REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) FOR CONSULTANCY FIRMS
PROCUREMENT TITLE: Consultancy Services to undertake mapping of priority food value
chains, the agri-infrastructure gaps (storage, cold chains) and the investment requirement
along Lagos-Abidjan Corridor and Northern Corridor
PROCUREMENT NUMBER: 120/AUDA/DAFSES/OOD/CQS/2025
Method: Consultant’s Qualifications Selection (CQS)
1. INTRODUCTION
The Directorate of Agriculture, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability of AUDA-NEPAD is
responsible for leading the institution’s efforts at supporting African Union member states, RECs,
and other important African stakeholders in meeting the domestic development priorities and
international commitments related to resilient Agri-food systems, climate change and sustainable
development.
Accelerating the economic and social development of food corridors has value chain development
as a pre-requisite. To deliver on the potential that food corridors in Africa carry, deliberate work needs
to be undertaken with key stakeholders to develop and enhance value chains performance within
the geographical boundaries of the identified corridors. Despite Africa’s potential and comparative
advantage in agriculture, the continent still has an annual food import bill of over $60bn. Africa is the

world’s youngest and fastest-growing population with a massive demographic dividend, and the agri-
food sector arguably has the most scope for growth and development that can create the millions of

jobs needed, especially for women and youth. Moreover, creating a dynamic private sector with clear
objectives to drive greater agri-food investments is critical.
The Lagos-Abidjan and Northern Corridors are a critical economic zone in West and East Africa,
respectively serving as major transit route for trade and transport. However, its potential as a driver
of agricultural development, food security, and socio-economic growth remains underutilized. This
consultancy seeks to assess priority food value chains, identify agri-infrastructure gaps (storage,
cold chains, processing facilities), and determine investment needs to transform the corridor into a
hub for enhanced agricultural productivity, trade, and regional food security.
This assignment will greatly contribute to building sustainable and resilient food systems in Africa
linking the 3 continental plans for agriculture (CAADP Kampala Declaration), infrastructure (PIDA) in
relation to Agriculture-Led Infrastructure and trade (AfCFTA) with the aim to attract investment
(public and private investments).
2. SCOPE/MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The study aims to map, assess, and identify priority food value chains, agri-infrastructure gaps
(storage, cold chains), and investment needs along the Lagos-Abidjan and the Northern Corridors
to transition from a transit route into socio-economic development corridors. The mapping will
identify market opportunities, comparative advantages, challenges, investment (agri-infrastructure,
etc) gaps, capacity needs and risks across key food value chains—from raw material sourcing to
processing, value addition, and final distribution for local, regional, and export markets.
To achieve the purpose of the assignment, the firm will engage ministries of Agriculture and Trade
across the Corridor, Corridor Management Agency, ECOWAS Commission, East African Community
Secretariat, AfCFTA, and partners engaged in promoting value chains along the corridor.

Furthermore, the firm is expected to address the issues listed below.
i. Value Chain Mapping and Analysis
• Identify 3-5 priority food value chains (e.g., maize, cassava, poultry, fish, horticulture)
guided by NAIPs and RAIPs among other country and regional development priorities.
• Analyze production, processing, distribution, and market linkages.
• Assess comparative advantages and constraints at each value chain stage as well as
articulate challenges facing trade in these specific commodities and the companies that
deal in them.
ii. Agri-Infrastructure Assessment
• Evaluate existing storage, cold chain, transport, and processing facilities.
• Identify gaps and inefficiencies in post-harvest handling and logistics.
• Map key trade routes, bottlenecks, and cross-border regulatory issues.
iii. Investment and Financing Analysis
• Estimate funding needs for infrastructure and value chain upgrades.
• Assess private sector and public investment opportunities.
• Recommend financing mechanisms (PPP, donor funding, blended finance).
iv. Stakeholder and Policy Review
• Engage with farmers, traders, processors, government agencies, and development
partners.
• Review relevant policies, trade agreements, and regulatory barriers.
v. Reporting and Recommendations
• Develop a comprehensive report with findings, data visualizations, and case studies.
• Prioritize actionable interventions for stakeholders.

