Termes De Référence : Pour des services de consultance en appui à la création d’entreprises et à la croissance des petites et moyennes entreprises au Bénin et au Burkina Faso

Posted on May 5, 2026 at 9:15 am.

Escrito por AECF

1.0 À propos du programme « Investir dans l’Entrepreneuriat Féminin pour une économie plus Verte » au Bénin et Burkina Faso (IFEV- B&BF)

Le programme « Investir dans l’Entrepreneuriat Féminin pour une économie plus Verte » au Bénin et Burkina Faso (IFEV- B&BF) est un programme de transformation de genre et d’inclusion économique sur six ans, mis en œuvre par AECF avec le financement d’Affaires mondiales Canada. Le programme vise à autonomiser économiquement les femmes entrepreneures dans des secteurs d’activité à fort impact positif sur le climat, notamment l’innovation technologique, le numérique, l’agriculture, la production, la transformation, l’artisanat et le commerce, afin de lever les obstacles qui les empêchent de développer leurs activités.

Le programme vise à améliorer la participation et la résilience économique des femmes entrepreneures dans une économie plus verte au Bénin et au Burkina Faso. Il comprend notamment : l’accès au financement pour les PME détenues par des femmes, les coopératives féminines et les entrepreneures émergentes ; le renforcement des capacités des femmes propriétaires et gestionnaires de PME et des coopératives féminines afin de développer durablement les chaînes de valeur dans lesquelles elles opèrent principalement, en utilisant des approches adaptées au climat ; ainsi que la levée des résistances sociales et culturelles profondément ancrées freinant l’autonomisation des femmes aux niveaux national, sectoriel et communautaire.

2.0 À propos de la mission

Cette mission vise à soutenir la mise en œuvre d’un accompagnement pratique et axé sur la demande en matière de création d’entreprises et de développement des entreprises, à l’intention des femmes entrepreneures et des PME dirigées par des femmes participant aux chaînes de valeur soutenues par le programme IFEV-B&BF. L’appui sera axé sur le renforcement de la gestion des entreprises et des finances, l’amélioration de la gouvernance, l’optimisation de l’efficacité opérationnelle et des systèmes de production, la promotion de pratiques intelligentes face au climat et résilientes au changement climatique, ainsi que le renforcement de la capacité des bénéficiaires à répondre aux exigences du marché et aux normes de qualité. En outre, la mission appuiera la formalisation des entreprises, l’éducation financière, l’accès au marché et les partenariats stratégiques, tout en veillant à ce que les interventions tiennent compte des obstacles spécifiques auxquels les femmes sont confrontées, notamment l’accès limité aux services de conseil professionnels, les contraintes de mobilité et les contraintes de temps concurrentes.

Le « Venture Builder » apportera principalement son appui à un groupe défini de 13 PME (9 au Burkina Faso et 4 au Bénin). Le cas échéant, et uniquement avec l’accord de l’AECF, la mission pourra également fournir des outils d’accompagnement entrepreneurial légers, du coaching ou des orientations à certaines micro-entreprises dirigées par des femmes et à des groupes de femmes liés aux entreprises et aux chaînes de valeur soutenues.

Dans ce contexte, l’AECF cherche à recruter un « Venture Builder » hautement expérimenté afin de renforcer les capacités opérationnelles, les performances commerciales et la préparation à la croissance des entreprises bénéficiaires sélectionnées dans le cadre du programme IFEV-B&BF.

La mission se concentrera, dans un premier temps, sur le diagnostic des contraintes au sein des entreprises susceptibles de ralentir la mise en œuvre des activités soutenues par le programme, ainsi que sur la conception de plans d’amélioration pratiques pour y remédier.
Le « Venture Builder » appuiera ensuite la mise en œuvre des plans d’amélioration convenus à travers des conseils pratiques, du coaching et le suivi des actions de renforcement des capacités au niveau des entreprises, tout en signalant à l’AECF les risques importants et les besoins d’appui.

Grâce à cet appui combiné, le programme vise à renforcer les performances des entreprises et la réussite de la mise en œuvre, tout en développant un portefeuille d’entreprises dirigées par des femmes et au service des femmes, qui mettent en œuvre des pratiques sensibles au genre, intelligentes face au climat et orientées vers le marché, au Bénin et au Burkina Faso.

3.0 Objectifs de la mission

Objectif général : Renforcer les capacités, les performances commerciales et la résilience climatique des entreprises bénéficiaires sélectionnées dans le cadre de l’IFEV-B&BF grâce à des diagnostics d’entreprise, des plans d’amélioration sur mesure et un appui pratique à la mise en œuvre qui améliorent leur capacité à produire des résultats, à se développer et à être prêtes pour le marché et l’investissement.

Objectifs spécifiques (résultats attendus) :

Les objectifs spécifiques de la mission sont les suivants :

Diagnostiquer les lacunes au niveau de l’entreprise en matière de capacités d’opérations, de finance, de gouvernance et de marché qui pourraient affecter la mise en œuvre, la performance et la croissance.
Élaborer des plans d’amélioration pratiques, spécifiques à chaque entreprise, avec des priorités claires, des actions concrètes et des besoins d’appui identifiés.
Renforcer la clarté des modèles économiques, les systèmes organisationnels et les pratiques de gestion des entreprises sélectionnées.
Améliorer la gestion financière, la tenue des registres, la budgétisation, le calcul des coûts, la tarification et le reporting financier.
Soutenir l’adoption de pratiques commerciales intelligentes face au climat et résilientes au changement climatique qui renforcent la durabilité et réduisent les risques.
Renforcer l’efficacité opérationnelle, la qualité des produits et des services, ainsi que la conformité aux normes commerciales et de marché.
Renforcer la préparation au marché, les liens commerciaux et les partenariats stratégiques susceptibles de favoriser la croissance.
Appuyer les entreprises sélectionnées dans la mise en œuvre des actions d’amélioration convenues et suivre les progrès par rapport à ces plans.
Produire des enseignements pratiques et des analyses de portefeuille pour l’AECF concernant les contraintes communes des entreprises, les priorités d’appui et les risques émergents.

