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1. Background

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) was established in 1991 to build sustainable human and institutional capacity to support Africa’s development. ACBF’s Strategic Plan 2023–2027 focuses on four key impact areas: (i) Climate Change and Energy for Productive Use; (ii) Agribusiness and Food Sovereignty; (iii) Trade as an Engine of Economic Development; and (iv) Economic and Social Governance. Through these pillars, ACBF supports capacity development across Africa via investments in knowledge generation, policy engagement, technical assistance, and convening of high-level policy dialogues and learning events.

In the implementation of its mandate, ACBF regularly organizes a wide range of physical, virtual, and hybrid events, including but not limited to high-level summits, policy dialogues, workshops, conferences, training programs, and stakeholder consultations. These events vary in scale, geographic location, duration, and complexity, and are implemented at continental, regional, and national levels.

To ensure efficiency, consistency, value for money, and adherence to international standards in the planning and delivery of its events, ACBF intends to establish a Framework Agreement with qualified Event Management Agencies. The framework will allow ACBF to draw on a pre-qualified pool of service providers over a defined period, as and when specific event needs arise

2. Objective(s) of the Assignment

The overall objective of this call is to identify and pre-qualify competent and experienced Event Management Agencies to be engaged in and provide event management services to ACBF on a call-off basis.

Specifically, the framework agreement aims to:

  • Ensure timely, professional, and high-quality delivery of ACBF events
  • Establish a reliable pool of event management partners capable of supporting diverse event formats and contexts
  • Improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness in procuring event management services
  • Ensure compliance with ACBF’s quality, sustainability, and reporting standards.

3. Scope of Services, Tasks (Components) and Expected Deliverables

3.1 Scope of Services

Under the framework of agreement, selected Event Management Agencies may be required to provide end-to-end event management services for a variety of ACBF events. The scope outlined below is indicative; specific tasks and deliverables will be detailed in individual call-off assignments.

3.1.1 Pre-Event Phase

Agencies may be required to but not limited:

  • Develop comprehensive event management and delivery plans, including timelines, budgets, roles, and risk mitigation measures
    • Coordinate with venues, hotels, service providers, and local authorities
    • Support the implementation of event communication and visibility plans
    • Manage participant registration processes (physical and/or virtual), including invitation dissemination, RSVP tracking, confirmations, and updates
    • Coordinate with speakers, moderators, panelists, and VIPs/VVIPs, including agenda confirmations and logistical arrangements
    • Support visa facilitation, travel coordination, accommodation bookings, and local transportation, where required
    • Prepare draft correspondence and logistical notes for signature by ACBF management
    • Participate in regular planning and coordination meetings with ACBF teams and event organizing committees.

3.1.2 Event Implementation Phase

During events, agencies may be required to but not limited:

  • Provide stage, branding/design and printing services for the event
  • Set up and brand venues in line with event themes, ACBF branding guidelines, and protocol requirements
  • Arrange seating and provide audio-visual equipment, interpretation systems for exhibition areas, and break-out rooms
  • Manage on-site logistics, including registration desks, participant flow, security coordination, and protocol support
  • Provide equipment for hybrid or virtual event components
  •  Monitor online platforms and provide technical support
  • Provide interpretation and translation services including equipment, as required
  • Coordinate side events such as media briefings, exhibitions, dinners, networking sessions, and field visits
  • Ensure smooth execution of the event program in close collaboration with ACBF, IT, and communications teams
  • Provide on-site troubleshooting and real-time problem resolution.

3.1.3 Post-Event Phase

Agencies may be required to but not limited:

  • Submit a final service delivery report highlighting achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations.

3.1.4 Expected Deliverables

Depending on specific call-off assignments, deliverables under the framework agreement may include:

  • Event management and implementation plans
  • Detailed budgets and cost breakdowns
  • Successfully delivered physical, virtual, or hybrid events in line with agreed terms
  • Daily or periodic event briefs and updates, as required
  • Event proceedings, participant lists, and attendance records
  • Audio-visual packages (photos and videos)
  • Final service delivery reports.

The framework agreement will be established for an initial period of two years with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory performance and ACBF’s requirements.

3.2  Sustainable Procurement Requirements

ACBF is committed to managing its business and executing contracts in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Bidders should set out how they will deliver the contract in a sustainable manner.

3.2.1 Economy:

Consultants are expected to observe the possibility of reducing cost and ensuring that value for money is extended ACBF.