• Present findings in a validation workshop and finalize report for submission to AUDA-
NEPAD

3. AUDA-NEPAD now invites eligible consultancy firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in
providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they
have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services.
4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
Experience of the Firm
The selected consulting firm must demonstrate a strong track record in agricultural development,
with expertise in the following areas:
i. At least five years of experience in agricultural development, with expertise in enhancing
productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in agri-value chains.
ii. A strong background in analyzing investments and assessing the economic, social, and
environmental impacts of these value chains, particularly in Africa.
iii. The firm must demonstrate deep knowledge of private and public sector investment
opportunities in African agri-value chains, along with strategies to improve regional and
international trade and market access for agricultural products. This includes
understanding trade barriers, compliance standards, and market linkage mechanisms.
iv. Additionally, the firm should have expertise in agricultural policies and regulations, food
safety and quality standards, and the application of innovative technologies to boost

efficiency, reduce waste, and increase productivity. Experience working with African agri-
food systems, including challenges such as infrastructure limitations and smallholder farmer

integration, is essential.
v. Preferred qualifications include prior assignments with international organizations (e.g.,
AU, World Bank, FAO, AfDB), MS, RECs, as well as published research or case studies on
agri-value chain development in the region.
Qualification and work experience required for Key Experts
Team Leader/Lead Consultant
 PhD in agricultural economics, development policy, human ecology, trade facilitation,
rural development, economics, or related fields.
 Minimum of 20 years’ experience in agricultural policy analysis, agri-value chain analysis,
infrastructure mapping and economic research.
 Strong knowledge of post-harvest management, cold chain logistics, and trade facilitation in
the relevant regions in Africa.

 Experience working with AU institutions, governments, development partners, and private
sector agribusinesses.
 Familiarity with the Lagos-Abidjan and Northern Corridors’ agricultural and trade dynamics.
 Experience in logistics, cold chain assessments, warehouse mapping, or rural infrastructure
projects.
 Excellent analytical, report-writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
 Extensive knowledge of Africa’s agricultural landscape, value chain development, and
agribusiness investment.
Investment, Finance and Trade Expert
 Masters Degree in Agricultural Finance, Agribusiness Economics, Development Finance,
Impact Investing, Business Administration.
 Minimum 10 years expertise in agricultural finance, impact investing, trade and blended
finance.
 Familiarity with West African and other relevant agribusiness investment climate.
 Experience in feasibility studies or business case development.
 Background in trade policy, food safety regulations (SPS measures), or regional integration.
 Experience working with customs agencies, trade ministries, or regional bodies
The consultant firm should be proficient in one of the African Union working languages. Excellent
communication and writing skills in English are required for this assignment.
5. SHORTLISTING CRITERIA
For evaluation of the expressions of interest, the following criteria will be applied:
a. Experience of the Firm (35 points);
b. Qualifications and Experience of Key Experts (50 points);
c. Firm and team members knowledge of the relevant AU region and sector (15 points)
Passmark is 70 points and only the firm that obtains the highest points shall be invited to submit a
combined technical and financial proposal. A Firm will be selected in accordance with the “Selection
Based on Consultant’s Qualifications (CQS)” method set out in the AU Procurement Guidelines. This
is an Expression of Interest (EOI) only; submission of Financial Proposals is not applicable
at this stage.
6. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents for AUDA-NEPAD
consideration:
i. Cover letter signed by an authorized official, expressing interest of the firm to participate in the
Consultancy;
ii. Signed declaration of undertaking (downloadable from AUDA-NEPAD website and attached
as Annex 1 below);
iii. Profile of the firm or consortium giving general background information, core business of the
firm, summary of previous experience of similar nature, registration certificates
iv. Profiles of experts indicating suitability of qualifications and experience and availability for
the assignment
v. In the cases of Consortiums/Partnerships/Associations shall be required to submit Joint
venture Agreements/Joint Association letters stating the lead firm.
7. REPORTING AND TIME SCHEDULES:
The consultant will report to the Director of Agriculture, Food Security, and Environmental
Sustainability or a designated officer. AUDA-NEPAD will take no more than 10 working days to
review each report, providing feedback, after submission.
The assignment shall be undertaken over 4 calendar months.
8. Only Consulting Firms are eligible for this assignment if they fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
a) Have no conflict of interest in relationship to performance of this assignment;
b) Are not subject to, and not controlled by any entity or individual that is subject to, a temporary
suspension or a debarment imposed by the African Union Commission, World Bank or any
other multilateral development bank and being listed on the website
http://www.worldbank.org/debarr or respectively on the relevant list of any other multilateral
development bank. Further, we are not ineligible under pursuant to a decision of the African

