Terms of reference for consultancy services: Technical digital innovation expert for due diligence REACT 2.0 Regional Digital Innovation Fund for Energy & Climate (DIFEC)

Written by AECF

1.0 Background

The REACT 2.0 Regional Programme – Digital Innovation Fund for Energy & Climate (DIFEC) is a three-year Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) initiative designed to unlock the potential of digital technologies to accelerate clean energy access, strengthen climate resilience, and improve enterprise performance across multiple African markets. DIFEC targets early-stage and growth-stage enterprises developing digital solutions under the DIFEC thematic areas – refer to Annex 1.

The programme operates two funding windows:

  • Window 1 – Growing Digital Innovation (early stage, MVP to validation) and
  • Window 2 – Scaling Digital Innovation (growth stage with commercial traction). 

DIFEC addresses structural barriers such as limited early-stage finance, fragmented markets, and regulatory complexity by providing catalytic grants, venture building support, technical assistance, investment facilitation, and ecosystem strengthening to build a pipeline of scalable, investable digital solutions. The programme emphasizes secure, resilient, and sustainable digital ecosystems—promoting secure by design approaches, responsible data governance, cybersecurity awareness, and alignment with GDPR and the AU Malabo Convention where applicable, especially when digital systems underpin essential services.

Key objectives include improving access to clean energy, strengthening climate mitigation and adaptation, enhancing gender inclusion, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering the replicability and cross-border scalability of digital innovations across SSA.

2.0 Objective of the assignment

The objective of this consultancy is to conduct independent technical digital innovation due diligence on shortlisted applicants under the DIFEC programme. The Digital Specialist will assess technology architecture, technical maturity, cybersecurity, data governance, interoperability, digital scalability, and digital‑specific operational risks. Findings will support AECF’s investment decisions and guide the design of tailored technical assistance for selected enterprises.

3.0 Scope of the evaluation

The Consultant will conduct Technical Digital Due Diligence assessments for up to 15 shortlisted applicants, focusing on the technology, architecture, and digital systems that underpin each enterprise’s product or platform. The assessment areas are outlined below.

Digital Technical Due Diligence 

The Consultant will conduct a detailed technical audit of the enterprise’s product or platform’s full digital architecture. Activities include:

  1. Architecture Review: analysis of software stacks, hardware dependencies, IoT devices, sensors, network architecture, cloud infrastructure, APIs, data pipelines, and integration layers.
  2. Technical Maturity Assessment: evaluating the current state of development, including MVP validation, beta testing results, system stability, performance benchmarks, technology readiness levels, and product‑roadmap feasibility.
  3. Interoperability Evaluation: assessing the ability of the digital solution to integrate with relevant energy or climate‑related systems, including SHS technologies, mini‑grid platforms, smart meters, remote monitoring systems, enterprise software (ERP/CRM), or other digital public infrastructure.
  4. Cybersecurity Assessment: reviewing security architecture, encryption standards, authentication systems, role‑based access controls, vulnerability management processes, incident‑response protocols, secure‑by‑design implementation, and risks of cyber‑physical interference in energy or climate systems.
  5. Data Governance Assessment: assessing data‑collection practices, data storage and retention, cross‑border data transfer, data classification, user consent mechanisms, and alignment with applicable data‑protection frameworks, including GDPR/Malabo principles.
  6. Digital Risk Evaluation: identifying key vulnerabilities, including privacy risks, system reliability challenges, dependency risks, technology obsolescence, infrastructure constraints, or risks associated with scale.

The Consultant will evaluate all assigned applications and provide: 

  1. Technical scoring and qualitative commentary,
  2. Justification for advancing or not advancing each application,
  3. Identification of digital strengths, risks, and scalability considerations,
  4. Recommendations for validation, prototyping, or technical strengthening.
  5. Flag digital issues with financial, legal, or E&S implications to relevant specialists.
  6. Provide clarifications to AECF and other consultants regarding digital architecture, data flows, or technical operations.
  7. Participate in cross‑disciplinary moderation sessions as required.

Coordination with other Due Diligence specialists

This consultancy focuses exclusively on digital and technical due diligence. The Consultant shall coordinate with other specialists responsible for:

  • Business and financial due diligence, including commercial viability, market analysis, and financial modeling;
  • Verification of match-funding requirements;
  • Legal reviews, including licensing, contracts, or regulatory compliance;
  • Environmental and social (E&S) risk assessments.

The Consultant will flag any technical findings with implications for other workstreams and participate in cross-disciplinary moderation sessions as required.

4.0 Approach and methodology

The consultant will apply a structured approach combining:

Desktop Review 

  1. Analysis of applicant submissions, digital artifacts, technical documents, architecture diagrams, and product roadmap materials.
  2. Preliminary assessment of cybersecurity posture, data-governance systems, interoperability capacity, and digital deployment challenges.
  3. Review of technology stack suitability and platform scalability relative to the intended deployment contexts across Sub-Saharan Africa

Technical Model Review  

  1. Examination of core digital workflows, system dependencies, technology architecture, and platform scalability.
  2. Assessment of system robustness, modularity, and technical coherence across product components.

Site Visits, Interviews, and Verification 

  1. Interviews with technical teams to validate assumptions, deployment evidence, and governance processes.
  2. Verification of system performance through demos or technical artifacts.