4.0 Portée des travaux

La mission sera mise en œuvre selon un processus en deux étapes comprenant un diagnostic et une planification, suivis d’un appui à la mise en œuvre et d’un suivi des mesures d’amélioration opérationnelle convenues.

4.1 Phase 1 : Diagnostic de l’entreprise et planification des améliorations

Au cours de cette phase, le Venture Builder examinera les informations pertinentes relatives à l’entreprise et au programme et procédera à des évaluations de l’entreprise afin d’identifier les faiblesses susceptibles d’entraver la mise en œuvre, la performance et la croissance. À ce titre, le Venture Builder devra :

Examiner les documents pertinents des entreprises bénéficiaires, y compris les accords, plans d’affaires, budgets, jalons et évaluations antérieures mis à disposition par l’AECF.
Réaliser des diagnostics d’entreprise portant sur le modèle économique, la gestion, les opérations, la gestion financière, la gouvernance, la maturité commerciale et la résilience climatique.
Évaluer la capacité de l’entreprise à mettre en œuvre les activités prévues et identifier les contraintes susceptibles de ralentir ou d’affaiblir les résultats.
Identifier les risques importants au niveau de l’entreprise, les goulots d’étranglement et les lacunes en matière de capacités nécessitant un appui.
Classer et hiérarchiser les besoins d’appui en fonction du type d’entreprise, de sa maturité et de l’urgence
Élaborer des plans d’amélioration des activités ou de renforcement des capacités spécifiques à chaque entreprise, comprenant des actions, des échéances, des responsabilités et des résultats attendus clairement définis.
Valider les plans d’appui proposés avec l’AECF et les entreprises bénéficiaires concernées.
Recommander les cas où un appui spécialisé ou une orientation vers d’autres services pourrait être nécessaire au-delà du mandat principal du Venture Builder.
Préparer des résumés diagnostiques concis mettant en évidence les principaux enjeux, risques et actions prioritaires pour chaque entreprise appuyée.
Fournir à l’AECF une synthèse au niveau du portefeuille des contraintes récurrentes des entreprises et des priorités d’appui recommandées.

4.2 hase 2 : Appui à la mise en œuvre et suivi des plans d’amélioration

Au cours de cette phase, le Venture Builder fournira un appui pratique sous forme de conseils et d’accompagnement pour aider les entreprises sélectionnées à mettre en œuvre les plans d’amélioration des activités convenus. Il assurera également le suivi des progrès et signalera à l’AECF les risques importants et les besoins d’appui au niveau des entreprises. À ce titre, le Venture Builder devra :

Appuyer les entreprises à clarifier leur modèle économique, leur planification et leur prise de décision.
Renforcer les systèmes et pratiques de gestion financière, notamment la budgétisation, la gestion de la trésorerie, le calcul des coûts, la tarification, les contrôles et le reporting.
Améliorer les systèmes organisationnels, la coordination interne, la tenue des registres et la gestion de la performance.
Accroître l’efficacité opérationnelle, y compris la planification de la production, la gestion des flux de travail, des stocks et de l’assurance qualité, le cas échéant.
Appuyer les entreprises dans l’amélioration de la préparation au marché, de l’orientation client, du positionnement des produits, de l’image de marque et de l’emballage, le cas échéant.
Faciliter la conformité aux normes pertinentes du marché, de qualité et de gestion nécessaires pour la croissance et l’accès aux marchés.
Promouvoir des mesures pratiques intelligentes face au climat et résilientes, adaptées aux entreprises et aux chaînes de valeur soutenues.
Appuyer, le cas échéant, les entreprises sélectionnées dans leur formalisation, l’adoption de pratiques commerciales de base et l’accès à des services appropriés de développement des entreprises.
Faciliter les liens avec des acheteurs, fournisseurs d’intrants, institutions financières, experts techniques et autres acteurs de l’écosystème, le cas échéant.
Fournir du coaching et du mentorat aux équipes des entreprises afin de renforcer les capacités de gestion et la discipline d’exécution.
Suivre la mise en œuvre des actions d’amélioration convenues et documenter les progrès, les défis rencontrés et les ajustements nécessaires en matière d’appui.
Signaler à l’AECF les risques significatifs, les retards ou les contraintes de capacités au niveau des entreprises nécessitant une intervention.
Fournir un appui de manière sensible au genre, en tenant compte des contraintes de temps, de mobilité et d’accès auxquelles font face les femmes entrepreneures.

