The fundamental study of physics has played a crucial role in helping to understand natural phenomena and biological processes throughout history. However, physics as a discipline has not advanced at an equal pace around the globe. In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), physics research faces major challenges including gaps in human capital, infrastructural deficits, weaker support systems for innovation and barriers to international collaboration. As a response to this gap, a prospective multi-year programme has the potential to improve physics training, research, infrastructure and collaboration in SSA with the overall objective of supporting the SSA physics community to produce world-class research and contribute to developmental priorities. The nine SSA partner countries for the proposed programme are: Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. Preceding the design of the Programme proposal, an in-depth, participatory feasibility study was commissioned to investigate current challenges and identify strategic opportunities for intervention. Within the study, capacity was specifically appraised using the following dimensions: (1) availability and qualifications of academic and research staff; (2) quality of the physics training and education pipeline; (3) level of gender inclusivity; (4) availability and quality of research infrastructure; (5) strength of R&D and innovation platforms; and (6) the presence and strength of collaborations and networks. This report presents findings, challenges and opportunities for each of these dimensions in order. The final section discusses the participation potential of partner countries and concludes with a summary of strategic interventions identified through the study. [This report was co-produced by the the Institute of Physics (IOP) and funded by the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).]