 Digital Risk Assessment 

  1. Identification of risks requiring mitigation or further specialist review.
  2. Assessment of cybersecurity exposure, data‑management risks, digital operational risks, and technology‑scaling constraints

Consolidated Reporting 

  1. Preparation of clear, comprehensive reports with evidence‑based conclusions, scoring, and recommendations.
  2. Full Digital Due Diligence Reports for each enterprise covering all workstreams.
  3. Digital Risk Assessment Notes outlining vulnerabilities and proposed mitigation measures.
  4. Technical Scoring Sheets
  5. Shortlisting recommendations from a digital/technical lens.
  6. Technical assistance recommendations to strengthen product readiness or digital infrastructure.

Participation in internal review panels or Investment Committee discussions, if requested.

5.0 Deliverables

The consultant will submit the following deliverables:

Inception Report 

  1. Methodology, workplan, tools, and interview guides.
  2. Evaluation Framework Input, including technical assessment criteria for digital innovation.
  3. Due within 5 working days of contract signing.

Due Diligence Templates 

  1. Complete AECF templates
  2. Brief technical validation for shortlisted enterprises.
  3. Incorporating AECF feedback.

Technical Review Reports (one per applicant) 

  1. Full assessment of digital business, technical architecture, cybersecurity, data governance, operational capacity, and digital risks
  2. Specific risks, vulnerabilities, and prioritized mitigations (e.g., secure by design improvements, data governance upgrades)
  3. Written assessment of assigned applications, including scoring and comments.

Shortlisting Recommendations 

  1. Technical justification for advancing or rejecting applications.

Investment Memos (one per applicant) 

  1. Concise summaries of key findings, risk ratings, and recommendations for the Investment Committee.
  2. Presentation to AECF REACT Portfolio and Internal Investment Review Committee upon request.

6.0 Reporting and Investment memo

The consultant will:

  1. Prepare detailed due diligence reports consolidating findings
  2. Produce concise investment memos using AECF templates, highlighting key risks, mitigation measures, and readiness for award.
  3. Identify technical assistance needs for each applicant.

The assignment will be implemented over 20-30 working days, distributed across April to June 2026. All reports and memos will be prepared in English and submitted using an AECF-approved format

7.0 Qualifications

The assignment is to be undertaken by a qualified individual. The consultant must demonstrate the following minimum qualifications:

Core Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in computer science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, Energy Informatics, or related discipline.
  • Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in digital technology development, platform architecture, digital innovation ecosystems, or digital technical due diligence.
  • Demonstrated experience assessing digital platforms in energy, climate, agriculture, or fintech sectors.
  • Strong understanding of digital systems, including IoT, cloud computing, data analytics, AI/ML models, API‑driven platforms, and enterprise software.  

Required Skills and Expertise

Technical:

  • Strong knowledge of:
  • Digital platforms for energy systems (PAYGo, smart metering, IoT monitoring)
  • Data analytics and AI-enabled platforms
  • Cloud architectures and APIs
  • Digital finance platforms
  • Climate data platforms and remote sensing technologies
  • Enterprise digital systems (ERP, CRM, digital operations)
  • Expertise in cybersecurity design, standards, and digital‑risk assessment.
  • Solid understanding of data‑governance frameworks and privacy regulations (GDPR/Malabo).
  • Proven ability to assess interoperability and technical scalability across African markets.
  • High‑quality analytical writing and reporting skills.

Additional Advantage

  • Experience with innovation challenge funds, DFIs, climate/energy digital ecosystems, or start‑up due diligence in Sub‑Saharan Africa.

8.0 Proposal submission

Qualified consultants are invited to submit a proposal that includes the following:

  • A comprehensive description of the consultant’s understanding of the Terms of Reference, indicating any major inconsistency or deficiency in the Terms of Reference, and proposed amendments. Methodology and work plan for performing the assignment.
  • The proposed team members and a description of their respective roles
  • A complete work plan for the entire review period.
  • Detailed reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments. Include signed reference letters from 3 previous institutions/programmes.
  • Relevant services that have been done in the past five (5) years
  • The technical and financial proposals are to be submitted separately in PDF format. NO LINKS
  • The financial proposal (in USD) clearly shows the budgeted cost for the consulting firm to perform the work within the scope outlined above.

All documents related to the technical proposal must be in one document with a clear table of contents

N/B: SUBMITTING THE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENT AS ONE DOCUMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY LEAD TO DISQUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT.

9.0 Pricing

The AECF is obliged by the Kenyan tax authorities to withhold taxes on service contract fees and to ensure that VAT is charged where applicable. Applicants are advised to ensure they have a clear understanding of their tax position with regard to the provisions of Kenyan tax legislation when developing their proposals.

10.0 Evaluation criteria

Mandatory Requirements for individual consultants:

  1. Passport/National Identification of the consultant.
  2. CV demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.
  3. Valid Tax Compliance certificate (where applicable).

N/B: FAILURE TO ATTACH AND ADHERE TO THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION

An evaluation committee will be formed by the AECF and may include employees of the businesses it supports. All members will be bound by the same standards of confidentiality. The consultant should ensure that they fully address all criteria for comprehensive evaluation.

The AECF may request and receive clarification from any consultant when evaluating a proposal. The evaluation committee may invite some or all of the consultants to appear before it to clarify their proposals. In such an event, the evaluation committee may consider such clarifications in evaluating proposals.

In making the final selection of a qualified bidder, the technical quality of the proposal will be weighted 70% in the evaluation. Only the financial proposal of those bidders who qualify technically will be opened. The financial proposal will be weighted at 30%, and the proposals will be ranked by total points scored.