4.3 Exigences transversales en matière de mise en œuvre

Dans l’ensemble des deux volets de l’intervention, le Venture Builder devra :

Appliquer des approches de mise en œuvre sensibles au genre, accessibles et pertinentes pour les femmes entrepreneurs et les groupes de femmes.
Veiller à ce que l’appui soit adapté aux capacités et aux niveaux de maturité variés des PME.
S’appuyer sur une solide connaissance du contexte local et une bonne compréhension du marché tant au Bénin qu’au Burkina Faso.
Fournir un appui tenant compte des risques climatiques, des réalités des chaînes de valeur locales et des environnements opérationnels des entreprises.
Assurer une coordination étroite avec l’AECF et les parties prenantes concernées afin de garantir la cohérence, d’éviter les doublons et de renforcer l’efficacité du programme.
Consigner les principaux enseignements, les facteurs de réussite et les défis récurrents découlant de la mission afin d’éclairer l’apprentissage et la gestion adaptative du programme.

5.0 Livrables

L’entreprise retenue devra fournir, au minimum :

Un rapport de démarrage présentant la méthodologie, le plan de travail, la dotation en personnel, l’approche de sélection des bénéficiaires et le cadre de reporting.
Une analyse du portefeuille et une note de profilage des bénéficiaires identifiant les entreprises à soutenir directement et la segmentation proposée pour l’appui.
Des rapports de diagnostic d’entreprise et/ou des résumés de diagnostic pour les entreprises bénéficiaires sélectionnées.
Des plans d’amélioration des activités ou des plans d’action de renforcement des capacités spécifiques à chaque entreprise.
Des rapports périodiques sur l’état d’avancement de la mise en œuvre des plans d’amélioration convenus, incluant les principaux enjeux, les risques et les mesures requises.
Des notes de clôture de l’assistance technique ou des mises à jour sur l’avancement des travaux pour les entreprises soutenues, comme convenu avec l’AECF.
Des études de cas succinctes, des notes sur les enseignements tirés ou des récits de réussite, le cas échéant.
Un rapport final résumant les diagnostics réalisés, l’appui fourni, les progrès des entreprises, les risques non résolus, les enseignements tirés et les recommandations à l’AECF.

L’AECF se réserve le droit d’affiner la liste finale, le format et la fréquence des livrables au cours de la passation du contrat.

6.0 Durée et dispositions institutionnelles

La mission est prévue pour une durée de 12 mois. La première phase sera consacrée aux diagnostics et à la planification des améliorations, tandis que la période restante sera dédiée à l’appui à la mise en œuvre et au suivi des plans d’amélioration convenus. Le consultant devra proposer un niveau d’effort et un séquencement réalistes, alignés sur le nombre et le profil des entreprises sélectionnées par l’AECF.

7.0 Supervision

Le « Venture Builder » sera responsable et rendra compte aux responsables de programme IFEV-B&BF et au spécialiste Sénior d’assistance technique.

8.0 Compétences et expérience du cabinet et de l’équipe

Expérience au niveau de l’entreprise

Le Venture Builder devra démontrer :

Plus de 7 ans d’expérience avérée dans l’accompagnement des PME, des entreprises en phase de croissance ou des entreprises dirigées par des femmes.
De solides compétences en conseil aux entreprises, en gestion financière, en amélioration des opérations, en gouvernance, en accès au marché et en appui à la croissance des entreprises.
Une compréhension avérée de l’autonomisation économique des femmes et de l’appui aux entreprises tenant compte des questions de genre.
Une expérience dans l’accompagnement d’entreprises respectueuses du climat, résilientes au changement climatique ou issues de l’économie verte.
Une expérience de travail en Afrique de l’Ouest, de préférence au Bénin et/ou au Burkina Faso.
Maîtrise de l’anglais et du français par l’ensemble des membres de l’équipe.
Capacité à mobiliser une expertise multidisciplinaire, notamment en matière de développement des entreprises, de finance, d’opérations, d’accompagnement des entreprises climato-intelligentes et d’appui aux systèmes de marché.

Expérience au niveau de l’équipe

La proposition doit inclure les CV des experts clés suivants :

Chef d’équipe / Coordinateur de mission : au moins 10 ans d’expérience dans l’appui aux entreprises, la création d’entreprises, la supervision de portefeuilles ou le conseil aux PME, avec une capacité avérée à diriger des missions d’assistance technique impliquant plusieurs entités.
Expert en modèles d’affaires et en croissance des entreprises : Expérience dans le renforcement des modèles d’affaires, les stratégies de croissance, le diagnostic d’entreprise, la commercialisation et l’accompagnement à la préparation au marché pour les PME et les coopératives.
Expert en gestion financière et en préparation à l’investissement : expérience en matière de budgétisation, de gestion de la trésorerie, de calcul des coûts, de tarification, de contrôles financiers, de reporting financier et de préparation des entreprises à un financement ou à un investissement de suivi.
Expert en opérations et en liens avec le marché : Expérience dans les systèmes de production, l’efficacité opérationnelle, l’amélioration de la qualité, les normes de marché, l’orientation client et les liens commerciaux.
Expert en gouvernance, conformité et risques : au moins 5 ans d’expérience en matière de gouvernance d’entreprise, de contrôles internes, de conformité, de formalisation, de systèmes de reporting et de gestion des risques d’entreprise.
Expert en genre et développement inclusif des entreprises : Expérience en matière d’autonomisation économique des femmes, d’appui aux entreprises tenant compte des questions de genre et d’approches de mise en œuvre adaptées aux PME, coopératives et micro-entreprises dirigées par des femmes.