Union Commission, United Nations Security Council along with any of the sub-consultants,
subcontractors, suppliers, or service providers for any part of the contract;
c) Have not been convicted by a final judgement or a final administrative decision or subject to
financial sanctions by the United Nations or Country for involvement in a criminal
organisation, money laundering, terrorist-related offences, child labour or trafficking in human
beings; this criterion of exclusion is also applicable to legal Persons, whose majority of
shares are held or factually controlled by natural or legal Persons which themselves are
subject to such convictions or sanctions;
d) Are not a shell company nor has their company been created specifically for this bid and are
legally registered to operate a business under the Laws of their country;
e) Are not being bankrupt, wound up or ceasing our activities, having their activities
administered by courts, having entered receivership, reorganisation or being in any
analogous situation;
f) Are not involved in corruption: offering, giving, receiving or soliciting, directly or indirectly,
anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party; and
g) Comply with their national tax and social security laws.
Interested consultants may obtain further information from the address listed below. All Expression
of Interests should be sent electronically to email listed below.
9. Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by email on or before July 2nd
2025 14:30 hours (South African Time). All EOI’s must be marked
“120/AUDA/DAFSES/OOD/CQS/2025 Consultancy Services to undertake mapping of
priority food value chains, the agri-infrastructure gaps (storage, cold chains) and the
investment requirement along Lagos-Abidjan Corridor in the subject line of the email.
10. EOIs can also be sent by email, addressed to the address below. Interested Consultants may
also obtain further information at the address below during office hours (09:00 - 17:00 South
Africa time):

The Chairperson, Internal Procurement Committee (IPC)
African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD)
230, 15th Road, P. O. Box 218 Midrand,
1685 Johannesburg, South Africa

Email: [email protected] ; and copy to [email protected]

Attention of: Procurement Division


11. Bid opening will be held on line via Microsoft teams. For those who wish to attend you may join
using link provided on July 2nd 2025 @14:30Hrs.

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-
join/19%3ameeting_Yzg3NTcxZTAtNGFlZS00NGRmLTkyNGEtYTJmMGYwNjliZjhh%40thread.v

2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2208c2d027-ed15-45c8-81a8-

3a23fba933e4%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%223045aaee-4113-41d7-bb2b-
7a15ac28e891%22%7d

12. Privacy Policy: AUDA-NEPAD Procurement office collects and uses your personal
information for “Procurement Process” when you intend to compete and deliver any
service or goods for the organization either individually or as a firm based on your
consent. Your personal data is our highest security and kept for a period strictly necessary
for the purpose set out. This privacy notice supplements the AUDA-NEPAD standard

privacy notice and should be read in conjunction with the same available on AUDA-
NEPAD website.

13. Annex 1

DECLARATION OF UNDERTAKING

{Location, Date}

To: The Chairperson Internal Procurement Committee (IPC)
AUDA-NEPAD
230, 15th Road, P. O. Box 218 Midrand,
1685 Johannesburg, South Africa
Attention of: Head of Procurement Division
1. I, the undersigned, offer to provide the services for {insert Title and Procurement Number} in
accordance with your Request for Expression of interest dated {insert Date}
2. I declare that I:
a) Have no conflict of interest in relationship to performance of this assignment;
b) Am not subject to, and not controlled by any entity or individual that is subject to, a temporary
suspension or a debarment imposed by the African Union, World Bank or any other
multilateral development bank and being listed on the website
http://www.worldbank.org/debarr or respectively on the relevant list of any other multilateral
development bank. Further, are not ineligible pursuant to a decision of the United Nations
Security Council;
c) Have not been convicted by a final judgement or a final administrative decision or subject to
financial sanctions by the African Union, United Nations or Country for involvement in a
criminal organisation, money laundering, terrorist-related offences, child labour or trafficking
in human beings; this criterion of exclusion is also applicable to legal Persons, whose majority
of shares are held or factually controlled by natural or legal Persons which themselves are
subject to such convictions or sanctions;
d) Am not being bankrupt, wound up or ceasing our activities, having our activities administered
by courts, having entered receivership, reorganisation or being in any analogous situation;
e) Have not been the subject of a judgment which has the force of res judicata for fraud,
corruption, involvement in a criminal organization or any other illegal activity detrimental to
the AUDA-NEPAD financial interests;
f) Have not been declared guilty of gross professional misconduct proven by any means which
AUDA-NEPAD can justify;
g) Are not involved in corruption: offering, giving, receiving or soliciting, directly or indirectly,
anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party;
h) Comply with their national tax and social security laws.
3. I, the undersigned, certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief, that my CV correctly
describes myself, my qualifications, and my experience. I understand that any willful
misstatement described herein may lead to my disqualification or dismissal, if engaged;
4. I hereby declare that at any point in time, at AUDA-NEPAD’s request, I will provide certified
copies of all documents to prove that I have the qualifications and the professional
experience which are attached to this CV as photocopies;
5. By signing this statement, I also authorize the AUDA-NEPAD’s to contact my previous or
current employers indicated in my CV, to obtain directly reference about my professional
conduct and achievements.
We remain,

Yours sincerely,
Signature:
Name of Consultant:
Address