4. Reporting Requirements 

The Event Management Firm and/or Consultant will report to the Head of Communications and Influencing and any other staff as may be designated.

5. Evaluation Criteria.

The proposals will be evaluated based Least cost-based selection criteria.  The technical evaluation committee shall consider the technical proposals based on their responsiveness to the Terms of Reference, with a minimum technical score required of 70 points.  

Table 2. Criteria, and point system for the evaluation of the technical proposals 

     Criteria     Max Points (100) 
1  Criteria, sub-criteria, and point system for the evaluation of the Full Technical Proposals:  Points  Specific experience of Consulting (as a firm) on relevant Assignments    20 
2    Adequacy and quality of the proposed methodology, and work plan in responding to the Terms of Reference (TORs):                          {Notes to Consultant: the Client will assess whether the proposed methodology is clear, responds to the TORs, work plan is realistic and implementable; overall team composition is balanced and has an appropriate skills mix; and the work plan has right input of Experts}  30 
Proposed consultants’ General qualifications (general education, professional certificate, training, and experience): and competence for the Assignment in response to the TOR:   The minimum technical score required to pass is                                   70 50 
  Total Points  100

6. Team Composition & Qualification Requirements for the Key Experts

The Events Management Company shall have the following qualifications and experience:  

  1.  At least six years of experience organizing international high-level conferences, executive meetings, workshops, and seminars with at least 200 participants.  
  2.  Experience working with international organizations, with senior officials at the highest levels of government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector. 
  3. Demonstrated ability to lead teams physically and remotely and manage and follow through while working under pressure.  
  4. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to plan and meet deadlines through and with teams of people and individuals from diverse, cross-cultural backgrounds. 
  5. Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English and French. The ability of the firm’s team to communicate in other languages, such as Amharic Portuguese and Arabic, will be an added advantage. 
  6. Ability to influence and negotiate with different service providers and deliver and work within the provided budgets. 
  7. Proven full-time in-house multi-disciplinary events team (both technical and logistical) with good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with senior officials at the highest levels of government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector.  
  8. Must be a self-initiating team, be able to work independently, and should have high personal work standards organizing, work planning, and scheduling skills, capable of handling large volumes of assignments accurately and thoroughly without losing focus. 
  9. Ability to make objective decisions and resolve problems, exercising the highest responsibility to handle confidential and sensitive issues reasonably and maturely. 
  10. Exceptional customer service orientation. 

7. Submission Process

Interested Event Management Agencies are invited to submit:

  1. A company profile outlining relevant experience and capacity
  2. Evidence of similar assignments undertaken in the last five years
  3. Contact details of at least three (3) referees

Kindly provide your submission, expressing your interest in undertaking the consultancy. Submission should be with subject clearly marked, “REOI Process No.:  Framework contract,” to email address submission@acbf-pact.org on or before 17.00 hours (local Harare time), on 20 February 2026.  

Tender refence No: ACBF/REOI/005/26/COMM

1. Background.

For more than thirty years, the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has been building human capital and institutional capacity for Africa’s sustainable development. With membership from 40 African Countries, the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the African Union (AU), and the World Bank, ACBF is the leading institution for capacity development in Africa.

While serving all actors, ACBF recognizes the importance of and pays attention to improving the effectiveness of Africa’s public sector institutions at local, national, regional, and continental levels so that they can become effective systems integrators and catalyzers of sustainable and transformative change.

To support capacity development interventions, ACBF has adopted its Strategy 2023–2027, which focuses on the following key impact areas:

  • Climate Change and Energy for productive use
  • Agribusiness and Food Security
  • Trade as an engine of economic development and;
  • Economic and Social Governance

Building partnerships and ensuring the full support of African countries are critical to the strategy’s success and impact. To encourage support for implementing the ACBF Strategy 2023-2027 and widely share ACBF’s achievements and impact, ACBF must continuously engage its stakeholders by sharing well-designed, up-to-date articles, fit-for-purpose reports, strategic studies, and graphic visuals on ACBF’s role in addressing capacity development.

Against this background, ACBF would like to engage reputable and experienced printing companies to provide high-quality printing services for various corporate materials, including banners, notebooks, t-shirts, pens, annual reports, and other promotional items.

2. Objectives of the assignment

The main objective of this assignment is to improve the visibility of ACBF’s brand in the region and internationally.