9.0 Soumission des propositions

Les consultants qualifiés sont invités à soumettre une proposition comprenant les éléments suivants :

Une compréhension des exigences de la mission de conseil.
Une méthodologie et un plan de travail pour la réalisation de la mission.
Une liste détaillée de références indiquant la portée et l’ampleur de missions similaires.
Des lettres de référence signées par trois institutions ou programmes antérieurs.
Les documents d’enregistrement et autres documents statutaires pertinents.
Les propositions techniques et financières doivent être soumises séparément au format PDF.
La proposition financière (en USD) doit clairement indiquer le coût budgété des travaux à réaliser par le Venture Builder dans le cadre des travaux susmentionnés.
Les propositions techniques et financières devront être soumises sous forme de documents distincts. PAS DE LIENS.

N.B. : LA SOUMISSION DES DOCUMENTS FINANCIERS ET TECHNIQUES EN UN SEUL FICHIER ENTRAÎNERA AUTOMATIQUEMENT LA DISQUALIFICATION DU CANDIDAT.

10.0 Tarification

L’AECF est tenue par les autorités fiscales kenyanes de prélever des retenues à la source sur les honoraires des contrats de service et de s’assurer que la TVA est facturée le cas échéant. Il est conseillé aux candidats de s’assurer qu’ils ont une compréhension claire de leur situation fiscale au regard des dispositions de la législation fiscale kenyane lors de l’élaboration de leurs propositions.

11.0 Critères d’évaluation

Critères d’évaluation obligatoires.

Exigences obligatoires pour les entreprises : –

Profil de l’entreprise.
Licence commerciale ou certificat de constitution ou certificat d’enregistrement et autres documents réglementaires.
Certificat de conformité fiscale valide ou document équivalent. (Applicable aux entreprises).
Passeport/carte d’identité nationale du consultant principal.

N.B. : LE NON-RESPECT DES EXIGENCES CI-DESSUS ENTRAÎNERA UNE DISQUALIFICATION AUTOMATIQUE

Un comité d’évaluation sera constitué par l’AECF et pourra inclure des employés des entreprises à soutenir. Tous les membres seront soumis aux mêmes normes de confidentialité. Le Venture Builder doit s’assurer de répondre pleinement à tous les critères afin d’être évalué de manière exhaustive.

L’AECF peut demander et obtenir des éclaircissements de la part de tout consultant lors de l’évaluation d’une proposition. Le comité d’évaluation peut inviter tout ou partie des consultants à se présenter devant le comité afin de clarifier leurs propositions. Dans ce cas, le comité d’évaluation peut tenir compte de ces éclaircissements lors de l’évaluation des propositions.

Lors de la sélection finale des soumissionnaires qualifiés, la qualité technique de la proposition se verra attribuer une pondération de 70 % sur la base des critères d’évaluation. Seules les offres financières des soumissionnaires techniquement qualifiés seront ouvertes. L’offre financière se verra attribuer une pondération de 30 % et les propositions seront classées en fonction du total des points obtenus.

Os critérios obrigatórios e obrigatórios com base nos quais as propostas serão avaliadas são indicados no quadro que se segue.

Domínios de referência para a avaliação	Pondération de l’attribution
(i) PROPOSITION TECHNIQUE	70
a) Compréhension des exigences de la mission de conseil ;	10
b) Méthodologie et plan de travail détaillé permettant d’optimiser la valeur de la mission :	25
c) Services pertinents fournis par le soumissionnaire dans le cadre de missions antérieures :
Expérience avérée d’au moins 7 ans dans la création d’entreprises, le conseil aux PME, l’accélération d’entreprises, la supervision de portefeuilles ou les services d’appui aux entreprises. Expérience avérée dans le suivi de la performance de portefeuille, y compris le suivi des étapes clés, l’évaluation des résultats, l’identification des goulots d’étranglement et des risques, et la recommandation de mesures correctives. Expérience avérée dans la réalisation de diagnostics d’entreprise et la fourniture d’une assistance technique sur mesure aux PME, coopératives ou micro-entreprises. Solide expertise dans le renforcement des modèles d’affaires, des systèmes organisationnels, de la gestion financière et de la préparation à l’investissement. Expérience avérée dans l’amélioration des opérations, des systèmes de production, des normes de qualité, de la préparation au marché et des liens commerciaux. Expérience dans la fourniture d’un appui aux entreprises tenant compte des questions de genre à des entreprises dirigées par des femmes, des coopératives ou des groupes de femmes. Une expérience dans la promotion de pratiques commerciales intelligentes face au climat et résilientes au changement climatique constituera un atout supplémentaire. Solides compétences en matière de coaching, de facilitation, d’analyse, de reporting et d’engagement des parties prenantes.	30
d) Liste détaillée de références indiquant la portée et l’ampleur de missions similaires, ainsi qu’au moins deux lettres de référence signées par d’anciens clients ou associés du cabinet de conseil/consultant :	5

ii) PROPOSITION FINANCIÈRE	30
– Clarté, pertinence, adéquation avec la valeur du marché/rapport qualité-prix du coût de la mission (toutes taxes comprises)

12.0 Modalités de candidature

L’AECF est un employeur garantissant l’égalité des chances. L’AECF examine toutes les candidatures sur la base du mérite, sans distinction de race, de sexe, de couleur, d’origine nationale, de religion, d’orientation sexuelle, d’âge, de situation matrimoniale, de statut d’ancien combattant, de handicap ou de toute autre caractéristique protégée par la législation en vigueur.

