Expression of Interest: Call for Technical Advisory (TA) experts

About AECF

The AECF is a leading development finance organization that supports businesses in innovating, creating jobs, and leveraging investments to build resilience and sustainable incomes for rural and marginalized communities in Africa. AECF’s goal is to bridge the investment gap between early-stage enterprises and business maturity for entrepreneurs serving the poorest communities.

The AECF provides patient capital to new and innovative business models in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa through various financing instruments, which include grants, zero-interest loans, guarantees, and working capital facilities. AECF’s financing products are supplemented by three additional growth support services to improve the viability and sustainability of our investees, namely, (i) Advisory Services to improve investee internal capabilities (ii) Investment Support in raising commercial capital in significant volumes, and (iii) Knowledge and Insights for learning and evidence gathering for policy influencing and advocacy.

AECF has successfully implemented programmes across 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), supporting over 510 enterprises, raising US$ 450 million in funding for programmes, and leveraging $838 million in additional capital.

Marketing & Market Linkages Experts 

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial drivers of economic growth and job creation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, many face challenges in scaling up, including understanding their market attractiveness. Market attractiveness is essential for SMEs to align their product/service offerings with customer needs, identify opportunities for growth, and position themselves competitively within local, regional, and international markets.
To address these challenges, technical assistance (TA) and capacity-building services are required to help SMEs enhance their market analysis capabilities, refine their value propositions, and improve their market access strategies. We are seeking experts from selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Liberia, and Ethiopia.

The consultant should possess:

• Extensive experience in market analysis, business development, and SME capacity building.
• Knowledge of Sub-Saharan African markets, particularly in the sectors of agriculture, renewable energy, and the blue economy.
• Proven track record in providing TA and developing market entry strategies for SMEs in emerging markets.
• Strong facilitation skills and ability to deliver effective capacity-building sessions, both online and in person.
• Understanding of digital marketing, e-commerce, and modern sales strategies relevant to SMEs.

Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• • CVs or profiles of the lead consultant(s) and team members.
  • Evidence of relevant experience and case studies of similar assignments.

Submission deadline: 26 March 2025, 5 pm (EAT)

Business Model Development Experts

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of economies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), playing a pivotal role in job creation, poverty reduction, and economic development. However, many SMEs in this region face structural challenges that impede their ability to scale and thrive. A significant gap exists in the development of viable and sustainable business models that can adapt to rapidly changing market conditions and enable SMEs to grow resiliently.

To address this need, a comprehensive Technical Assistance (TA) and capacity-building program focused on business model development with the aim of equipping SMEs with the necessary knowledge and tools to refine and innovate their business models for greater sustainability, scalability, and impact. We are seeking experts from selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Liberia, and Ethiopia.

The consultant should possess:

• Proven experience in business model development and innovation for SMEs, especially in emerging markets.
• Strong understanding of the economic, social, and political contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the target countries.
• Expertise in capacity-building programs, including facilitation of workshops and one-on-one coaching.
• Knowledge of digital transformation, e-commerce, and data-driven business models.
• Experience working with SMEs in sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, and the blue economy.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate sustainability and ESG principles into business models.

Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• • CVs or profiles of the lead consultant(s) and team members.
  • Evidence of relevant experience and case studies of similar assignments.

Submission deadline: 26 March 2025, 5 pm (EAT).

Financial Management Experts

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are vital to economic development, job creation, and poverty alleviation. Despite their significance, many SMEs face critical challenges in achieving financial viability. Common constraints include weak financial management, poor cash flow, inadequate financial planning, limited access to financing, and ineffective cost structures, which ultimately affect their ability to scale and sustain operations.

To address these challenges, a Technical Assistance (TA) and capacity-building program will be implemented to enhance the financial viability of SMEs. The programme aims to build the capacity of SMEs to manage their finances effectively, achieve financial sustainability, and position themselves for growth. We are seeking experts from selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Liberia, and Ethiopia.

The consultant should possess:

• Strong expertise in financial management, planning, and analysis for SMEs in emerging markets.
• Proven experience working with SMEs to improve financial viability, profitability, unit economics, and cash flow management.
• Familiarity with the economic, social, and regulatory environments of Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Expertise in capacity-building, facilitation of financial training, and one-on-one advisory support.
• Knowledge of financing mechanisms available to SMEs, including debt, equity, and blended financing.
• Ability to tailor financial strategies and documentation to meet investor and financial institution requirements.

Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• • CVs or profiles of the lead consultant(s) and team members.
  • Evidence of relevant experience and case studies of similar assignments.

Submission deadline: 26 March 2025, 5 pm (EAT).

Governance and Management experts

Governance and management structures are critical for the sustainable growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), many SMEs face governance challenges, including lack of clarity in leadership roles, weak decision-making structures, poor management practices, and limited accountability mechanisms. These weaknesses can lead to operational inefficiencies, limit access to finance, and hinder long-term growth prospects.

The development of sound governance frameworks and efficient management practices is essential for SMEs in SSA to strengthen their resilience, enhance performance, and attract investors, aiming to improve their governance and management practices. We are seeking experts from selected countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Nigeria, Kenya, South Sudan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Sudan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Liberia, and Ethiopia.

The consultant should have:

• Extensive experience in governance and management consulting for SMEs in emerging markets, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• A strong understanding of corporate governance best practices, leadership development, and operational management.
• Proven track record of working with SMEs to establish governance structures, leadership frameworks, and management processes.
• Expertise in risk management, compliance, and internal control systems for SMEs.
• Strong facilitation and coaching skills, with experience conducting governance and management training workshops.
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements in the target countries and the ability to tailor solutions to local contexts.

Interested consultants are invited to submit:

• • CVs or profiles of the consultant(s).
  • Evidence of relevant experience and case studies of similar assignments.

Submission deadline: 26 March 2025, 5 pm (EAT).

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 consultants must submit their proposals to aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org with the job title as the subject email. The AECF shall not be liable for not opening proposals submitted with a different subject