2.1 Specific Objectives

  • To provide high-quality printing services that meet the Foundation’s corporate branding and quality standards.
  • To ensure timely delivery of printed materials to the Foundation’s offices or designated locations.
  • To provide excellent customer service and support to the Foundation’s staff.

3. Scope of work

The selected printing companies will be responsible for the following:

  1. Printing of various corporate materials, including: Banners, Notebooks, T-shirts, Pens, Annual reports, Brochures, Business cards, among other branding materials
  2. Ensuring that all printed materials meet the Foundation’s corporate branding and quality standards.
  3. Providing high-quality printing services, including : Offset printing, Digital printing, Screen printing, Embroidery
  4. Ensuring timely delivery of printed materials to the Foundation’s offices or designated locations.

4. Specific tasks

The selected printing company is expected to provide and satisfactorily perform the tasks below. ACBF might as well request a combination of two or more tasks.

4.1 Printing Tasks

  • Printing of various corporate materials, including banners, notebooks, t-shirts, pens, annual reports, and other promotional items.
  • Ensuring that all printed materials meet the Foundation’s corporate branding and quality standards.

5. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

The selected printing company(s) should have:

  • At least 5 years of experience in corporate printing.
  • A strong portfolio of previous work, including samples of printed materials.
  • A team of experienced and skilled staff, including designers, printers, and customer service representatives.
  • State-of-the-art printing equipment and facilities.
  • A strong understanding of corporate branding and quality standards.
  • The ability to meet tight deadlines and deliver high-quality printed materials on time.

6. Reporting Line

The selected printing company(s) will report to the Head of Communications and Influencing and any other staff as may be designated.

7. Consultancy Duration

The printing company will be contracted under a Framework Agreement for an initial period of two calendar years. Subject to satisfactory performance and the ACBF option, the contract is renewable for up to three calendar years.

8. Working Arrangements

In terms of printing tasks, ACBF will provide guidance on the scope of the work to be done. It will also provide designs and other documents to inform the printing. The selected printing company will print and deliver the materials to the Foundation’s offices or designated locations.

9. Intellectual Property

ACBF shall, solely and exclusively, own all rights in and to any work created in connection with this assignment. The selected printing company shall not be allowed to post or publish (electronically or in print) any proposal-related information without the explicit consent of ACBF.

10. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria

 Table 1:   

No.Criteria  Max Points (100)
1Professional qualification and experience in corporate printing 30
2Quality of portfolio and previous work 30
3Technical capacity and equipment   20
4Customer service and communication skills 10
5Pricing and value for money10
 TOTAL 100

11. How to Apply

Interested printing companies should submit their proposals, including:

  • A cover letter outlining their experience, qualifications, and interest in the assignment.
  • A detailed company profile, including contact information and a list of previous clients.
  • A portfolio of previous work, including samples of printed materials.

Kindly provide your submission, expressing your interest in undertaking the consultancy. Submission should be with subject clearly marked, “REOI Process No.:  Framework contract,” to email address submission@acbf-pact.org on or before 17.00 hours (local Harare time), on 20 February 2026.  

TENDER REFERENCE: ACBF/RFP/001/26/TC3

Background

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is commissioning an independent Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the third phase of its Capacity Building for Tobacco Control Program, Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Tobacco Control in Africa (TC3). This phase, implemented from August 2023 to July 2027, builds on a long-standing partnership between ACBF and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) initiated in 2014 to advance the tobacco control agenda in Africa. TC3 engages 13 sub-awardees operating across 12 African countries1 and aims to consolidate institutional gains and deepen policy influence achieved in earlier phases. Having reached the midpoint of implementation, the program now requires an independent and comprehensive assessment to determine progress toward expected results, emerging lessons, and opportunities for improved delivery during the remaining period.

ACBF has allocated funds for Consultancy Services Consultancy Services to Undertake Mid-Term Review of The Strengthening Capacity for Sustainable Tobacco Control in Africa (TC3) Program and hereby invite all potential consultancy firms to submit proposals as per the requirements of the request for proposal document Ref: ACBF/RFP/001/26/TC3.

More details on the Services are provided in the Terms of Reference (Section 5) in the RFP document.

A firm will be selected under Quality Cost Based Selection Method procedures and in a Full Technical Proposal (FTP) format as described in the RFP document.

Interested Consultancy firms are being requested to obtain further information including the Request for proposal document at the address below during office hours (9:00am –17:00 hours). Proposals must be submitted via email below or delivered to the address below by 16th February 2026 at 17:00 hours Harare time and mention the Procurement Reference Number and subject of Procurement.