Les entreprises, consultants ou consortiums intéressés sont priés de soumettre leur proposition technique et financière via le portail d’approvisionnement https://procurement.aecfafrica.org/ au plus tard le 25 mai 2026 à 17h00 (EAT).
Toutes les questions doivent être adressées à l’adresse électronique du service des achats aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org au plus tard le 15 mai 2026 à 17h00 (EAT).
L’objet de l’e-mail doit être « TERMES DE RÉFÉRENCE POUR DES SERVICES DE CONSULTANCE EN APPUI À LA CRÉATION D’ENTREPRISES ET À LA CROISSANCE DES PETITES ET MOYENNES ENTREPRISES AU BÉNIN ET AU BURKINA FASO ». L’AECF ne saurait être tenue responsable de ne pas ouvrir les propositions soumises avec un objet différent ou de ne pas répondre aux questions qui n’auraient pas respecté le délai indiqué.

13.0 Clause de non-responsabilité

L’AECF se réserve le droit de déterminer la structure du processus, le nombre de candidats présélectionnés, de se retirer du processus de sélection, de modifier le calendrier à tout moment sans préavis, ainsi que d’annuler cet appel d’offres à tout moment, sans préavis et sans obligation d’indemniser ou de rembourser les parties concernées.

L’AECF ne perçoit pas de frais de dossier pour la participation à la procédure d’appel d’offres et n’a désigné aucun agent ou intermédiaire pour faciliter les candidatures. Les candidats sont invités à contacter directement le département des achats de l’AECF.

Terms of Reference: Consultancy services for the provision of venture building and business growth support to mid-size SMEs in Benin and Burkina Faso

Posted on May 4, 2026 at 11:10 am.

Escrito por AECF

1.0 Background

The Investing in Women in Benin and Burkina Faso (IIW-B&BF) is a six-year gender transformation and economic inclusion programme implemented by AECF with funding from Global Affairs Canada. The programme aims to economically empower women as entrepreneurs in sectors of activity that have a high positive impact on the climate, including technological innovation, digital technology, agriculture, production, processing, crafts, and trade, to remove obstacles preventing them from contributing to the development of their activities.

The programme aims to improve the participation and economic resilience of women entrepreneurs in a greener economy in Benin and Burkina Faso. These include access to finance for women-owned SMEs, women’s cooperatives, and emerging women entrepreneurs; improving the capacity of women owners and managers of SMEs and women’s cooperatives to sustainably develop the value chains in which they primarily value chains in which they mainly work, using climate-smart approaches; and overcoming entrenched social and cultural resistance to women’s empowerment at national, sectoral, and community levels.

2.0 About the assignment

This assignment is intended to support the delivery of practical, demand-driven venture-building and enterprise development support to women entrepreneurs and women-led SMEs participating in programme-supported value chains under the IIW-B&BF program. The support will focus on strengthening business and financial management, improving governance, enhancing operational efficiency and production systems, promoting climate-smart and climate-resilient practices, and enhancing beneficiaries’ capacity to meet market and quality standards. In addition, the assignment will support business formalization, financial literacy, market access, and strategic partnerships, while ensuring interventions are responsive to the specific barriers women face, including limited access to professional advisory services, mobility constraints, and competing time demands.

The Venture Builder will primarily support a defined cohort of 13 SMEs (9 in Burkina Faso and 4 in Benin). Where relevant, and only as agreed by AECF, the assignment may also provide light-touch business support tools, coaching, or referrals for selected women-led micro-enterprises and women’s groups linked to the supported enterprises and value chains.

Against this backdrop, AECF seeks to engage a highly experienced Venture Builder to strengthen the operational capacity, business performance, and growth readiness of selected beneficiary enterprises under the IIW-B&BF programme.

The assignment will first focus on diagnosing enterprise-level constraints that could slow delivery of programme-supported activities and on designing practical business improvement plans to address them.
The Venture Builder will then support implementation of the agreed improvement plans through hands-on advisory, coaching, and monitoring of enterprise-level capacity-building actions, while flagging material risks and support needs to AECF.

Through this combined support, the programme aims to strengthen enterprise performance and implementation success while nurturing a portfolio of women-led and women-serving businesses that demonstrate gender-responsive, climate-smart, and market-oriented practices in Benin and Burkina Faso.

3.0 Objectives of the assignment

Overall Objective: To strengthen the capacity, business performance, and climate resilience of selected beneficiary enterprises under the IIW-B&BF through enterprise diagnostics, tailored improvement plans, and hands-on implementation support that improves their ability to deliver, grow, and become more market- and investment-ready.

Specific Objectives (Expected Outcomes):

The specific objectives of the assignment are to:

Diagnose enterprise-level capacity, operational, financial, governance, and market gaps that may affect implementation, performance, and growth.
Develop practical, enterprise-specific business improvement plans with clear priorities, actions, and support needs.
Strengthen business model clarity, organizational systems, and management practices of selected enterprises.
Improve financial management, record keeping, budgeting, costing, pricing, and financial reporting.
Support the adoption of climate-smart and climate-resilient business practices that strengthen sustainability and reduce risk.
Strengthen operational efficiency, product and service quality, and compliance with relevant market and business standards.
Improve market readiness, commercial linkages, and strategic partnerships that can enhance growth.
Support selected enterprises to implement agreed improvement actions and monitor progress against those plans.
Generate practical lessons and portfolio insights for AECF on common enterprise constraints, support priorities, and emerging risks.

4.0 Scope of work

The assignment shall be implemented as a two-step process comprising diagnostics and planning, followed by support for implementation and monitoring of agreed business improvement actions.

