capacity building, and development cooperation. Early initiatives focused on strengthening local universities, academic exchanges, and scholarships such as Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships, enabling East African students to study in the UK.
The study aims to map existing partnerships, exploring their nature, scope, duration, and value. It will assess the effectiveness of partnerships in delivering tangible outcomes, produce case studies highlighting innovative approaches beyond Official Development Assistance (ODA), and provide recommendations for how the UK can leverage HE partnerships to enhance soft power and strategic engagement in the region.
Organisations applying must demonstrate extensive expertise, including a lead researcher with 10+ years in education research, political economy, or international development, qualitative research leads in each of the five focal countries with local networks and field experience, and experience in research communication and uptake to make findings accessible through policy briefs, infographics, and stakeholder events.
Applicants should also have proven expertise in higher education in both the UK and East Africa, including familiarity with key actors, sectoral policies, and policy frameworks, along with knowledge of soft power, public diplomacy, and influence mechanisms in development cooperation.
Interested organisations should submit their technical and commercial proposals to ke_evidencefundeastafrica@pwc.com
by 5pm East African Time on 17 October 2025. Late submissions will not be considered.
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