The mandatory and desirable criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are identified in the table below.

No. Criteria for Assessment Marks
1. Proposal complements and alignment with ToR

Overall completeness, clarity, and adherence to the TOR requirements, including quality and responsiveness.

 10
2. Methodology and workplan 

Quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposed approach, methodology, tools, and workplan, demonstrating understanding of the assignment.

 15
3. Relevant Experience and Track Record 

Demonstrated experience conducting digital due diligence, technical assessments, or digital‑innovation evaluations, with a list of evidence of similar assignments and at least 3 signed reference letters

 25
4. Digital & Technical Due Diligence Expertise

Expertise in digital systems, including software architecture, IoT, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, data governance, and API integrations.

 20
Total Score 70

11.0 Application details

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all interested candidates based on merit without regard to race, gender, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

  • Interested consultants are requested to submit their technical and financial proposal via the eprocurement portal https://procurement.aecfafrica.org/ by 8th May 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
  • All questions should be directed to the procurement email aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org by 30th April 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
  • The subject of the email should be ‘’TECHNICAL DIGITAL INNOVATION EXPERT FOR DUE DILIGENCE REACT 2.0 REGIONAL DIGITAL INNOVATION FUND FOR ENERGY & CLIMATE (DIFEC)”. The AECF shall not be liable for not opening proposals submitted with a different subject or for not responding to questions that did not meet the indicated deadline.

12.0 Disclaimer

AECF reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, the number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice, and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party.

The AECF does not charge an application fee for participation in the tendering process and has not appointed any agents or intermediaries to facilitate applications. Applicants are advised to contact the AECF Procurement Department directly.

Terms of Reference for consultancy services: Commercial Expert (Business & financial due diligence) REACT 2.0 Regional Digital Innovation Fund for Energy & Climate (DIFEC)

Written by AECF

1.0 Background

The REACT 2.0 Regional Programme – Digital Innovation Fund for Energy & Climate (DIFEC) is a three-year Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) initiative designed to unlock the potential of digital technologies to accelerate clean energy access, strengthen climate resilience, and improve enterprise performance across multiple African markets. DIFEC targets early-stage and growth-stage enterprises developing digital solutions under the DIFEC thematic areas – refer to Annex 1.

The programme operates two funding windows:

  • Window 1 – Growing Digital Innovation (early stage, MVP to validation) and
  • Window 2 – Scaling Digital Innovation (growth stage with commercial traction). 

DIFEC addresses structural barriers such as limited early-stage finance, fragmented markets, and regulatory complexity by providing catalytic grants, venture building support, technical assistance, investment facilitation, and ecosystem strengthening to build a pipeline of scalable, investable digital solutions. The programme emphasizes secure, resilient, and sustainable digital ecosystems—promoting secure by design approaches, responsible data governance, cybersecurity awareness, and alignment with GDPR and the AU Malabo Convention where applicable, especially when digital systems underpin essential services.

Key objectives include improving clean energy access, strengthening climate mitigation and adaptation, enhancing gender inclusion, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering replicability and cross-border scalability of digital innovations across SSA

2.0 Objective of the assignment

The objective of this assignment is to provide support in the evaluation and comprehensive due diligence on shortlisted applicants, covering business and financial aspects, to support the preparation of investment memos that inform final selection and grant award decisions. Specifically, the assignment seeks to:

  • Assess the commercial viability, scalability, and sustainability of applicants’ business models, including market positioning, customer base, competitive advantage, and organizational capacity.
  • Evaluate the financial soundness of the proposed projects, ensuring financial models, projections, and capital structures are robust, and identifying financial risks and mitigation measures.
  • Integrate due diligence findings into clear recommendations through comprehensive reports and investment memos that outline eligibility, risk profile, readiness for funding, and proposed conditions for grant agreements.

3.0 Scope of the evaluation

The Consultant will conduct Business and Financial Due Diligence assessments for up to 15 shortlisted applicants. The assessment areas are outlined below.

 Business Due Diligence

The Consultant will conduct an in-depth review of each applicant’s business model, with particular attention to the commercial dimensions of digital products and services targeting energy and climate markets. Activities include:

  1. Assess the viability, scalability, and sustainability of the business model, including an evaluation of the digital value proposition, target users, and problem-solution fit within the energy and climate context.
  2. Evaluate market demand, competitive positioning, pricing strategy, and revenue streams, with consideration of the digital distribution channels and go-to-market approach.
  3. Review customer acquisition strategies, user onboarding and after-sales support models, and the operational readiness to serve customers in low-infrastructure or underserved markets, including network coverage, device compatibility, localization, and user adoption barriers.
  4. Assess organizational structure, management capacity, and governance, including the enterprise’s capacity to deliver and sustain digital products or services at scale.
  5. Analyze the proposed pathways for regional scaling, including the solution’s adaptability to diverse regulatory and market environments across Sub-Saharan Africa.
  6. Review digital partnership models, including integrations with energy service providers, climate-data platforms, last-mile distributors, or other ecosystem actors that underpin commercial viability.

Financial Due Diligence

  1. Review historical financial statements to assess liquidity, profitability, solvency, and operational efficiency.
  2. Evaluate the applicant’s financial model, including assumptions, projections, sensitivity tests, and reliability of inputs.
  3. Analyze capital structure, current and projected cash flows, working capital needs, and funding adequacy.
  4. Assess financial risks, sustainability of projected performance, and alignment with proposed REACT 2.0 financing.
  5. Determine whether the project is financially viable and whether the request is justified.

