REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Research Report on Africa–Germany Business Relations

Request for proposals
Rear view of speaker presenting a concept to people in a business seminar. © Shutterstock

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) – Regional Office Africa hereby invites proposals from qualified research institutions, consultancies, think tanks, academic institutions, or consortiums to undertake a research project focused on Africa–Germany business relations.

  1. Background

Africa and Germany continue to expand economic engagement across trade, investment, innovation, sustainability, and private sector cooperation. At the same time, evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics are reshaping how businesses engage across regions.

FNF seeks to commission a concise, evidence-based research report examining opportunities, challenges, perceptions, and emerging trends shaping Africa–Germany business relations, with a particular focus on private sector perspectives and business engagement.

  1. Objective

The objective of this RFP is to appoint a suitable service provider to produce a research report assessing key dynamics influencing Africa–Germany business relations.

The study should provide practical insights into:

  • Opportunities for German business engagement in African markets
  • Key barriers and challenges affecting business cooperation
  • Business perceptions and investment outlooks
  • Emerging geopolitical and economic considerations
  • Sectoral or regional trends relevant to Africa–Germany cooperation
  • Recommendations to strengthen business and economic collaboration
  1. Scope of Work

The appointed service provider will be responsible for:

  • Designing and implementing an appropriate research methodology
  • Conducting surveys, interviews, stakeholder consultations, and/or desk research
  • Engaging relevant private sector stakeholders and business networks
  • Analysing findings and identifying key trends
  • Producing a concise research report/whitepaper
  • Developing a summary infographic or visual presentation of key findings
  • Providing practical recommendations for stakeholders

The proposal may focus on one or more African markets and should clearly outline the rationale for market and stakeholder selection.

  1. Proposal Requirements

Interested bidders must submit:

  • Company profile and relevant experience
  • Examples of comparable research or publications
  • Proposed methodology and workplan
  • Proposed timeline
  • Detailed budget breakdown
  • Proposed project team and lead researchers
  1. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

  • Quality and relevance of the proposed methodology
  • Demonstrated research expertise and experience
  • Understanding of Africa–Germany business relations
  • Feasibility and value for money
  • Ability to deliver within the proposed timeframe
  1. Submission Details
  • Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF format to: kwezi.sogoni@freiheit.org
  • Closing date for submissions: Tuesday, 9 June 2026
  • Late submissions will not be considered.
  • FNF reserves the right not to appoint any bidder.

Kind regards,

Kwezi Sogoni
Programme Manager, South Africa
Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom – Regional Office Africa