Call for Interested Consultants: Training Support for Start-up Service Providers in Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has secured funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme. This programme aims to promote entrepreneurship, increase innovation, create jobs, and enhance social development by growing the digital technology and creative sectors in Nigeria.

To implement this programme, the iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) at the Bank of Industry (BOI) seeks to hire a Consultant for Enterprise Support Organizations Capacity Development for Improved Start-ups Service Delivery in Nigeria.

The main goal of this assignment is to help Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) improve their services for technology start-ups in Nigeria. The objectives include:

• Assessing the key weaknesses and service gaps in the support structures of the tech sector in Nigeria.
• Choosing promising ESOs for training based on their unique skills, past performance, operational capabilities, client feedback, and management team.
• Designing and implementing training programs that include workshops, one-on-one needs analysis, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Coordinating a test phase where selected ESOs will deliver start-up services like business development and mentorship.
• Organizing the start-up service delivery program for ESOs.
• Creating a plan to manage any potential environmental and social impacts, including monitoring and reporting needs.

Scope of Work

The work for this assignment includes:

A. Needs Assessment and ESO Selection

1. Conducting a sector review to find weaknesses in support structures and service gaps from current ESOs in the tech sector.
2. Identifying specific areas (like funding and mentorship) where ESOs can improve.
3. Reviewing and selecting ESOs:

i. Invite ESOs to submit proposals that showcase their strengths and track records.
ii. Evaluate these proposals based on set criteria, including testimonials and team strengths.
iii. Select at least 40 ESOs for training based on the criteria outlined.

Selection Criteria for ESO Selection:

• Sector Focus: How well the ESO’s services align with the programme’s goals.
• Sector Experience: The ESO’s reputation, years of operation, and project history.
• Sector Performance and Portfolio: The organization’s performance compared to industry standards.
• Team Composition: The adequacy of the team’s structure and skills.
• Potential Impact: The current and potential impact on tech start-ups and entrepreneurs.

B. ESO Training Programme Design

1. Creating a training curriculum focused on governance, financial sustainability, and innovation.
2. Developing interactive training methods like workshops and case studies.
3. Defining session schedules and evaluations.
4. Setting up frameworks to monitor ESO progress.
5. Establishing a system for quality checks and validation of results.

C. Building Capacity for Selected ESOs

1. Running capacity-building workshops for at least 40 ESOs focused on governance and service delivery.
2. Offering insights tailored to creative industries like digital marketing.
3. Conducting individual needs analysis sessions with ESOs to create specific development plans.

D. Test Phase

1. ESOs will implement their support programs in a real-world setting.
2. Integrating ESOs into a framework for service delivery, including:

- Business Development Services (BDS): Planning, financial management, marketing, etc. - Mentorship Services: One-on-one and group mentorship. - Workspace Services: Access to co-working spaces and internet.

1. Using vouchers to help ESOs access BDS and workspaces affordably.
2. Ensuring that each ESO supports at least 10 start-ups, with 40% being female-led.
3. Defining application processes and onboarding for selected start-ups.
4. Creating guidelines for support delivery.
5. Integrating ESOs and tech partners into the service framework.
6. Developing an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to handle risks.

E. Monitoring and Evaluation

1. Tracking performance against KPIs and collecting feedback.
2. Providing ongoing support to refine interventions.
3. Establishing monitoring frameworks to measure impact on start-up growth.

Minimum Qualification and Experience

The consultant/team must have:

• Proven experience in incubator and accelerator programs.
• Expertise in capacity building and training, especially in job creation.
• Availability of qualified staff with necessary certifications.
• Knowledge of Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
• Strong operational and logistical planning skills.
• Ability to integrate monitoring and evaluation systems effectively.

Legal & Compliance Requirements

Interested firms must provide:

1. Evidence of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
2. Memorandum and Articles of the firm.
3. An affidavit confirming the authenticity of all submitted documents.

Financial and Tax Requirements

1. Proof of financial capacity (audited statement for 3 years).
2. Evidence of VAT registration and tax clearance for the last 3 years.

Submission of EOIs

Expressions of Interest should include:

• Organizational profile (max. 3 pages).
• Experience in similar assignments (max. 7 pages).
• CVs of key staff (max. 7 pages).
• Any other relevant documents.

Submissions should not exceed 25 pages, excluding required documents. The selection will follow the African Development Bank’s guidelines.

Deadline for Submission of EOIs

Submit hard and soft copies of your EOI by 29th July 2026 at 3:00 PM (WAT). Clearly state “EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: DEVELOPMENT OF AN ENTERPRISE SUPPORT ORGANIZATION TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR TECHNOLOGY HUBS IN NIGERIA.”

For more details, visit website.

Attn.
The iDICE Programme Coordination Unit
Bank of Industry
Tower 1, 9th Floor
FCT, Abuja
E-mail: [email protected] (for enquiries only)
Tel: 0700 225 5264 (0700 CALL BOI)