Coordination with Other Due Diligence Specialists

This consultancy focuses on business and financial due diligence. The Consultant shall coordinate with other specialists responsible for:

  1. Technical and digital due diligence, including technology architecture, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital risk;
  2. Legal reviews including corporate structure, licensing, contracts, and regulatory compliance;
  3. Environmental and social (E&S) risk assessments.

The Consultant will flag any commercial or financial findings with implications for other workstreams and participate in cross-disciplinary moderation sessions as required.

4.0 Approach and methodology

The consultant will apply a structured approach that combines desk review, financial analysis, field verification, and consolidated reporting, including, but not limited to, the items outlined below.

Desktop Review 

  1. Review applicant submissions, including business plans, digital business model descriptions, financial models, historical financial statements, and supporting documents.
  2. Conduct preliminary assessment of business model viability, revenue assumptions, and commercial strategy.
  3. Conduct preliminary financial assessment, including review of projections, capital structure, and funding adequacy.
  4. Assess alignment of the business and financial model with programme requirements and the digital energy and climate context.
  5. Identify information gaps requiring clarification or on-site verification.

Business Model Review and Analysis

  1. Assess the coherence and commercial credibility of the business model, including the digital value proposition, target market, and revenue model.
  2. Evaluate the enterprise’s competitive positioning, go-to-market strategy, customer traction to date, and realistic growth trajectory.
  3. Review partnership arrangements, distribution models, and operational capacity to deliver at scale in Sub-Saharan African markets.
  4. Identify key commercial risks and dependencies, including market adoption risks, partnership risks, and scalability constraints.

Financial Model Review and Analysis

  1. Assess the robustness, accuracy, and consistency of each applicant’s financial model.
  2. Evaluate key assumptions, unit economics, sensitivity analyses, and financial sustainability.
  3. Review liquidity, profitability, leverage, cash flow projections, and funding adequacy.
  4. Identify financial risks and determine the viability of the proposed financing structure.

Site Visits, Interviews, and Verification 

  1. Conduct field visits to verify operational capacity, infrastructure, and readiness.
  2. Engage management, staff, and stakeholders to validate the assumptions underlying financial models and business plans.
  3. Confirm compliance with technical and operational standards where applicable.

5.0 Deliverables

The consultant will submit the following deliverables:

Inception Report 

  1. Methodology, workplan, tools, and interview guides.
  2. Due within 5 working days of contract signing.

Draft Due Diligence Reports (one per applicant) 

  1. Covering Business Due Diligence findings, including commercial viability, market positioning, scalability, and operational readiness.
  2. Covering Financial Due Diligence findings, including financial health, model robustness, projections, and risk assessment.

Final Due Diligence Reports

  1. Incorporating AECF feedback.
  2. Submitted in required templates.

Investment Memos (one per applicant) 

  1. Concise summaries of key findings, risk ratings, financial viability, and recommendations for the Investment Committee.

Presentation of Findings

  1. Presentation to AECF REACT Portfolio and Internal Investment Review Committee upon request.

6.0 Reporting and Investment memo

The consultant will:

  1. Prepare detailed due diligence reports consolidating findings across business and financial workstreams, including financial viability and risk ratings.
  2. Produce concise investment memos using AECF templates, highlighting key risks, mitigation measures, and readiness for award.
  3. Identify technical assistance needs for each applicant.

The assignment will be implemented over 20-30 working days, distributed across April to June 2026. All reports and memos will be prepared in English and submitted using an AECF-approved format

7.0 Qualifications

The assignment is to be undertaken by a qualified individual consultant or a team of individual consultants with multidisciplinary expertise covering business and financial due diligence.

The consultant should demonstrate:

  • At least 8–10 years of experience conducting due diligence, transaction advisory, or investment assessments for the development of finance institutions, venture investors, private equity funds, or challenge funds.
  • Proven experience in technology, digital innovation, energy access, climate technologies, or related sectors.
  • Demonstrated experience assessing early-stage and growth-stage enterprises, including startups and digital platform businesses.
  • Experience conducting due diligence assignments covering business and financial assessments.
  • Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa or emerging markets.
  • Strong understanding of grant-funded programmes, blended finance instruments, or innovation challenge funds.

Required Skills and Expertise 

Business and Market Specialist

Responsible for assessing the business model and market viability. Qualifications and experience:

  • Degree in business administration, economics, entrepreneurship, or related field.
  • At least 8 years of experience in market analysis, venture development, or startup advisory.
  • Experience evaluating business models, growth strategies, and scalability of technology companies.
  • Familiarity with African innovation ecosystems and startup environments.

Financial Due Diligence Specialist

Responsible for assessing financial health and financial management capacity. Qualifications and experience:

  • Professional qualifications such as CPA, ACCA, CFA, or equivalent.
  • At least 8–10 years of experience in financial due diligence, financial analysis, or investment advisory.
  • Experience reviewing financial models, capital structures, and financial projections for startups or SMEs.
  • Familiarity with grant-funded projects, venture investments, or blended finance structures.
  • Experience reviewing historical financial statements, cash flow projections, capital requirements, and funding adequacy.
  • Ability to assess financial risks and recommend suitable financing structures, including grants and blended-finance instruments.

Additional Advantage

  • Experience with early-stage SMEs, climate finance, or blended-finance instruments.

