The primary objective of this consultancy is to design, organize, and implement a minimum of 12 series of (general and female focused) tech hackathons and innovative competitions across the six (6) geo-political regions. Each region shall run two parallel streams
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme
Technology and Creative Sector
Financing Agreement reference: 2000200005160
Project ID No.: P-NG-K00-009
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), AgenceFrançaise de Développement (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) towards the implementation of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme.
The objective of the iDICE Programme is to promote entrepreneurship, boost innovation, create jobs, enhance social development, and achieve economic transformation by fostering growth in the digital technology and creative ecosystem, building on brownfield investments and synergies with ongoing initiatives in Nigeria.
In line with implementation arrangements, the iDICEProgramme Coordination Unit (PCU) within the Bank of Industry (BOI) – the Executing Agency for the Programme appointed by the FGN – is seeking to engage the services of a consultant to design, organize, and implement (general and female focused) Tech Hackathons and InnovativeChallenges (Manage Competition, Implementation, Seed Capital and Follow up) under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme.
The primary objective of this consultancy is to design, organize, and implement a minimum of 12 series of (general and female focused) tech hackathons and innovative competitions across the six (6) geo-political regions. Each region shall run two parallel streams:
• Stream A – General Innovation Challenges: Technology hackathons and competitions targeting all eligible innovators and start-ups.
• Stream B – Female Focused Challenges: Targeted hackathons and innovation competitions focused on discovering and nurturing female-led start-ups in thetechnology sector.
Of the 12 series of (general and female focused) events, a minimum of 5% start-ups shall be start-ups from vulnerable and marginalized groups “such as At Risk Youth, PWDS, Displaced Persons, Youth Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET Youths)”.
The specific goals are:
a) Identify and nurture high-potential technology startupsthrough competitive hackathons and innovation challenges.
b) Foster innovation and problem-solving by encouraging technology and digital solutions to pressing socio-economic and industry challenges using technology.
c) Provide seed capital and structured post-event support to enable selected startups to scale and become investment ready.
d) Create visibility and networking opportunities for emerging tech entrepreneurs by connecting them with investors, mentors, and industry stakeholders.
e) Strengthen the tech ecosystem by promoting collaboration among hubs, accelerators, universities, and private sector actors.
f) Discover and nurture female-led startups through targeted hackathons, ensuring equitable access to resources, networks, and funding.
g) Promote gender equality in entrepreneurship and innovation by addressing socio-economic and industry barriers faced by women.
h) Strengthen the gender-inclusive tech and creative ecosystem by promoting collaboration among women-focused ESOs, accelerators, universities, and private sector actors.
i) Document success stories and lessons learned to inform future gender-focused innovation programmes.
The Consultant will be required to carry out the following activities:
A. Program Design
a) Develop the framework for a minimum of 12 hackathons and competitions, including:
i. Focus areas and themes aligned with the technologyand digital economy’s needs
ii. Female led technology startups
iii. Competition formats and participation criteria.
iv. Evaluation criteria and judging processes.
b) Outline strategies to engage key stakeholders, including industry leaders, ESOs, and relevant government agencies.
c) Establish guidelines for awards and post-event support for winning teams.
d) Prepare a plan outlining measures to mitigate potential environmental and social impact, including social safeguards, monitoring and reporting requirements.