Attention:  Procurement Unit
Procurement Specialist
2 Fairbairn Drive, Mt Pleasant
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 772 185 308 – 10
E-mail: submission@theacbf.org

TENDER REFERENCE: ACBF/REoI/004/25/AfDB-CADAST
Financing Agreement reference: 2100155042667
Project ID No.: P-Z1-KF0-068

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has received financing from the African Development Fund (ADF) toward the cost of the Capacity Development for Africa’s Structural Transformation (CADAST) Project which aims to enhance intra-African trade effectiveness in RMCs to advance Africa’s regional integration agenda and strengthen economic and financial governance for green growth and efficient use of public resources in RMCs. ACBF intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this grant to payments under the contract for Activity 2.2.1 Individual Consultant to Conduct a Regional Workshop on Climate Swaps, Green Bonds, Blue Bonds, and Other Climate Financing Instruments.

Brief Description on the services included under this project is provided below:      

Over the last decade, many African countries have seen their public debt increase due to several chocks, namely infrastructure investment needs, commodity price shocks, the COVID-19 pandemic, and intensifying climate disasters; as of 2024, over 20 countries were in or at high risk of debt distress, with some already undergoing debt restructuring. Simultaneously, Africa disproportionately suffers from the impacts of the climate crisis despite a low contribution to global emissions and needs $2.7 trillion by 2030 for its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), yet climate finance only amounts to $30 billion per year.

To address this dual crisis, innovative financial solutions such as debt-for-climate swaps, green bonds, and blue bonds are promising, although their adoption is hindered by the lack of technical capacity in African Debt Management Offices (DMOs), the absence of legal frameworks, a lack of market confidence, and a limited understanding of the modalities. A regional workshop therefore aims to strengthen the capacity of DMOs from 12 African countries so that they can leverage these instruments, in line with continental initiatives such as the African Union Climate Strategy.

Scope of Work

The selected consultancy firm will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:

  • Conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific training needs in climate Swaps, Green Bonds, Blue Bonds, and Other Climate Financing Instruments,
  • Develop detailed training methodologies and tools, including training manuals, modules covering keys topics,
  • Provide the needed technical support for the effective delivery of the training, including suggested training methods, materials, and evaluation techniques.

The duration of the assignment is eight (08) months from December 2025 to July 2026.  

The African Capacity Building Foundation now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested Individual consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, technical qualifications, etc.).  

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Procurement Policy.

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s as specified in the Bank’s Procurement Framework, dated October 2015 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Framework, which is available on the Bank’s website at http://www.afdb.org

Interested consultants may obtain further information including the Terms of Reference at the address below during office hours (9:00am –17:00 hours). Expressions of interest must be submitted via email or delivered to the address below by 1st December  2025 at 17:00 hours Harare time and mention the Procurement Reference Number and subject of Procurement.

Attention: Procurement Unit
Procurement Specialist
2 Fairbairn Drive, Mt Pleasant
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 772 185 308 – 10
E-mail: submission@theacbf.org

Tender Reference: ACBF/REoI/006/25/AfDB-CADAST
Financing Agreement reference: 2100155042667
Project ID No.: P-Z1-KF0-068

Background

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) is a pan-African institution established in 1991 by African countries with the support of bilateral and multilateral partners. The Foundation’s mandate is to develop human capital and accelerate institutional development to enable the African continent to address its current and future sustainable development challenges. In this regard, it supports human capital development and institutional strengthening in governments, private sector associations, civil society organizations, think tanks, academia, and research institutions at national, regional, and continental levels to improve their capacity to deliver sustainable development results. ACBF is currently executing its Strategic Plan 2023-2027 and is implementing the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)-funded project namely the Capacity Development for Africa’s Structural Transformation (CADAST).

ACBF intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this grant to payments under the contract for Activity 2.3: Consultancy service to strengthen skills and knowledge for financial deepening and development including managing the national capital and money markets: Regional training workshops on national capital and money markets.

Objectives of the assignment

The main objective of the consultancy is to engage a qualified consultant to deliver training to officials from central banks, financial sector supervision authorities and Debt Management Offices (DMO) on national capital and money markets. Two training sessions will be held in-person for 25 participants for each session.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:

  • Conduct a needs assessment to identify the specific training needs on national capital and money markets,
  • Develop detailed training methodologies and tools, including training manuals, modules covering keys topics,
  • Provide the needed technical support for the effective delivery of the training, including suggested training methods, materials, and evaluation techniques.

