Request for Proposal For Somalia WomenS Market Access Open Innovation Challenge 2025

Request for Proposals for Somalia Womens Market Access Open Innovation Challenge 2025. The Center of Innovation and Agropreneurship Development (CIAD) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (MoAI), in collaboration with RLRP and S-FSRP, is launching the Somalia Womens Market Access Open Innovation Challenge 2025. The goal is to identify, support, and scale innovative market access solutions that empower women agropreneurs. Challenge Objective The Somalia Womens Market Access Open Innovation Challenge seeks entrepreneurs and businesses that can: Develop scalable solutions to enhance womens access to agricultural markets. Improve the competitiveness of women-led agribusinesses across different value chains. Leverage technology and innovation to create sustainable market linkages. Promote financial inclusion and investment readiness for women agripreneurs Innovation Approach & Key Principles This challenge applies IFADs Innovation Model for Innovation Challenges, incorporating the following: Women-Centered Design Solutions must be specifically designed for women agropreneurs, addressing their unique challenges, needs, and barriers to market access through inclusive, user-driven approaches. They should also enhance access to better knowledge, skills, markets, and financing, particularly in rural areas Lean Canvas Approach Applicants must submit a simple, one-page plan outlining the problem they aim to solve, their proposed solution, key success indicators (metrics), and the unique value of their idea. This structured approach ensures a clear and flexible process for refining and validating innovative solutions. Iterative Prototyping & Validation Solutions should undergo progressive testing and refinement through stage-gate validation, ensuring feasibility, effectiveness, and adaptability before scaling. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Proposals led by women entrepreneurs or benefiting at least 50% female participants will receive priority consideration, promoting gender equity and inclusive economic growth. Partnerships & Scalability Solutions should demonstrate strong collaboration potential with local organizations, financial institutions, and technology hubs to enhance impact, sustainability, and scalability. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible, applicants must meet the following criteria: Description: https://somalijobs-src.s3.amazonaws.com/editor-images/5764709834126729.pngOrganizational Structure Applicants must be legally registered women-led business or at least have 30% women in the leadership team. Individual applications will not be considered. Registration of at least six months or more will be considered an added advantage during the selection process. Please note that no administrative or start-up financing will be provided under this challenge. Therefore, businesses should already have a basic operational structure and a demonstrated understanding of key business functions. Description: https://somalijobs-src.s3.amazonaws.com/editor-images/10354228517618608.pngGender Inclusion Women-led enterprises and/or enterprises with at least 30% women in the leadership team will be considered, promoting gender diversity and inclusive economic participation. Description: https://somalijobs-src.s3.amazonaws.com/editor-images/5283587113732706.pngGeographic Focus Applicants can be based anywhere in Somalia but must have operational experience in Southwest State and Jubaland. The proposed solutions should be tested and scaled up in the five indicated districts across Jubaland State (Kismayo & Bardhere) and Southwest State (Afgoye, Celbarde and Baidoa). Description: https://somalijobs-src.s3.amazonaws.com/editor-images/15331254419555218.pngTechnology Readiness & Prototype Validation Applicants must have a validated prototype or functioning model at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 or higher. TRL 4 indicates that the proof-of-concept technology has been developed, and multiple component pieces have been tested together. Higher TRL levels are also accepted and advantageous, with anything above TRL 4 receiving extra points. Description: https://somalijobs-src.s3.amazonaws.com/editor-images/3279377089167923.pngCommitment to Scaling Applicants must demonstrate a clear plan and capacity to scale their solution within 12-24 months,ensuring long-term impact and sustainability. Tender Link : https://somalijobs.com/tenders