The Trials of Excellence in Southern Africa (TESA) network was created in 2009 during phase 1 of the first EDCTP programme.

TESA establishes a framework for collaboration, capacity building and training involving institutions from Southern Africa in partnership with Europe. TESA through successive projects comes together to strengthen and enhance clinical research capabilities in southern Africa, as well as to increase North-South and South-South collaboration and networking activities among member institutions.

EDCTP and the TESA consortium also develop joint actions to contribute to the reduction of gender and geographic disparities through specific training for junior and senior scientists. The TESA Consortium incorporates the Gender dimension into the portfolio of its activities, where opportunities are created to empower women. With this we hope to see reduced gender disparities in the region. With this approach, we believe that society will gradually accept that women can do well in science, providing role models for girls and women and occupying positions equal to men.