Strengthening Bilateral Ties in Research

The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR) have issued a pre-announcement for a new joint research programme spanning 2027 to 2030. This initiative builds on the existing Bilateral Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation between the two countries. It seeks to foster deeper collaboration through joint research projects and researcher mobility initiatives.

University administrators and academics across South African institutions are taking note of the opportunity, as the programme is expected to open for proposals on 30 June 2026 with a submission deadline of 15 September 2026. The focus remains on advancing scientific excellence and innovation while building sustainable partnerships.

Background to the Collaboration

South Africa and Tunisia have maintained diplomatic and scientific relations for decades. The bilateral agreement provides the formal framework for this latest programme. Officials from both the NRF and MHESR have highlighted the value of pooling resources and expertise to address shared challenges in areas such as space and astronomy, among other priority fields.

Previous bilateral efforts have demonstrated the potential for meaningful outcomes when researchers from the two nations work together. This new cycle extends that tradition into a structured four-year framework designed to deliver tangible results for higher education and research communities.

Programme Objectives and Scope

The core objectives centre on promoting scientific excellence and innovation in both countries while strengthening bilateral research partnerships. Joint proposals must involve research institutions and principal investigators from each nation. Mobility components will allow researchers to travel between South Africa and Tunisia for collaborative work.

Eligible projects will receive support for activities that advance knowledge in agreed priority areas. The programme emphasises equitable participation and capacity building, particularly for emerging researchers and postgraduate students at South African universities.

Timeline and Application Process

Following the pre-announcement, the full call documentation is scheduled for release on 30 June 2026. Applicants will have until 15 September 2026 to submit proposals. Successful projects are expected to commence in 2027 and run through 2030.

University research offices are advised to prepare internal review processes in advance. Clear guidelines on eligibility, funding limits, and reporting requirements will be provided in the official call documents once released.

Photo by Mohamed Fsili on Unsplash

Implications for South African Universities

South African higher education institutions stand to benefit significantly from increased international research funding and collaboration opportunities. Participation can enhance institutional profiles, support postgraduate training, and contribute to national research output metrics tracked by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).

Administrators at universities such as the University of Cape Town, University of the Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch University are likely to encourage faculty to explore these opportunities. The programme aligns with broader national goals of internationalisation in higher education.

Opportunities for Researchers and PhD Candidates

Early-career researchers and PhD-track academics in South Africa will find new avenues for international exposure. Mobility grants within the programme facilitate short-term visits, conference participation, and joint supervision arrangements.

Departments in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields are particularly well positioned. The emphasis on joint projects encourages interdisciplinary approaches that can strengthen grant applications for future funding rounds from the NRF and other bodies.

Broader Context in African Research Cooperation

This South Africa-Tunisia initiative forms part of a wider landscape of bilateral and multilateral research partnerships across the continent. It complements existing programmes such as those with European partners and other African nations.

By focusing on mutual benefit and shared priorities, the programme contributes to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aspirations for science, technology, and innovation. South African researchers gain access to complementary expertise and infrastructure in Tunisia, while Tunisian counterparts benefit from South Africa’s established research ecosystem.

Challenges and Considerations

Potential participants should anticipate standard administrative requirements associated with international funding. These include ethical approvals, intellectual property agreements, and financial reporting aligned with both NRF and MHESR standards.

University administrators will need to ensure adequate support structures for successful applicants. Language considerations, while manageable given English and French proficiency in the respective research communities, require attention during proposal development.

Photo by Anastasia Palagutina on Unsplash

Future Outlook

With the call opening imminent, the research community in South Africa is preparing for what promises to be a competitive yet rewarding opportunity. Successful projects will contribute to the growing body of collaborative research outputs between the two nations.

Long-term, the programme is expected to lay foundations for sustained partnerships beyond 2030. Stakeholders anticipate that lessons learned will inform future bilateral agreements and contribute to South Africa’s position as a research hub on the continent.

Further details will be available on the NRF website once the full call is published. Researchers are encouraged to monitor updates from their institutional research offices.