Background
The Africa Portal, launched in 2010, has served as a leading open-access research repository and expert analysis hub on African affairs. It provided over 10,000 policy briefs, reports, and commentary from a network of African think tanks and thought leaders. The platform ceased updates in mid-2022 but remains a valuable knowledge resource. SAIIA, with support from the Mastercard Foundation, is reviving and transforming the Africa Portal into the Africa Youth Portal – a dynamic platform focused on youth issues and youth-led research. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s goal of advancing youth education and employability across Africa.
Scope of Work
We invite qualified companies or individuals to submit proposals for:
1. Redesign and Rebranding
The objective is to rebrand the Africa Portal to the Africa Youth Portal, reflecting a fresh, youth-centric identity that resonates with African youth. While the primary focus is on the website, we require a cohesive visual identity across all communication channels.
The selected provider will develop the following:
- Logo Design: Conceptualisation and finalisation of a new logo for the project.
- Website UI/UX: A modern website optimised for responsiveness and accessibility across devices.
- Visual Brand Style Guide: A document providing direction on logo usage, colours, typography etc.
- Newsletter Template: A branded template for monthly newsletters.
- Social Media Templates: A suite of versatile templates for LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube that aligns with the new brand identity.
2. Requirements for the Website
The appointed service provider will be expected to deliver a robust, visually compelling, secure, and scalable website with the following core features:
A. Functionality
- Research Repository: An open-access library for policy briefs, reports, and youth-led research. The existing repository of documents will be retained.
- Expert Analysis Hub: Sections housing commentary, blogs, events and multimedia content, including photo galleries, videos and podcasts.
- Accessibility: Full compliance with international web accessibility standards.
- Search & Discoverability: Advanced site-wide search functionality to help users find information quickly and intuitively.
- Global Accessibility: Multilingual capabilities via automated translation tools to serve a diverse African and international audience.
B. User Engagement & Analytics
- Automated Content Alerts: Real-time notifications for new publications and updates.
- Newsletters: Integrated tools for distributing regular curated content.
- Analytics: Full integration with Google Analytics to track user engagement and reach.
- Social Sharing and Visibility: Connection with LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook and YouTube.
C. Data Management
- Content Management: Archive existing Africa Portal content by year to ensure it remains available to users.
Web Development Deadlines
The website launch will follow a phased implementation approach:
Soft launch: Focused on a call for applications and training announcements. Deadline: Monday, 13 April 2026
Full public launch: To coincide with the first youth training workshop and hybrid event. Deadline: Friday, 24 April 2026
Deliverables
- Brand Style Guide: A digital PDF manual covering logo usage, typography, colours etc for consistency.
- Visual Brand Assets: Final logo files (high-res, transparent and social-media-ready formats).
- Communication Templates: Branded newsletter template and social media post templates.
- Fully Functional Website: Secure, scalable portal with integrated search and analytics.
- Training & Support: Technical documentation and three months of post-launch support.
Budget
- The total budget for the brand design and web development is capped at R250,000 (VAT inclusive).
- A 50% deposit will be paid upon receipt of invoice and accompanying bank confirmation letter.
- Hosting & Maintenance: Proposals should include a separate budget for monthly hosting and maintenance of the site post-launch; this cost is not included in the R250,000 development budget.
Submission Requirements
- Company/individual profile and relevant experience.
- Technical proposal outlining approach, methodology and timeline.
- Financial proposal with detailed cost estimates.
- At least two references from similar projects.
Eligibility
- Proven experience in web design and development for knowledge platforms.
- Demonstrated capacity to deliver projects within agreed timelines and budgets.
- Familiarity with similar policy research and youth engagement projects is an advantage.
Evaluation Criteria
- Technical expertise and creativity.
- Understanding of project objectives.
- Cost-effectiveness and value for money.
- Ability to meet deadlines and provide ongoing support.
Process Timelines
- Call for Proposals Issued: Monday, 26 January 2026
- Deadline for Questions/Clarifications: Thursday, 29 January 2026
- Proposal Submission Deadline: Monday, 9 February 2026
- Shortlisted Vendor Presentations: 12 –16 February 2026
- Contract Awarded: Friday, 20 February 2026
- Project Kick-off: Monday, 23 February 2026
How to submit
Please email your proposal to Donavan Fullard (Head of Youth Programmes) at donavan.fullard@saiia.org.za using the subject line: Web Dev & Design: Africa Youth Portal.
Please note that only shortlisted vendors will be contacted. If you have not received feedback by mid-February 2026, please consider your application unsuccessful.