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.
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.
As part of implementation arrangements, the iDICE Programme 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 for Enterprise Support Organizations Capacity Development for Improved Start-ups Service Delivery in Nigeria.
The main objective of this assignment is to strengthen capacity of ESOs to deliver quality services to technology start-ups in Nigeria, with the following goals:
• Carry out a diagnostic assessment to Identify key weaknesses and ascertain gaps in services offered in enterprise support structures within the tech sector in Nigeria.
• Select promising ESOs for placement in the training program through a review process considering the following factors: (i) Unique competencies, (ii) Prior track records, (iii) Operational Capabilities, (iv) Client Testimonials (if any), and finally (v) Management Team and Vision
• Design and implement capacity building of the selected ESOs. The program must include: (i) Training Sessions and Workshops, (ii) Direct one on one Needs Analysis sessions for each ESO, (iv) Monitoring and Evaluation programs
• Develop and Coordinate a Test-Phase period in which beneficiary ESOs implement start-up service for their sectorthrough business development, mentorship, workspace services etc.
• Plan, Direct, and Organize the implementation of the ESO start-up service delivery Program.
• Prepare a plan outlining measures to mitigate potential environmental and social impact, including social safeguards, monitoring and reporting requirements
The scope of work for this assignment includes, but is not limited to:
A. Needs Assessment and ESO selection
1. Conduct a comprehensive sectoral review uncovering key weaknesses in the support structures as well as service gaps in offerings by existing ESOs within the Tech sector.
2. Isolate specific service areas (e.g., funding, mentorship, capacity building) that ESOs can strengthen in tech-based enterprises.
3. ESO Review and Selection:
i. Invite ESOs to submit proposals demonstrating their unique competencies, track records, operational capacity, and vision.
ii. Evaluate applications against predefined criteria, including testimonials, team strength, and unique competencies and service offerings.
iii. Finalize the selection of a minimum of 40 ESOs for the training program using the selection criteria set in table below:
B. ESO Training Programme Outlining, Design, and Development
1. Create a modular training curriculum focused on governance, financial sustainability, sector-specific expertise, and innovation.
2. Develop interactive training methods, such as workshops, case studies, and peer learning.
3. Define the sequence and duration of capacity-building sessions, needs analysis, test phases, and evaluations.
4. Establish monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track ESO progress and program impact.
5. Develop a system for spot checks and independent quality assurance to validate reported results.
C. Develop the capacity of selected ESOs and address their specific needs
1. Hold Capacity Building Workshops training for a minimum of 40 ESOs on governance, financial models,program innovation and start-up service delivery support.
2. Provide sector and sub-sector specific insights tailored to creative industries (e.g., intellectual property, digital marketing).