4.1 Phase 1: Enterprise Diagnostics and Improvement Planning

Under this phase, the Venture Builder will review relevant enterprise and programme information and undertake enterprise assessments to identify weaknesses that may constrain implementation, performance, and growth. The Venture Builder shall:

Review relevant investee documents, enterprise agreements, business plans, budgets, milestones, and prior assessments made available by AECF.
Undertake enterprise diagnostics covering business model, management, operations, financial management, governance, market readiness, and climate resilience.
Assess enterprise capacity to operationalize planned activities and identify constraints that could slow or weaken results.
Identify material enterprise-level risks, bottlenecks, and capability gaps requiring support.
Classify and prioritize support needs by enterprise type, maturity, and urgency.
Develop enterprise-specific business improvement or capacity-building plans with clear actions, timelines, responsibilities, and expected results.
Validate proposed support plans with AECF and the relevant beneficiary enterprises.
Recommend where specialist support or referrals may be required beyond the Venture Builder’s core mandate.
Prepare concise diagnostic summaries highlighting the main issues, risks, and priority actions for each supported enterprise.
Provide AECF with a portfolio-level synthesis of recurring enterprise constraints and recommended support priorities.

4.2 Phase 2: Implementation Support and Monitoring of Improvement Plans

During this phase, the Venture Builder will provide practical advisory and coaching support to help selected enterprises implement the agreed-upon business improvement plans. The Venture Builder will monitor progress on those plans and flag material enterprise-level risks or support needs to AECF. The Venture Builder shall:

Support enterprises to strengthen business model clarity, planning, and decision-making.
Strengthen financial management systems and practices, including budgeting, cash flow management, costing, pricing, controls, and reporting.
Support improvement of organizational systems, internal coordination, record keeping, and performance management.
Improve operational efficiency, production planning, workflow, inventory management, and quality assurance, where relevant.
Support enterprises to improve market readiness, customer orientation, product positioning, branding, and packaging, where relevant.
Facilitate compliance with relevant market, quality, and business standards required for growth and market access.
Promote practical, climate-smart, and climate-resilient measures tailored to the enterprises and value chains supported.
Support selected enterprises, where relevant, on formalization, basic business practices, and access to appropriate business development services.
Facilitate linkages to buyers, input suppliers, financial institutions, technical experts, and other ecosystem actors, where relevant.
Provide coaching and mentoring to enterprise teams to strengthen management capability and execution discipline.
Monitor the implementation of agreed business improvement actions and document progress, challenges, and any required support adjustments.
Flag material enterprise-level risks, delays, or capability constraints to AECF for further action.
Provide support in a gender-responsive manner that recognizes the time, mobility, and access constraints faced by women entrepreneurs.

4.3 Cross-Cutting Delivery Requirements

Across both workstreams, the Venture Builder shall:

Apply gender-responsive delivery approaches that are accessible and relevant to women entrepreneurs and women’s groups.
Ensure support is tailored to the varying capacities and maturity levels of SMEs.
Use strong local context knowledge and market understanding in both Benin and Burkina Faso.
Deliver support in a manner that is sensitive to climate risks, local value chain realities, and enterprise operating environments.
Coordinate closely with AECF and relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment, avoid duplication, and strengthen programme effectiveness.
Document key lessons, success factors, and recurring challenges emerging from the assignment to inform programme learning and adaptive management.

5.0 Deliverables

The successful firm will be expected to deliver, at a minimum:

An inception report setting out the methodology, work plan, staffing, beneficiary selection approach, and reporting framework.
A portfolio scan and beneficiary profiling note identifying the enterprises to be directly supported and the proposed support segmentation.
Enterprise diagnostic reports and/or diagnostic summaries for the selected beneficiary enterprises.
Enterprise-specific business improvement plans or capacity-building action plans.
Periodic implementation progress reports on the delivery of the agreed improvement plans, including key issues, risks, and required actions.
Technical assistance completion notes or progress updates for supported enterprises, as agreed with AECF.
Brief case studies, lessons learned notes, or success stories, where applicable.
A final report summarizing diagnostics conducted, support delivered, enterprise progress, unresolved risks, lessons learned, and recommendations for AECF.

AECF reserves the right to refine the final list, format, and frequency of deliverables during the contracting process.

6.0 Duration of service

The assignment is expected to be implemented over 12 months. The first phase will focus on diagnostics and improvement planning, while the remainder of the period will focus on implementation support and monitoring of the agreed business improvement plans. The consultant shall propose a realistic level of effort and sequencing aligned to the number and profile of enterprises selected by AECF.

7.0 Relatórios

The Venture Builder will be accountable and report to the Program Managers IIW-B&BF and the Senior Advisory Specialist.

8.0 Qualifications and experience from the firm and team

Firm-Level Experience

The Venture Builder should demonstrate:

Over 7 years of proven experience supporting SMEs, growth-stage enterprises, or women-led businesses.
Strong capability in business advisory, financial management, operations improvement, governance, market access, and enterprise growth support.
Demonstrated understanding of women’s economic empowerment and gender-responsive enterprise support.
Experience supporting climate-smart, climate-resilient, or green economy enterprises.
Experience working in West Africa, preferably in Benin and/or Burkina Faso.
Strong English and French language capabilities across the team members.
Ability to deploy multidisciplinary expertise, including enterprise development, finance, operations, climate-smart business support, and market systems support.