The duration of the assignment is eight (08) months from December 2025 to July 2026.  

The African Capacity Building Foundation now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested Individual consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (Curriculum Vitae (CVs), description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, technical qualifications, etc.).  

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s as specified in the Bank’s Procurement Framework, dated October 2015 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Framework, which is available on the Bank’s website at  https://www.afdb.org/en/projects-and-operations/procurement/new-procurement-policy.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Procurement Policy.

Interested individual consultants may obtain further information including the Terms of Reference at the address below during office hours (9:00am –17:00 hours). Expressions of interest must be submitted via email below or delivered to the address below by 1st December 2025 at 17:00 hours Harare time and mention the Procurement Reference Number and subject of Procurement.

Attention :  Procurement Unit
Procurement Specialist
2 Fairbairn Drive, Mt Pleasant
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 772 185 308 – 10
E-mail: submission@theacbf.org

Capacity Development for Africa’s Structural Transformation Project: Institutional Support to the African Capacity Building Foundation
Procurement Reference: ACBF/REoI/007/2025/AfDB-CADAST
Financing Agreement reference: 2100155042667
Project ID No.: P-Z1-KF0-068

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), a specialized agency of the African Union with a mandate for developing human and institutional capacity to enable inclusive and sustainable development across the African continent, has been implementing a programme that places emphasis on effective implementation of the AfCFTA. The ACBF, “Capacity Development for Africa’s Structural Transformation (CADAST) Project”, among other priorities seeks to enhance intra-African trade effectiveness in State Parties, by advancing Africa’s regional integration agenda and promoting implementation of the AfCFTA agreement.

The success of the African Economic Integration agenda hinges on the effective implementation of the AfCFTA Agreement. The ACBF programme specifically provides countries with support, including technical assistance on domestication and ratification of the AfCFTA agreement and on enhancing their economic governance – a key ingredient towards practical implementation of the AfCFTA. It also covers mobilizing technical interventions that target enhancing the Member States’ readiness to participate in and benefit from the AfCFTA Agreement coupled with the generation of knowledge products and services.

It is against this background that ACBF seeks to engage the services of the following five experts;

  1. Senior AfCFTA Implementation and Coordination Expert
  2. Senior SADC-AfCFTA Implementation and Coordination Expert    
  3. Senior Program Specialist, Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilization
  4. Senior AfCFTA Trade Intelligence Expert
  5. Senior Expert to Support AFCFTA Academy  

SCOPE OF WORK

To maximize the benefits of the AfCFTA, substantial investment in effective implementation and coordination mechanisms at the continental, regional and national level will be important to keep the implementation of the Agreement on track and remain responsive to any unforeseen risks. Whilst the AfCFTA Secretariat has the institutional responsibility to drive this process, collective capacity should be leveraged across all key stakeholders to deliver this goal.

The African Capacity Building Foundation now invites eligible individual consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested Individual consultants must provide CVs indicating that they are qualified to perform the services.

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s as specified in the Bank’s Procurement Framework, dated October 2015 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Framework, which is available on the Bank’s website at http://www.afdb.org.

Interested consultants may obtain further information including the Terms of Reference at the address below during office hours (9:00am –17:00 hours). Expressions of interest must be submitted via email below or delivered to the address below by 10th October 2025 at 17:00 hours Harare time and mention the Procurement Reference Number and the procurement subject.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Attention:  Procurement Unit
Procurement Specialist
2 Fairbairn Drive, Mt Pleasant
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 772 185 308 – 10 E-mail: submission@theacbf.org

1.  Background

For more than thirty years, the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has been building human capital and institutional capacity for Africa’s sustainable development. With membership from 40 African Countries, ACBF is the leading institution for capacity development in Africa.

To support capacity development interventions, ACBF has adopted its Strategy 2023–2027. For the implementation of the Strategy, building partnerships and ensuring the full support of African countries is critical for its success and impact. To encourage support towards the implementation of the ACBF Strategy 2023-2027, as well as widely share the achievements and impact of ACBF, there is a need for ACBF to continuously engage with Qualified and capable suppliers.

It is against this background that ACBF would like you to submit your applications through a prequalification process.