8.0 Proposal submission

Qualified individual consultants are invited to submit a proposal that includes the following:

  • A comprehensive description of the consultant’s understanding of the Terms of Reference, indicating any major inconsistency or deficiency in the Terms of Reference, and proposed amendments. Methodology and work plan for performing the assignment.
  • A complete work plan for the entire review period.
  • Detailed reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments. Include signed reference letters from 3 previous institutions/programmes.
  • Relevant services that have been done in the past five (5) years.
  • The technical and financial proposals are to be submitted separately in PDF format. NO LINKS or Zip Files
  • The financial proposal (in USD) clearly shows the budgeted cost for the work to be conducted under the scope of the work above.

All documents related to the technical proposal must be combined into a single document with a clear table of contents.

N/B: SUBMITTING THE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENT AS ONE DOCUMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY LEAD TO DISQUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT.

9.0 Pricing

The AECF is obliged by the Kenyan tax authorities to withhold taxes on service contract fees and to ensure that VAT is charged where applicable. Applicants are advised to ensure they have a clear understanding of their tax position under Kenyan tax legislation when developing their proposals.

10.0 Evaluation criteria

Mandatory Requirements for individual consultants:

  1. Passport/National Identification of the consultant.
  2. CV demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience.
  3. Valid Tax Compliance certificate (where applicable).

N/B: FAILURE TO ATTACH AND ADHERE TO THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION

An evaluation committee will be formed by the AECF and may include employees of the businesses to support. All members will be bound by the same standards of confidentiality. The consultant should ensure that they fully address all criteria for comprehensive evaluation.

The AECF may request and receive clarification from any consultant when evaluating a proposal. The evaluation committee may invite some or all of the consultants to appear before it to clarify their proposals. In such an event, the evaluation committee may consider such clarifications in evaluating proposals.

In making the final selection of a qualified bidder, the technical quality of the proposal will be weighted 70% in the evaluation. Only the financial proposal of those bidders who qualify technically will be opened. The financial proposal will be assigned a weight of 30%, and all proposals will be ranked by total points.  The mandatory and desirable criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are identified in the table below.

No. Criteria for Assessment Marks
1. Proposal complements and alignment with ToR

Overall completeness, clarity, and adherence to the TOR requirements, including quality and responsiveness.

 10
2. Methodology and workplan 

Quality, clarity, and feasibility of the proposed approach, methodology, tools, and workplan, demonstrating understanding of the assignment.

 15
3. Relevant Experience and Track Record 

Demonstrated experience conducting business and financial activities with a list of evidence of similar assignments and at least 3 signed reference letters

 25
4. Business and Market Analysis Expertise 

Demonstrated ability to assess business model viability, market positioning, competitive dynamics, and operational capacity of early-stage and growth-stage enterprises.

 10
5. Investment Analysis and Financial Expertise

Demonstrated experience in investment appraisal, SME financing, and blended finance structures.

 10
Total Score 70

11.0 Application details

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all interested candidates based on merit without regard to race, gender, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

  • Interested consultants are requested to submit their technical and financial proposal via the eprocurement portal https://procurement.aecfafrica.org/ by 8th May 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
  • All questions should be directed to the procurement email aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org by 30th April 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
  • The subject of the email should be “COMMERCIAL EXPERT (BUSINESS & FINANCIAL DUE DILIGENCE) FOR REACT 2.0 REGIONAL DIGITAL INNOVATION FUND FOR ENERGY & CLIMATE (DIFEC).”
  • The AECF shall not be liable for not opening proposals submitted with a different subject or for not responding to questions that did not meet the indicated deadline.

12.0 Disclaimer

AECF reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, the number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice, and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party.

The AECF does not charge an application fee for participation in the tendering process and has not appointed any agents or intermediaries to facilitate applications. Applicants are advised to contact the AECF Procurement Department directly.

Terms of Reference: Consultancy Services to provide end of programme evaluation and high impact studies for Tanzania Clean Cooking Project

Written by AECF

1.0 Background

The Tanzania Clean Cooking Project (TCCP) is a four-year initiative funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) through the Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF LLC), with a total budget of $4.9 million. The project aims to accelerate the transition to clean cooking solutions among rural, peri-urban, and underserved urban populations. The intervention addresses systemic market barriers through a market systems development (MSD) approach, focusing on:

  • Supply-side constraints: De-risking private sector investment through matching grants and technical assistance
  • Demand-side barriers: Improving the affordability and accessibility of clean cooking solutions

The project is designed to complement existing sector initiatives and catalyze sustainable private-sector engagement in underserved yet high-potential markets.

Goal and Objectives: The program’s goal is to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking solutions among rural and marginalized communities in urban and peri-urban areas. This goal will be achieved through the following objectives:

  • Catalyze private-sector participation in clean-cooking solutions in underserved markets.
  • Accelerate the uptake of clean cooking solutions by providing innovative financing mechanisms and technical assistance to selected private-sector companies.
  • Strengthen coordination in the clean cooking sector and advocate for a conducive policy environment to support a market-led approach.

2.0 Objective of the assignment

The overall objective of this assignment is to document success stories and the overall impact of the TCCP, with a focus on capturing the project’s contributions to expanding access to clean energy, promoting gender and youth inclusion, supporting local innovation, creating jobs, and mitigating climate change.