Team-Level Experience

The proposal must include CVs for the following key experts:

Team Lead / Assignment Coordinator: At least 10 years of experience in enterprise support, venture building, portfolio oversight, or SME advisory, with proven ability to lead multi-entity technical assistance assignments.
Business Model and Enterprise Growth Expert: Experience in business model strengthening, growth strategy, enterprise diagnostics, commercialization, and market readiness support for SMEs and cooperatives.
Financial Management and Investment Readiness Expert: Experience in budgeting, cash flow management, costing, pricing, financial controls, financial reporting, and preparing businesses for follow-on financing or investment.
Operations and Market Linkages Expert: Experience in production systems, operational efficiency, quality improvement, market standards, customer orientation, and business linkages.
Governance, Compliance, and Risk Expert: At least 5 years of experience in corporate governance, internal controls, compliance, formalization, reporting systems, and enterprise risk management.
Gender and Inclusive Enterprise Development Expert: Experience in women’s economic empowerment, gender-responsive enterprise support, and delivery approaches suited to women-led SMEs, cooperatives, and micro-enterprises.

9.0 Apresentação de propostas

Os consultores qualificados são convidados a apresentar uma proposta que inclua o seguinte

Compreensão dos requisitos de consultoria.
Metodologia e plano de trabalho para a realização da tarefa.
Lista de referências pormenorizada que indique o âmbito e a dimensão de trabalhos semelhantes.
Signed letters of reference from 3 previous institutions/programmes.
Registration and other relevant statutory documents.
The technical and financial proposals are to be submitted separately in PDF format.
The financial (USD) proposal must clearly show the budgeted cost for the work to be conducted by the Venture Builder under the scope of the work above.
The technical and financial proposals will need to be submitted as separate documents. NO LINKS.

N/B: A APRESENTAÇÃO DO DOCUMENTO FINANCEIRO E DO DOCUMENTO TÉCNICO NUM ÚNICO DOCUMENTO IMPLICARÁ AUTOMATICAMENTE A EXCLUSÃO DO CANDIDATO.

10.0 Determinação de preços

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.

11.0 Evaluation Criteria

Mandatory evaluation criteria

Requisitos obrigatórios para as empresas: -

Perfil da empresa.
Trading license, Certificate of incorporation, Certificate of Registration, and other statutory documents.
Valid Tax Compliance certificate or an Equivalent document. (Applicable to firms).
Passport/National Identification of the lead consultant.

N/B: A NÃO ANEXAÇÃO E O NÃO CUMPRIMENTO DOS REQUISITOS ACIMA REFERIDOS IMPLICAM A DESQUALIFICAÇÃO AUTOMÁTICA

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 all proposals will be ranked by total points.

Os critérios obrigatórios e desejáveis em função dos quais as propostas serão avaliadas são identificados no quadro seguinte.

Principais domínios de avaliação/apreciação	Prémio ponderado
(i) PROPOSTA TÉCNICA	70
a) Compreensão das necessidades de consultoria;	10
b) Methodology and detailed work plan that will deliver the best value on the assignment:	25
c) Serviços relevantes prestados pelo proponente em contratos anteriores:
Minimum proven experience of 7+ years in venture building, SME advisory, enterprise acceleration, portfolio oversight, or business support services. Demonstrated experience in portfolio performance tracking, including milestone monitoring, results assessment, identification of bottlenecks and risks, and recommendation of corrective actions. Proven experience in conducting enterprise diagnostics and delivering tailored technical assistance to SMEs, cooperatives, or micro-enterprises. Strong expertise in strengthening business models, organizational systems, financial management, and investment readiness. Demonstrated experience in improving operations, production systems, quality standards, market readiness, and commercial linkages. Experience in delivering gender-responsive enterprise support to women-led businesses, cooperatives, or women’s groups. Experience in promoting climate-smart and climate-resilient business practices will be an added advantage. Strong coaching, facilitation, analytical, reporting, and stakeholder engagement capability.	30
d) Detailed reference list indicating the scope and magnitude of similar assignments and at least 2 signed Letters of reference from past customers or associates to the consulting firm/ consultant:	5

ii) PROPOSTA FINANCEIRA	30
- Clareza, pertinência, realidade em relação ao valor de mercado/valor para o dinheiro do custo da missão (incluindo qualquer imposto aplicável)

12.0 Application details

O AECF é um empregador que oferece igualdade de oportunidades. O AECF considera todos os candidatos interessados com base no mérito, sem ter em conta a raça, o género, a cor, a nacionalidade, a religião, a orientação sexual, a idade, o estado civil, o estatuto de veterano, a deficiência ou qualquer outra caraterística protegida pela legislação aplicável.

Interested firms/consultants or consortia are requested to submit their technical and financial proposals via the procurement portal https://procurement.aecfafrica.org/ by 25th May 2026, 5pm (EAT).
All questions should be directed to the procurement email aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org by 15 May 2026, 5pm (EAT).
The subject of the email should be ‘TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR PROVISION OF VENTURE BUILDING AND BUSINESS GROWTH SUPPORT TO MID-SIZE SMES IN BENIN AND BURKINA FASO‘. 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.

13.0 Exoneração de responsabilidade

O AECF reserva-se o direito de determinar a estrutura do processo, o número de participantes na lista restrita, o direito de se retirar do processo de proposta, o direito de alterar este calendário em qualquer altura sem aviso prévio e reserva-se o direito de retirar o presente concurso em qualquer altura, sem aviso prévio e sem responsabilidade de indemnizar e/ou reembolsar qualquer parte.

