Request for proposals for Terms of Reference for Recruiting a Consulting Firm for the Development of National Data Value Creation Blueprints in Senegal and Kenya The Smart Africa Manifesto is built on five key pillars: Placing ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) at the center of national socio-economic development agendas. Improving access to ICT, particularly broadband connectivity. Enhancing transparency, efficiency, and accountability through ICT. Prioritizing the private sector. Leveraging ICT for sustainable development. As of June 2025, the Smart Africa Alliance comprises 40 member states, along with several international partner organizations, including the African Union Commission (AUC), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and private sector partners from across the globe. The Smart Africa Secretariat (SAS) is headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda. 1.2. Project background Data governance has become a central issue in digital transformation strategies globally. The potential of data as a driver of economic development, improved public policy, enhanced transparency, and technological innovation is now universally recognizedfrom Silicon Valley to the most remote villages in Africa. Within this context, the issue of data value creationi.e., transforming data into economic, social, or environmental valuehas become a key strategic priority. It is within this strategic framework that the Data Governance in Africa initiative was launched as a joint effort by the African Union and the European Union aimed at facilitating the implementation and domestication of the African Union Continental Data Policy Framework. One of its flagship projects, Creating an African-Owned Data Governance Model, is funded by GIZ and implemented by Smart Africa under the umbrella of the EU-AU Data Flagship program. This project aims to support: SO1: The development of public policy instruments on data and the strengthening of the enforcement capacities of African Data Protection Authorities. SO2: The creation of national socio-economic development blueprints based on the value creation potential of data. SO3: The design of an innovative financing model for the digital economy. As part of SO2, Smart Africa will support Senegal and Kenya in developing national roadmaps or strategic frameworks that serve as guides for data value creation. A specialized consulting firm will be recruited to lead this process, which will be based on: The guiding principles of the African Union Data Policy Framework. The recommendations of the Smart Africa Data Governance Blueprint. National priorities outlined in each countrys socio-economic development plans. The identification and involvement of key national stakeholders, with a clear definition of their roles in the data governance value chain. The development of a five-year implementation plan for the data value creation roadmap, along with a monitoring and evaluation framework. 1.3. Context of digital governance in the two countries 1.3.1. Kenyas digital landscape Kenya is positioning itself as a true leader in Africas digital economy, with a favorable political, regulatory, and technological environment for data value creation. It was among the first African countries to adopt a structured vision for digital transformation through the launch of its Digital Economy Blueprint (2019), which outlines five pillars for an inclusive digital economy: digital infrastructure, digital services, digital entrepreneurship, digital skills, and data governance. Legally, Kenya adopted the Data Protection Act in 2019, establishing the Office of the Data Protection Commissioner and creating a robust data protection framework aligned with international standards such as the GDPR. The Acts implementation is supported by technical regulations (Data Protection Regulations, 2021) covering data security, cross-border data transfers, and childrens data protection. In terms of innovation, Kenya has finalized its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (20252030), promoting ethical and inclusive use of AI in health, agriculture, public services, and governance. This complements the National Digital Master Plan (20222032), a ten-year roadmap for investments in e-government, connectivity, digital education, and critical infrastructure. Kenyas vibrant tech ecosystem, often referred to as "Silicon Savannah," is centered in Nairobione of Africas top tech hubshome to prominent incubators such as iHub, Nailab, and the Kenya Innovation Agency (KENIA). According to StartupBlink (2023), Kenya ranks third in Africa for startup ecosystem strength, after Nigeria and South Africa. The country also boasts growing internet connectivity, with an internet penetration rate estimated at 42% in 2024, and a particularly strong fintech sector led by M-Pesa, which serves over 30 million users. In this context, Kenyas national data value creation blueprint will: Fully leverage the existing legal and technological landscape. Structure high-impact use cases in priority sectors (health, agriculture, environment, education, public services). Support data driven decisions in select use cases. Build the capacity of public and private institutions to use data responsibly and innovatively. Align national initiatives with continental frameworks, notably the AU Data Policy Framework and the Smart Africa Data Governance Blueprint. Location: Kigali Deadline: Friday, 05/12/2025 17:00 Tender Link : https://www.jobinrwanda.com/index.php/job/terms-reference-recruiting-consulting-firm-development-national-data-value-creation-blueprints