This Notice comprise of 3 lots categorized as below;

  1. LOT 1-Head Office –Harare Zimbabwe
  2. LOT2-Nairobi –Kenya Office
  3. LOT 3-Ghana –Accra Office

Detailed requirements of the prequalification process for each lot is given in the prequalification document under the link below.

The prequalification application, all relevant information and other requested documents shall be submitted online. For full details of the invitation to prequalify, please visit the link below; https://forms.gle/RMmWrhdRxKAX9QPE6 on or before 17.00 hours (local Harare time), 30th  September 2025.

For any inquiries, please contact procurement@theacbf.org

Note: ACBF is an equal opportunity Organisation, Companies /Organisations led by Women, Youth and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to submit their applications.

PLEASE NOTE THAT: ACBF DOES NOT CHARGE ANY FEES AT ANY STAGE OF ITS PROCESSES. ACBF HAS ZERO TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION, MEANING THAT ACBF STAFF MEMBERS, NON-STAFF PERSONNEL, VENDORS AND IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS ARE NOT TO ENGAGE IN FRAUD OR CORRUPTION

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) has received financing from the African Development Fund (ADF) toward the cost of the Capacity Development for Africa’s Structural Transformation Project: Institutional Support to the African Capacity Building Foundation and intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this grant to payments under the contract for Activity 2.6: Provision of Consultancy services for the development and production of the Africa Capacity Report.

Brief Description on the services included under this project is provided below:

Since 2011 ACBF has been producing the Africa Capacity Reports. These reports have and continue to focus on critical assessments of institutional capacities across the continent, providing in-depth analyses and actionable insights. The 2025 report will be on the theme “From Vision to Reality: Strengthening Institutional Frameworks for Africa’s Sustainable Future” and lay the groundwork for understanding the current state of institutional capacities and their impact on sustainable economic and social transformation.

Objective(s) of the Assignment

The primary objective of this consultancy is for a consulting firm to develop and disseminate a comprehensive Africa Capacity Report to enhance the effectiveness of sustainable economic and social policies by bolstering institutional capacities for their development and implementation.

The duration of the assignment is 180 working days from August to December 2025.

The African Capacity Building Foundation now invites eligible consulting firms to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested consulting firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc.). Consultants may constitute joint ventures to enhance their chances of qualification. 

Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the African Development Bank’s as specified in the Bank’s Procurement Framework, dated October 2015 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the Procurement Framework, which is available on the Bank’s website at http://www.afdb.org

Interested consultants may obtain further information including the Terms of Reference at the address below during office hours (9:00am –17:00 hours). Expressions of interest must be delivered through an email below by 10th July 2025 at 17:00 hours Harare time and mention the Procurement Reference Number and subject of Procurement.

Attention:  Procurement Unit
Procurement Specialist
2 Fairbairn Drive, Mt Pleasant
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel: +263 772 185 308 – 10
E-mail: submission@theacbf.org 

1.  Background

For more than thirty years, the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) a specialized agency of the African Union has been building human capital and institutional capacity for Africa’s sustainable development. With membership from 40 African Countries, ACBF is the leading institution for capacity development in Africa.

To support capacity development interventions, ACBF has adopted its Strategy 2023–2027. For the implementation of the Strategy, building partnerships and ensuring the full support of African countries is critical for its success and impact. To encourage support towards the implementation of the ACBF Strategy 2023-2027, as well as widely share the achievements and impact of ACBF, there is a need for ACBF to continuously engage with Qualified and capable suppliers.

It is against this background that ACBF would like you to submit your applications through a prequalification process.

This Notice comprise of 3 lots categorized as below;

  • LOT 1-Head Office – Harare Zimbabwe
  • LOT2-Nairobi – Kenya Office
  • LOT 3-Ghana – Accra Office

Detailed requirements of the prequalification process for each lot is given in the prequalification document under Annex 1 in the link below.

The prequalification application, all relevant information and other requested documents shall be submitted online. For full details of the invitation to prequalify, please visit the link below; https://forms.gle/Adi84H6oeFaesYQu9on or before 17.00 hours (local Harare time), 20th July 2025.

For any inquiries, please contact procurement@theacbf.org

Note: ACBF is an equal opportunity Organisation, Companies /Organisations led by Women, Youth and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to submit their applications.