The purpose of this end-of-term evaluation is to:

  • Assess the project’s results and impact against its objectives and Theory of Change
  • Assess overall project performance and results of the Tanzania Clean Cooking Project using the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria, including achievement of intended outcomes/impact, sustainability, inclusion/gender responsiveness, and contribution to enabling environment improvements.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of the project’s capital deployment approach, focusing on Results-Based Financing (RBF) and milestone-based grants, and generate recommendations for improved design and delivery of future clean cooking financing projects.
  • Generate high-impact evidence and learning on clean cooking delivery models and market transformation through three thematic learning studies covering: Households (All technologies deployed) and Institutional stoves.
  • Synthesize learning into actionable project and sector recommendations, including best practices, business model drivers, market insights, and operational improvements to inform future clean cooking investments and policy/programming decisions.

The evaluation will serve both learning and accountability purposes, in line with Sida’s evaluation principles.

Evaluation Objectives

The evaluation will:

  • Assess the achievement of outcomes and impact
  • Examine the validity of the Theory of Change (ToC)
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of the MSD approach in catalyzing market development
  • Analyze the sustainability and scalability of results
  • Identify lessons learned, good practices, and unintended effects

3.0 Evaluation criteria & key questions

The OECD-DAC criteria will guide the evaluation:

Relevance

  • To what extent is the project aligned with:
    • National energy and clean cooking priorities in Tanzania
    • Sida’s development cooperation strategies
  • Was the project design appropriate for addressing market failures?

Coherence

  • How well does TCCP complement other clean cooking initiatives and policies?
  • Are there synergies or overlaps with other donor or government programs?

Effectiveness

  • To what extent were the intended outputs and outcomes achieved?
  • How effective were:
    • Matching grants
    • Technical assistance in catalyzing private sector participation?

Efficiency

  • Were resources used cost-effectively?
  • Were implementation arrangements appropriate and timely?

Impact

  • What are the long-term and systemic changes attributable to the project?
  • To what extent has the project contributed to:
    • Increased adoption of clean cooking solutions
    • Improved health, environmental, and socio-economic outcomes
  • Are there any unintended positive or negative effects?

Sustainability

  • Are the supported business models financially and operationally viable?
  • Is there evidence of crowding in of additional private-sector actors?
  • Will benefits continue after project completion?

Cross-Cutting Issues

The evaluation must assess integration and results related to:

  • Gender equality
    • Women’s access to clean cooking solutions
    • Women’s participation in the value chain
  • Poverty focus
    • Inclusion of low-income and marginalized populations
  • Environment and climate
    • Reduction in emissions and deforestation
    • Contribution to climate resilience
  • Human rights perspective

Equity in access to energy services

4.0 Scope of the evaluation

The assignment will cover the following workstreams.

  1. Workstream 1: End-of-Project Evaluation Activities
    • Inception Phase and Evaluation Design: Prepare an Inception Report that outlines the evaluation approach and methodology, aligned with the OECD-DAC evaluation criteria (relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability). The inception report will include the evaluation framework, evaluation questions, analytical approach, evaluation matrix, data collection methods, work plan, and quality assurance measures.

As part of the inception phase, the Consultant will also develop and document a sampling strategy to guide the selection of investees, geographies, and stakeholder groups for inclusion in the evaluation. The sampling framework should ensure adequate representation across:

  • Technology categories
  • Geographic regions
  • Market segments (household, institutional, and productive use)
  • Financing modalities (Results-Based Financing and milestone-based grants)
  • Investee performance levels (high, medium, and low performers)

The sampling approach and data collection tools will be validated with the AECF before commencement of the fieldwork phase.

  • Project Document Review and Evidence Mapping: Conduct a comprehensive desk review of project documentation to understand the project’s design, implementation, and results. This will include the program Theory of Change, results framework, MEL documentation, grant agreements, progress and verification reports, technical assistance records, portfolio performance data, annual reports, and relevant sector studies. The review will support the development of an evidence map that identifies key data sources to address the evaluation questions.
  • Theory of Change (ToC) Assessment: Assess the project’s Theory of Change, including its assumptions, causal pathways, and expected contribution to sector outcomes. The analysis will examine the extent to which program activities contributed to observed results and whether the underlying assumptions remained valid during implementation.
  • Review of Project Monitoring and Results Data: Review program monitoring systems and investee-reported results to assess the reliability, completeness, and consistency of the data. This review will examine the quality of evidence supporting program results and the robustness of reporting across different financing modalities, including Results-Based Financing (RBF) and milestone-based grant mechanisms.
  • Stakeholder Consultations and Key Informant Interviews: Conduct interviews and consultations with project management teams, investees, distributors/agents, government stakeholders, regulators, sector associations, peer funders, and subject-matter experts. These consultations will provide qualitative insights to support the assessment of projects’ performance against OECD-DAC criteria.
  • Assessment of Financing Mechanisms: Assess the design and performance of the project’s financing mechanisms. The analysis will examine their effectiveness in catalyzing investment, supporting enterprise growth, and accelerating market development, and will also assess operational efficiency and value for money.
  • Gender Equality, Inclusion, and Equity Assessment: Assess how gender equality and inclusion objectives were integrated into program design and implementation. The analysis will examine outcomes related to access, affordability, last-mile reach, women’s participation in enterprise models, and impacts on vulnerable or underserved populations.
  • Enabling Environment and Market Systems Influence Analysis: Analyze the project’s contribution to strengthening the enabling environment and market systems, including support for policy dialogue, regulatory improvements, standards development, sector coordination, and partnerships with public- and private-sector actors.
  • Draft Evaluation Report Development and Validation Workshop: Prepare the draft End-of-Project evaluation report and facilitate a validation session with key stakeholders to validate findings, refine conclusions, and strengthen recommendations.
  • Final Evaluation Report and Presentation: Submit the final EoP evaluation Report incorporating feedback from the validation process. The final report will present evidence-based conclusions, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations to inform future program design and implementation.