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

Posted on April 24, 2026 at 9:04 am.

Escrito por 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:

Architecture Review: analysis of software stacks, hardware dependencies, IoT devices, sensors, network architecture, cloud infrastructure, APIs, data pipelines, and integration layers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

Technical scoring and qualitative commentary,
Justification for advancing or not advancing each application,
Identification of digital strengths, risks, and scalability considerations,
Recommendations for validation, prototyping, or technical strengthening.
Flag digital issues with financial, legal, or E&S implications to relevant specialists.
Provide clarifications to AECF and other consultants regarding digital architecture, data flows, or technical operations.
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

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

Technical Model Review

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

Site Visits, Interviews, and Verification

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

Digital Risk Assessment

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

Consolidated Reporting

Preparation of clear, comprehensive reports with evidence‑based conclusions, scoring, and recommendations.
Full Digital Due Diligence Reports for each enterprise covering all workstreams.
Digital Risk Assessment Notes outlining vulnerabilities and proposed mitigation measures.
Technical Scoring Sheets
Shortlisting recommendations from a digital/technical lens.
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:

Relatório inicial

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

Due Diligence Templates

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

Technical Review Reports (one per applicant)

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

Shortlisting Recommendations

Technical justification for advancing or rejecting applications.

Investment Memos (one per applicant)

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

6.0 Reporting and Investment memo

The consultant will:

Prepare detailed due diligence reports consolidating findings
Produce concise investment memos using AECF templates, highlighting key risks, mitigation measures, and readiness for award.
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

Os consultores qualificados são convidados a apresentar uma proposta que inclua o seguinte

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: A APRESENTAÇÃO DO DOCUMENTO FINANCEIRO E DO DOCUMENTO TÉCNICO NUM ÚNICO DOCUMENTO IMPLICARÁ AUTOMATICAMENTE A EXCLUSÃO DO CANDIDATO.

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:

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

N/B: A NÃO ANEXAÇÃO E O NÃO CUMPRIMENTO DOS REQUISITOS ACIMA REFERIDOS IMPLICAM A DESQUALIFICAÇÃO AUTOMÁTICA

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.

Os critérios obrigatórios e desejáveis em função dos quais as propostas serão avaliadas são identificados no quadro seguinte.

Não.	Critérios de avaliação	Marcas
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
Pontuação total		70

11.0 Application details

Interested consultants are requested to submit their technical and financial proposal via the eprocurement portal https://procurement.aecfafrica.org/ by 8^th 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 Exoneração de responsabilidade

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

Posted on April 24, 2026 at 8:52 am.

Escrito por AECF

1.0 Background

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).

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:

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.
Evaluate market demand, competitive positioning, pricing strategy, and revenue streams, with consideration of the digital distribution channels and go-to-market approach.
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.
Assess organizational structure, management capacity, and governance, including the enterprise’s capacity to deliver and sustain digital products or services at scale.
Analyze the proposed pathways for regional scaling, including the solution’s adaptability to diverse regulatory and market environments across Sub-Saharan Africa.
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

Review historical financial statements to assess liquidity, profitability, solvency, and operational efficiency.
Evaluate the applicant’s financial model, including assumptions, projections, sensitivity tests, and reliability of inputs.
Analyze capital structure, current and projected cash flows, working capital needs, and funding adequacy.
Assess financial risks, sustainability of projected performance, and alignment with proposed REACT 2.0 financing.
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:

Technical and digital due diligence, including technology architecture, cybersecurity, data governance, and digital risk;
Legal reviews including corporate structure, licensing, contracts, and regulatory compliance;
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

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

Business Model Review and Analysis

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

Financial Model Review and Analysis

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

Site Visits, Interviews, and Verification

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

5.0 Deliverables

The consultant will submit the following deliverables:

Relatório inicial

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

Draft Due Diligence Reports (one per applicant)

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

Final Due Diligence Reports

Incorporating AECF feedback.
Submitted in required templates.

Investment Memos (one per applicant)

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

Presentation of Findings

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

6.0 Reporting and Investment memo

The consultant will:

Prepare detailed due diligence reports consolidating findings across business and financial workstreams, including financial viability and risk ratings.
Produce concise investment memos using AECF templates, highlighting key risks, mitigation measures, and readiness for award.
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: A APRESENTAÇÃO DO DOCUMENTO FINANCEIRO E DO DOCUMENTO TÉCNICO NUM ÚNICO DOCUMENTO IMPLICARÁ AUTOMATICAMENTE A EXCLUSÃO DO CANDIDATO.

9.0 Pricing

10.0 Evaluation criteria

Mandatory Requirements for individual consultants:

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

N/B: A NÃO ANEXAÇÃO E O NÃO CUMPRIMENTO DOS REQUISITOS ACIMA REFERIDOS IMPLICAM A DESQUALIFICAÇÃO AUTOMÁTICA

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.

Não.	Critérios de avaliação	Marcas
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
Pontuação total		70

11.0 Application details

Interested consultants are requested to submit their technical and financial proposal via the eprocurement portal https://procurement.aecfafrica.org/ by 8^th 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 failing to open proposals submitted with a different subject or for failing to respond to questions that did not meet the indicated deadline.

12.0 FAQ

What are the locations, by country and city, of the 15 preselected candidates to be expedited?
- It is not possible to provide the location of the 15 candidates as the evaluation process is ongoing. All applicants shall assume that the due diligence process is to be conducted fully virtually