AUDA-NEPAD

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI) FOR INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS
NAME OF THE ASSIGNMENT: Consultant for Information Technology System for the 100M
MSME Initiative Consultant for User Interface, User Experience & Localization (UI/UX) for Akili
AI
PROCUREMENT NUMBER: 136/AUDA/DIIT/IND/IC/25
METHOD: Individual Consultants Selection (ICS) - Individuals Only
1. INTRODUCTION
To serve the diverse linguistic and cultural contexts of Africa, Akili AI requires a user-friendly

interface and localized user experience design. The UI/UX & Localization Consultant will ensure
the platform is intuitive, visually appealing, and appropriately adapted for multiple languages and
cultural nuances.
2. SCOPE/MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The Consultant is expected to deliver the following:
1. Review Current MVP Design
• Assess existing user flows, chat interface, and visual identity.
• Identify pain points regarding navigation, accessibility, and language usage.
2. Develop a Comprehensive UI/UX Strategy
• Propose wireframes and high-fidelity designs for key user journeys (e.g.,
onboarding, chat, user profile setup).
• Ensure designs are scalable for future expansions (additional content or features).
3. Implement Localization Framework
• Set up or refine an i18n system that handles text strings, dynamic placeholders,
and right-to-left (RTL) scripts if needed.
• Work with translators or language experts to finalize text in at least one additional
African language alongside English/French.

4. User Testing and Iterations
• Design and conduct usability tests with a diverse set of MSME users from different
linguistic backgrounds.
• Collect user feedback to iterate on designs and improve overall experience.
5. Interface Handover & Documentation
• Deliver final design files, UI kits, or pattern libraries.
Document user flows, localization approaches, and best practices for future updates
The African Union (AU), through the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD),
drives sustainable development efforts across the continent, aligned with Agenda 2063. As part of
these efforts, Akili AI has been developed as a virtual assistant to support African Micro, Small, and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). The platform uses a Generative AI framework, providing real-time
guidance on business operations, regulatory compliance, and financing opportunities.

3. DELIVERABLES
The results to be achieved by the consultants are the following:
1. UI/UX Audit Report
• Detailed assessment of current user experience and recommended improvements.
2. Wireframes & Visual Design Mockups
• A set of refined wireframes and high-fidelity designs covering onboarding, chat
flows, and key interface elements.
3. Localization Framework & Language Packs
• Implemented system supporting at least one additional African language.
• Documented methodology for adding more languages in the future.
4. Usability Testing Report
• Summary of findings from user tests, including user feedback, issues uncovered,
and proposed solutions.
5. Final UI/UX Assets & Documentation
• Transfer of design files, style guides, component libraries, and i18n references.
• Clear guidelines on how to extend or modify the design for new features or
languages

4. QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND COMPETENCIES
Qualifications
• Minimum of Master’s Degree in User Experience Design, Human-Computer Interaction,
Graphic Design, Computer Science, or equivalent experience..
Experience
• At least 5 years of demonstrated UI/UX design experience, preferably for tech or AI
products.
• At least 5 years of experience handling localization or internationalization for software
platforms, ideally in African markets or emerging economies.
• Demonstrate successful UI/UX portfolio involving multi-language interfaces, cultural
adaptation, and information architecture
• 5 years of experience in design and conducting comprehensive user research for usability
testing and interviews for product improvement.
• Understanding of AI/ML product design principles, including designing for transparency,
explainability, user trust, and ethical considerations
5. SHORTLISTING CRITERIA
For evaluation of the expressions of interest, the following criteria will be applied:
a. Qualifications - Education and Relevant Training (30 points);
b. Experience related to the Assignment (40 points);
c. Similar previous experience related to the Assignment (20 points); and
d. Knowledge and experience of the region & local conditions (10 points).
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with Individual Consultant Selection (ICS) method
set out in the AU Procurement Manual. TORs are attached as Annex 2
6. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Interested candidates are requested to submit the following documents for AUDA-NEPAD
consideration:
I. Cover letter confirming compliance to eligibility.
II. Signed declaration of undertaking (downloadable from AUDA-NEPAD website and
attached as Annex 1 below);
III. Curriculum Vitae (CV); and

IV. Proof of stated qualifications in the form of the copies of the degrees obtained.
7. REPORTING AND TIME SCHEDULES:
The Consultant all reports shall be submitted and approved by the Senior Programmes
Officer - MSME or his designate within the AUDA-NEPAD.
8. Only Individual Consultants 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, 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 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 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) Are not involved in corruption: offering, giving, receiving or soliciting, directly or indirectly,
anything of value to influence improperly the actions of another party;
f) They 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;
g) they have not been declared guilty of gross professional misconduct proven by any
means which AUDA-NEPAD can justify;
h) 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.
Expressions of interest must be delivered to the address below by email on or before 4

th August,
2025 14:30 hours (South African Time). All EOI’s must be marked “136/AUDA/DIIT/IND/IC/25–
Consultant for Information Technology System for the 100M MSME Initiative Consultant for
User Interface, User Experience & Localization for Akili AI in the subject line of the email.
9. 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.
10. All Interested bidders may attend the bid opening online by joining via the below link at 14:30
hours South African time.
Microsoft Teams
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 376 611 180 884
Passcode: pY3rV67C

The Chairperson Internal Procurement Committee (IPC)

AUDA-NEPAD

230, 15th Road, P. O. Box 218 Midrand,
1685 Johannesburg, South Africa

Email: [email protected] & copy [email protected]

Attention of: Head of Procurement Division