2. Workstream 2: Impact Learning Studies Activities (Three Thematic Studies- LPG, Institutional cooking, Biomass stoves)

  • Thematic Studies Inception and Analytical Framework: Develop an analytical framework for each thematic study outlining the key learning questions, analytical lenses (e.g., market transformation, business models, value chains), tools, data sources, timelines, and the reporting structure.
  • Thematic Evidence Review: Conduct a desk review of project documentation and sector literature relevant to each theme. This will include review of investee reporting, project results, and verification records, financing milestones, and relevant market and sector studies.
  • Thematic Portfolio Data Extraction and Validation: Extract and validate theme-specific portfolio data to support the analysis. This will include information on RBF claims and milestone achievement records, technology distribution volumes, geographic coverage, customer segmentation, and reported outcomes.
  • Sampling Strategy and Case Study Selection: Develop and document a sampling approach for each thematic study to select a representative set of investees. This will include a mix of leading and emerging business models: high and low-performing investees; different geographic contexts; household and institutional customer segments; and diverse supply chain setups (direct distribution, agent networks, institutional procurement). Selected cases will be used to generate deeper insights into business models and market dynamics.
  • Business Model and Value Chain Mapping: For each theme, analyze the structure and evolution of the business model and value chains, including supply chains and distribution mechanisms, last-mile delivery, customer acquisition, after-sales/service, partnerships, and compliance with relevant standards.
  • Assessment of Financing Influence: Assess how financing instruments influenced enterprise behavior and business model structure, including pricing strategies, target markets, distribution expansion, product or service bundling, customer financing mechanisms, and operational system strengthening.
  • Market Dynamics and Technology Adoption: Analyze market dynamics and technology adoption trends within each thematic area. This includes identifying key barriers and enablers to adoption, affordability and willingness-to-pay considerations, sustained usage patterns, competitive dynamics (e.g., LPG versus charcoal or traditional biomass), and procurement processes in the institutional cooking market.
  • Intended and Unintended Effects: Assess both intended and unintended outcomes associated with the interventions, including stove stacking, safety practices, and risks (particularly for LPG), potential market distortions, risks of exclusion for low-income households, and sustainability challenges after the project ends.
  • Key Lessons and Sector Transformation Opportunities: Synthesize findings to identify key lessons, knowledge gaps, and opportunities to strengthen future program design, financing instruments, and sector development strategies.
  • Final Learning Reports and Dissemination: Prepare final publishable-quality thematic reports with clear analysis, visualizations, and evidence. The Consultant will also prepare dissemination materials, such as presentation slides and/or learning briefs, to support knowledge sharing with program stakeholders and the wider sector.

5.0 Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver:

  1. An End-of-Project Evaluation Report.
  2. Three impact studies per technology deployed.
  3. Three knowledge products on:
  • Comparative Analytical Note: Effectiveness of different capital deployment models in accelerating the adoption of clean cooking technologies.
  • Policy Brief: What Works in Clean Cooking Finance — key lessons and policy recommendations for scaling clean cooking markets.
  • Inclusion and Gender Learning Note: Opportunities for women and youth employment across the clean cooking value chain.

The findings will be presented to relevant stakeholders via dissemination workshops organized by AECF.

6.0 Duration of service

The assignment will run from May 2026 to July 2026. Consultants are required to submit a detailed work plan and timeline in their proposal, clearly indicating how time is allocated across the different phases of the assignment.

7.0 Reporting

The consultant will be accountable and report to the Director of Programmes, AECF with support from the Country Senior Programme Officer.

8.0 Qualifications and experience from the Firm and Personnel

The consultant is expected to be a firm with demonstrated corporate capacity to deliver high-quality evaluations in the renewable energy and development finance sectors. Consortia or joint tenders will not be accepted. The selected firm must have a strong institutional track record and thematic expertise aligned with the objectives and scope of this assignment.

A designated team Leader must be identified and supported by specialists organized to respond to the technical, methodological, and thematic requirements of the evaluation. Tenderers may propose any combination of team members appropriate to the methodology.

Institutional Qualifications

At the firm level, the contractor must demonstrate:

  • Proven experience in delivering evaluations for development partners, including Sida, other bilateral donors, multilateral agencies (e.g., World Bank, AfDB), or major foundations.
  • A track record in evaluating at least five renewable energy programs or challenge funds in Sub-Saharan Africa, with experience in Tanzania, is an added advantage.
  • A minimum of 10 years’ experience managing assignments related to energy access, concessional finance, private sector development, gender inclusion, and market systems development.
  • Robust internal systems for quality assurance, project management, and coordination of multidisciplinary and multilingual teams.

The evaluation team must collectively include the following qualifications:

  • Demonstrated experience in managing or evaluating at least five concessional finance programs targeting SMEs and supporting inclusion in Africa, particularly in energy access, energy efficiency, rural development, or agriculture
  • Demonstrated experience in analyzing program design frameworks (e.g., Theories of Change), evaluating tool effectiveness
  • Demonstrated experience in generating insights for program adaptation and scale-up
  • At least 10 years of experience in designing and conducting program evaluations, including evaluation methodology and high-quality report writing
  • A minimum of 6 years of technical experience in the renewable energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, including clean cooking market-based energy solutions
  • Expertise in development finance, including results- based financing, concessional funding mechanisms, blended finance, and investment facilitation
  • Strong experience in gender analysis, gender-responsive evaluation, and inclusive programming

Team Leader Requirements

  • Must have expertise in one of the technical areas listed above
  • Proven expertise in designing evaluation methodology and tools
  • Demonstrated leadership in similar multi-country reviews/evaluations

Other requirements

  • At least one team member with expertise in gender data collection and analysis.
  • Demonstrated capacity in data entry, processing, analysis, and preparation of reports to a high standard.
  • Fluency in written and spoken English is essential, including the ability to draft academically rigorous reports.

