Request for proposals for Provision of Technical Assistance to Small and Growing Agribusinesses under the Investing in Women in Nigeria Programme Scope of work The consultant will work with The AECF and the investees leadership team to deliver interventions across the functions below: a) Market attractiveness Assess the presence, adequacy, and quality of existing strategic and business plans for each company. Where plans exist, review and provide annotated recommendations to strengthen alignment with market trends, growth ambitions, climate resilience, and gender inclusion. For companies lacking strategic plans, co-develop detailed 35-year investor-ready strategic plans based on company input and sector benchmarks. Design and facilitate strategic planning workshops for each companys leadership team to refine mission, vision, goals, competitive advantage, and strategic priorities. Conduct rapid market assessments to identify viable product or service opportunities, geographic expansion potential, and pricing dynamics. b) Leadership and governance Evaluate current governance structures, including board roles, composition, decision-making protocols, and compliance with regulatory or internal expectations and assist in closing the compliance gaps. Support the development or refinement of governance documents such as board charters, shareholder agreements, conflict of interest policies, and codes of conduct. Advise on the establishment or strengthening of advisory boards or external oversight mechanisms as applicable. Deliver targeted governance coaching to founders or board leaders, tailored to company-specific challenges (e.g., succession planning, dual roles). c) Financial and business model strengthening Conduct a baseline diagnostic of each companys financial management processes, tools, and reporting culture. Co-create simple but robust financial tools, including annual budgeting templates, monthly financial reporting dashboards, and cost-tracking sheets. Review existing contracts with suppliers, distributors, and partners; recommend and introduce improved formats with key risk mitigation clauses. Introduce SOP frameworks (procurement, inventory, HR, finance, etc.) and co-develop where key gaps exist. Develop gender-sensitive impact measurement tools (e.g., jobs created, female leadership, income generation) aligned to company goals and AECF reporting. Deliver short internal training or onboarding guides on financial discipline, risk mitigation, and operational compliance. d) Climate-smart practices/Technologies training and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) assessment Climate Smart Practices Rapidly identify gaps, gather baseline data, and develop a tailored curriculum. Train & mentor: Deliver a practical Climate Smart Practices/Technologies workshop and provide mentorship to turn learning into action plans. Assessment of the ESG compliance status Deliverables The consultant will conduct the following activities: Review of the preliminary needs assessment conducted by AECF Preparation of an Inception Report and Detailed Workplan Execution of the Assignment and Reporting The anticipated specific deliverables for the consultant will include the following: a) Market attractiveness A reviewed or newly developed 35 year strategic and business plan for each company, with clear articulation of vision, mission, strategic objectives, competitive advantage, and growth pathways. A brief market assessment report for each company, highlighting demand trends, competitive analysis, product/service diversification opportunities, and potential new markets. A facilitation report for each strategy workshop conducted, including planning materials, attendance records, and action points arising from the sessions. b) Leadership and governance A governance diagnostic report per company, outlining current governance status, gaps, and risks. Refined or newly developed governance documentation for each company, including board charters, conflict of interest policies, and leadership codes of conduct. A brief coaching summary per company, outlining governance sessions held, leadership engagement, and succession planning recommendations. c) Financial and business model strengthening A financial systems diagnostic report and improvement plan for each company. Customizable financial tools and templates, including monthly dashboards, annual budget templates, and cost-tracking sheets tailored to the business model of each investee. A set of operational SOPs and at least one standardized supplier/off-taker contract template per company. A gender-sensitive impact tracking framework per company (aligned with AECF impact metrics). A short training delivery report per company, including materials used and feedback received. d) Climate-smart practices/Technologies training and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) assessment A comprehensive CSA needsassessment report, baseline dataset, and customized training curriculum. A two or threeday practical workshop where investees will receive enterprisespecific 12month CSA action plans. ESG Compliance status report, detailing needs and gaps The consultant will also share an insights report for the learning and recommendations from the assignment. Duration of the assignment The consultancy is expected to run for a period of up to one year, commencing in September 2025 and concluding by August 2026, subject to agreement at contract signing. The estimated Level of Effort (LoE) for this assignment is approximately 20 consultancy days per investee. 6.1) Reporting The Consultant will report to the Senior Advisory Specialist at the AECF and the IIW Nigeria Program Manager. Proposal submission As part of its ongoing IIW program in Nigeria, AECF invites proposals from qualified consulting firms to provide technical assistance (TA) to Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs). The consulting firm will eventually support up to 15 SGBs operating in the agribusiness sector in Kano State, Nigeria, with a strong focus on promoting women-led and women-benefiting enterprises. Interested and qualified consulting firms are invited to submit their proposal(s) comprising the following: A technical proposal, max 20 pages (excluding annexes) An understanding of the consultancy requirements. Methodology and work plan for performing the assignment underpinned by a demonstration of value for money. Detailed reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments. Relevant services undertaken in the last five (5) years. Letters of signed reference from at least 3 previous companies/assignments Registration and other relevant statutory documents. CVs for the team and Lead consultant in the subject /Area matter. 2. A financial proposal Clearly showing the proposed team members, roles, and proposed days, and the proposed professional fee (daily rate and total amount per team member). The financial proposal shall also include an indication of reimbursables (travel, communication, etc.). Currency to be in USD. N/B: Technical and Financial proposals should be submitted separately. Combining the financial and technical documents as one document will automatically disqualify the applicant. Tender Link : https://www.aecfafrica.org/about-us/opportunities/