PLEASE NOTE THAT: ACBF DOES NOT CHARGE ANY FEES AT ANY STAGE OF ITS PROCESSES. ACBF HAS ZERO TOLERANCE TO FRAUD AND CORRUPTION, MEANING THAT ACBF STAFF MEMBERS, NON-STAFF PERSONNEL, VENDORS AND IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS ARE NOT TO ENGAGE IN FRAUD OR CORRUPTION

1. Background

The African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF) was established in 1991 to build sustainable human and institutional capacity to support Africa’s development. The current ACBF Strategic Plan 2023-2027 (which focuses on four key impact areas, namely Climate Change and Energy for Productive Use; Agribusiness and Food Sovereignty; Trade as an Engine of Economic Development; and Economic and Social Governance) aims to enhance the delivery capabilities of Africa’s transformation ecosystem for inclusive growth and sustainable development. ACBF supports capacity development in Africa through investments in capacity, knowledge sharing, and technical assistance to countries and regional and sub-regional organisations. ACBF’s approach to capacity development focuses on addressing capacity needs and gaps, stakeholder ownership of interventions, project and program sustainability, and synergy of interventions with other development partners.  

In carrying its mandate, ACBF organizes several physical or virtual events, such as the Africa Think Tank Summits convened since 2014. The 2025 edition is titled “Bridging Policy and Implementation in Public Financial Management for Economic Transformation and Governance in Africa” and is scheduled for 8-10 October 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This event will involve senior-level staff from different organisations, senior government officials, development partners, civil society, academia, and regional and international development specialists. The event may attract as many as 300 participants. 

ACBF would like to engage the services of an Events Management Company (EMC) responsible for the overall management, organisation, planning, and running of the 2024 Africa Think Tank Summit.   

2. Objective(s) of the Assignment

The overarching objective for the engagement of an Events Management Company is for ACBF to deliver on the 2025 Africa Think Tank Summit efficiently, meet the best international standards, and achieve the event’s expected outcomes. 

3. Scope of Services, Tasks (Components) and Expected Deliverables

3.1     scope of services

The Events Management Company will be expected to deliver on the following activities.

3.1.1     Pre-Summit 

  • Coordinating with the venue staff for the Summit.
  • Developing the 2025 Africa Think Tank Summit event management and delivery plan based on the concept note with precise budget requirements, roles and responsibilities, resource requirements, milestones, and delivery timelines.
  • Supporting and executing the communication plan in liaison with the Communications Unit for all the required communication support services (e.g., interpretation requirements and media coverage in print, electronic, and online).
  • Engaging stakeholders for invitational purposes and conference updates.

This includes: 

  • Sending out invitations and managing the RSVP process.
  • Assisting and dispatching invitation to local stakeholders.
  • Facilitating the registration process (for both physical and virtual meetings), invitations, follow-ups, and updates on the confirmation and confirmations of VVIP, VIP, and other targeted speakers and guests.
  • Reaching out to (and where missing proposing) Keynote Speakers and Session Chairs to track schedules.
  • Managing logistics of the conference alongside the 2025 Summit Organizing Committee. This includes:  
    • Following up on all the action points/tasks and responsible officers to ensure the to-do list/checklist is current.
    • Drafting communication letters for signature by the ACBF Executive Secretary.
    • Compiling lists of all local relevant stakeholders to the Summit by function. Work with the ministry of finance and ACBF coordinator at AU
    • Coordinating and attending regular planning meetings with the Summit Organizing Committee. 

3.1.2     During the Summit 

  • Decorating the venue and sitting arrangements according to protocol requirements, the theme of the event, and audio-visual requirements and setting up the virtual meeting room to facilitate a hybrid procession.
  • Arranging and decorating the hall for the exhibition.
  • Arranging and decorating side rooms for interviews and panel discussions.
  • Planning and coordinating special events such as dinners, on-site media interviews, cocktails, and exhibition sites.
  • Overseeing the on-the-ground event logistics, transport, security, and protocol requirements in collaborating with staff.
  • Assisting delegates with hotel reservations and any other logistical needs.
  • Ensuring the smooth running of the Summit agenda by coordinating the event proceedings alongside IT and communications teams.
  • Providing simultaneous translation and interpretation services for the duration of the event.
  • Establishing a rapporteur team to provide daily updates on the event app and the conference website for the Summit proceedings.
  • Undertaking other technical activities that will facilitate seamless event execution.
  • If needed, organize daily debriefing sessions with the Summit Organizing Committee before, during, and after.
  • Reporting on the delivery and outcome of the event and considerations for future events. 

