Aceli Africa ("Aceli”) is a market catalyst mobilizing finance for small- and medium-enterprises (SMEs) in the agriculture sector in East Africa. Informed by original data on the economics of agri-SME lending, Aceli Africa is designed to align capital supply and demand to mobilize $500M in lending to agri-SMEs while creating a more sustainable and competitive marketplace.
This engagement is presented as a Terms of Reference (ToR) for Technical Assistance (TA) aimed at Agri-SMEs. The successful firm or consultant will be responsible for developing and delivering a comprehensive TA program to enhance the investment readiness and performance of agri-SMEs.
Scope of Work (Terms of Reference)
The assignment requires the following activities:
- Program Planning & Design: Develop a detailed workplan of activities and the overall program approach/methodology to achieve desired outcomes.
- Methodology: The proposal should consider a mixed approach consisting of virtual learning (where relevant, but not necessary), in-person bootcamp/workshop, and one-on-one advisory covering critical areas such as business strategy, financial management, investment planning, risk, and governance.
- Local Delivery: The firm must demonstrate the ability to deliver the program using local, country-based resources in each country.
- SME Sourcing & Screening: Conduct outreach through various channels to source agri-SMEs meeting the target profile and manage the application process. This includes developing marketing collateral and an application platform.
- Selection Management: In collaboration with Aceli, conduct screening of applications to assess motivation and fit with the program's objectives. Selection should also take into account geographic dispersion of agri-SMEs to optimize program resources.
- Curriculum Adaptation: Adapt program curriculum/approach/tools to take into account local contexts (e.g., language) and nuances of selected SMEs (e.g., value chains represented).
- Evaluation: Conduct a baseline evaluation of selected SMEs; indicators and instruments are to be developed in collaboration with Aceli.
- Program Delivery: Deliver the TA program, including managing all program communication and logistics related to workshops, SME visits, etc.
- Monitoring & Reporting: Provide Aceli with real-time analytics on learning progress and SME performance, and integrate follow-up surveys post-training to assess learning adoption, behavioral change, and business outcomes. Prepare reports as agreed upon with Aceli.
Proposal Requirements
Applicants should submit a proposal 6-8 pages in length, detailing:
- Proposed approach to conducting the assignment, including a timeline, assumptions, and any requirements from the Aceli team and partners to meet the project objectives.
- Experience in investment readiness, business training, and coaching methodologies tailored for agri-SMEs.
- Understanding of the agri-SME financing landscape.
Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Quality and clarity of the proposed approach and methodology.
- Demonstrated experience in investment readiness, business training and coaching methodologies tailored for agri-SMEs in Eastern and Southern Africa.
- Qualifications and relevant experience of the proposed team.
- Cost-effectiveness and overall value for money.
Qualifications
Applicants should possess a BA/BSc/HND qualification and demonstrate expertise relevant to the scope of work described.
