Expression of Interest for Econsult: Debt Financing For Small And Medium Enterprises In The Off-Grid Solar Sector

Econsult: Debt Financing For Small And Medium Enterprises In The Off-Grid Solar Sector The Objective Of This Assignment Is To Provide Background Information And Guidance To World Bank Task Teams That Seek To Identify Suitable Vehicles To Channel Debt Funding To Off-Grid Energy Access Smes. More Specifically, The Consultants Shall Produce: I) An Overview Of The Ogs Sector Debt Financing Landscape Including Current Debt Flows Into The Sector, The Different Types Of Sources And Recipients Of Debt Capital, By Growth Stage/Maturity Level, And Instruments And Structuring Trends, To Understand The Financing Needs And Current Sources Of Debt Capital For Local Smes In The Sector, Identify The Constraints Faced By Smes In Accessing It And Highlight Potential Gaps. Ii) An Analysis Of Established Debt Facilities For Off-Grid Sector, Other Similar/Allied Sectors As Well As Multipurpose Facilities Within The World Bank Regarding Their Suitability To Cater To The Financing Needs Of The Sector And Draw Relevant Lessons For Improving Access To Debt Capital For Smes. Iii) Instruments And/Or Innovative Structuring Approachesfor The World Bank To More Effectively Enable Smes Providing Ogs Solutions In Developing Countries On Terms (E.G., Tenor, Ticket Size, Interest Rates) That Are Compatible With Their Business Model, Capital Requirements, And Current Capital Structure (Equity-Debt Ratio), And Complements The Work Of Other Development Partners, Dfis Or Impact Investors. The Analysis Will Comprehensively Cover The Following: I. Debt Instruments: Including, But Not Limited To, Term Loans, Lines Of Credit, Accounts Receivables Financing, Convertible Debt, Securitization, Venture Debt And De-Risking Approaches. Ii. Financial Intermediaries: Including Local Banks, And International Investment Funds Iii. Maturity Level Of Companies: Including Early, Venture-Stage, Growth-Stage, And Mature Companies.