3.1.3     Post-Summit 

  • Facilitating the sharing of the Communique and Summit documents with participants and the larger stakeholders
  • Developing post-conference material that can be sent out (stories for media, videos, newsletters, etc.).
  • Producing the Summit report.
  • Organizing and coordinating a post-conference review.
  • Producing a final report on service delivery. 

3.1.4     Expected Deliverables 

The Events Management Company will be expected to deliver on the following: 

  • Plan of action for the tasks to be undertaken in preparation for the Think Tank summit.
  • Delivery of the 2025 Africa Think Tank Summit according to the agreed Statement of Services and action plan.
  • Report on each day’s deliberation.
  • Proceedings of the Summit in English and French, with a record of attendance of participants, resource persons, and guests
  • Audio-visual pack (videos and pictures on key highlights of the event)
  • Final report on service delivery, reporting successes, challenges/lessons learned, and recommendations for future events. 

The duration of this assignment is running from July to November 2025. The deliverables and tentative timeline are presented in Table 1.

Table 1. Timeline for deliverables 

Tasks DescriptionTimelines (tentative)
Inception report, including plan of action5 August 2025
Event delivery plan document30 August 2025
Delivery of the event8-10 October 2025
Audio-visual pack20 October 2025
Report of the Summit in French and English20 October 2025
Post-Summit materials20 October 2025
Final report on service delivery30 October 2025

3.4   Sustainable Procurement Requirements

ACBF is committed to managing its business and executing contracts in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Bidders should set out how they will deliver the contract in a sustainable manner.

3.4.1 Economy:

Consultants are expected to observe the possibility of reducing cost and ensuring that value for money is extended ACBF.

4.   Reporting Requirements

  • The Event Management Firm and/or Consultant will report to the Head of Communications and Influencing.

5.    Evaluation Criteria.

The proposals will be evaluated based Least cost-based selection criteria.  The technical evaluation committee shall consider the technical proposals based on their responsiveness to the Terms of Reference, with a minimum technical score required of 70 points.

Table 2.  Criteria, and point system for the evaluation of the technical proposals

 CriteriaMax Points (100) 
1  Criteria, sub-criteria, and point system for the evaluation of the Full Technical Proposals: Points (i)    Specific experience of the Consultant (as a firm) relevant to the Assignment  20 
2  Adequacy and quality of the proposed methodology, and work plan in responding to the Terms of Reference (TORs):{Notes to Consultant: the Client will assess whether the proposed methodology is clear, responds to the TORs, work plan is realistic and implementable; overall team composition is balanced and has an appropriate skills mix; and the work plan has right input of Experts}  30 
Proposed consultants’ General qualifications (general education, professional certificate, training, and experience): and competence for the Assignment in response to the TOR:  The minimum technical score required to pass is 70 50 
 Total Points  1        

6.     Team Composition & Qualification Requirements for the Key Experts

The Events Management Company shall have the following qualifications and experience:  

  • At least six years of experience organizing international high-level conferences, executive meetings, workshops, and seminars with at least 200 participants.
  • Experience working with international organizations, with senior officials at the highest levels of government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead teams physically and remotely and manage and follow through while working under pressure.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to plan and meet deadlines through and with teams of people and individuals from diverse, cross-cultural backgrounds.
  • Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English and French. The ability of the firm’s team to communicate in other languages, such as Amharic Portuguese and Arabic, will be an added advantage.
  • Ability to influence and negotiate with different service providers and deliver and work within the provided budgets.
  • Proven full-time in-house multi-disciplinary events team (both technical and logistical) with good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with senior officials at the highest levels of government, civil society, international organizations, and the private sector.
  • Must be a self-initiating team, be able to work independently, and should have high personal work standards organizing, work planning, and scheduling skills, capable of handling large volumes of assignments accurately and thoroughly without losing focus.
  • Ability to make objective decisions and resolve problems, exercising the highest responsibility to handle confidential and sensitive issues reasonably and maturely.
  • Exceptional customer service orientation.  

7. Submission Process

Consultancy firms that are interested in applying for the consultancy must submit the documents/information in section 4. The name and contact information of three referees for contact regarding relevant experience of the consultancy firm. 

Consultancy firms are being requested to submit their technical & Financial proposals (encrypt with password), with the subject clearly marked, REoI Process No.:ACBF/ REOI/001/2025/KM/HEWLETT – Event Management Company  to email address: submission@acbf-pact.org on or before 17.00 hours (local Harare time), on Monday 21 July 2025.