9.0 Proposal submission

Qualified consulting   Firms  are invited to submit a proposal that includes the following:

  • A comprehensive description of the consulting firm’s understanding of the Terms of Reference, indicating any major inconsistency or deficiency in the Terms of Reference and proposed amendments.
  • A detailed methodology for the review, including the tools to be used in the review.
  • The proposed team members and a description of their respective roles.
  • A complete work plan for the entire review period.
  • Detailed reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments.
  • Relevant services that have been done in the past five (5) years.
  • Signed letters of reference from 3 previous institutions/programmes.
  • Company Registration, Tax compliance Certificates, and other relevant statutory documents.
  • The technical and financial proposals are to be submitted separately in PDF format. NO LINKS.
  • The financial proposal (in USD) clearly shows the budgeted cost for the consulting firm to perform the work within the scope outlined above.

N/B: SUBMITTING THE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENT AS ONE DOCUMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY LEAD TO DISQUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT.

11.0 Pricing

The AECF is obliged by the Tanzania tax authorities to withhold taxes on service contract fees and to ensure that VAT at 18% is charged where applicable. Applicants are advised to ensure they have a clear understanding of their tax position under Tanzanian tax legislation when developing their proposals.

12.0 Evaluation Criteria

Mandatory evaluation criteria

  1. Mandatory Requirements for firms: –
  2. Company profile.
  3. Trading license, Certificate of incorporation, Certificate of Registration, and other statutory documents.
  4. Valid Tax Compliance certificate (Applicable to firms).
  5. Passport/National Identification of the lead consultant and key personnel
  6. Demonstrated financial capacity – 3 years audited accounts (2022,2023 & 2024)

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible firms must meet the following criteria.

  • Proven expertise in the relevant field.
  • The availability of qualified personnel with experience in relevant areas, and of consultants based in Tanzania, will be an added advantage.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in similar assignments with reference letters/completion certificates. Donor-funded organizations will be an added advantage.

N/B: FAILURE TO ATTACH AND ADHERE TO THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC DISQUALIFICATION

An evaluation committee will be formed by the AECF and may include employees of the businesses it supports. All members will be bound by the same standards of confidentiality. The consultant should ensure that they fully address all criteria for comprehensive evaluation.

The AECF may request and receive clarification from any consultant when evaluating a proposal. The evaluation committee may invite some or all of the consultants to appear before it to clarify their proposals. In such an event, the evaluation committee may consider such clarifications in evaluating proposals.

In making the final selection of a qualified bidder, the technical quality of the proposal will be weighted 70% in the evaluation. Only the financial proposal of those bidders who qualify technically will be opened. The financial proposal will be assigned a weight of 30%, and the proposals will be ranked by total points scored.

The mandatory and desirable criteria against which proposals will be evaluated are identified in the table below.

No. Criteria for Assessment Marks
1 Understanding of the terms of reference 10
Description of the service to be provided 5
Understanding of what AECF is expecting from the work 5
2 Methodology and work plan 20
Relevance of the methodology proposed to the needs of the assignment 10
Adequacy of the work plan, including key deliverables and capacity to deliver within a realistic timeline based on the consultancy days designated for the task 10
3 Technical experience of staff offered 40
Relevant tertiary level qualification and years of professional experience of the proposed team; and demonstrated Team Leader’s expertise in one of the technical areas, as well as expertise and demonstrated experience in designing evaluation methodology and data collection tools and demonstrated experience in leading similar reviews/evaluations. 5
Prior experience in evaluating programs of a similar nature and scope, including a reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments. 10
Experience in conducting program evaluations for donor-funded programs, including demonstrated experience in evaluation report writing. 10
Evidence of at least 10 years of similar experience in the Renewable energy sector in the Sub-Saharan Africa context, with demonstrable competence in private-sector investments directly linked to increasing access to low-cost, gender-responsive, clean energy for rural businesses and households. 15
4 Financial Proposal

Clarity, relevance, reality to market of value/value for money of cost for the assignment (inclusive of any applicable tax)

 30
Total Score 100

13.0 Application details

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all interested candidates based on merit without regard to race, gender, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

  • Interested firms/consultants or consortia are requested to submit their technical and financial proposal to aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org by 27th April 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
  • All questions should be directed to the procurement email by 16th April 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
  • The subject of the email should be ‘’END OF PROGRAMME EVALUATION AND HIGH IMPACT STUDIES FOR TANZANIA CLEAN COOKING PROJECT 2026”. The AECF shall not be liable for failing to open proposals submitted with a different subject or for responding to questions that did not meet the indicated deadline.
  • Click here to read the FAQs 

14.0 Disclaimer

AECF reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, the number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice, and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party.

The AECF does not charge an application fee for participation in the tendering process and has not appointed any agents or intermediaries to facilitate applications. Applicants are advised to contact the AECF Procurement Department directly.