Expression of Interest (EOI) – Consultancy to Conduct a Market Assessment Study for ICT Services

Expression of Interest (EOI)

Consultancy to conduct a market assessment study for ICT services

Reference Number: 83466496

Date of Publication: 30.05.2024

1. Context

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. The GIZ Office in Kigali covers GIZ’s portfolio in Rwanda and Burundi. GIZ Rwanda/Burundi implements projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the European Union and other commissioning authorities in the following priority areas: Sustainable Economic Development, Good Governance, Climate, Energy and Sustainable Urban Development, Digital Transformation & Digital Economy, Great Lakes Region.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is one of the African Union’s (AU) flagship projects for implementation of its 2063 Agenda, which is supported by the action plan on Boosting Intra-African Trade (BIAT). AfCFTA is viewed as a means for achieving the overarching BIAT goals. One of the specific objectives of the AfCFTA Agreement is the progressive liberalization of services. The AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services envisions a liberalized African Services market which shall be achieved by gradually eliminating restrictions that are incompatible with the AfCFTA Agreement.

The Directorate of Trade in Services oversees the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services. Currently, State Parties are engaged in rigorous negotiations under the Committee of Trade in Services of which the first round of negotiations is currently ongoing under five (5) priority sectors, namely, Business Services; Communication Services; Financial Services; Transport Services, and Tourism and Travel-related Services; with 48 initial and revised offers from both State and non-State Parties currently being considered and the request/offer process being at a fairly advanced stage.

2. Background and rationale

Rwanda continues to be one of the fastest growing African countries in ICT and there are several avenues for growth for the ICT sector – from e-commerce and e-services, mobile technologies, applications development and automation to becoming a regional centre for the training of top-quality ICT professionals and research.

The Rwandan Government has been implementing various initiatives to promote the ICT sector, including the establishment of policies, regulations, and infrastructure development. One notable initiative is the National ICT Strategy, which aims to leverage technology for socio-economic development. Overall, Rwanda’s ICT sector has been experiencing steady growth, driven by government commitment, infrastructure development, innovation, and collaboration with local and international stakeholders.

The AfCFTA presents a promising market opportunity for ICT services in Africa especially for Rwanda due to the growing demand for digital solutions, facilitation of cross-border trade, infrastructure development, economic growth, access to new markets, support for SMEs, and digital transformation initiatives.

Additionally, Rwanda have started to trade goods like coffee and tea to other AfCFTA State Parties under the AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, which aimed to operationally kick start trade under the AfCFTA agreement and allow commercially meaningful trade. It is expected that Trade in services will begin under the Guided Trade Initiative. Businesses in Rwanda in the ICT sector should be aware of developments related to AfCFTA and consider how they can leverage this historic agreement to expand their presence and capture new opportunities in the African market.

Objectives of the assignment.

The objective of the assignment is to gather comprehensive insights into the opportunities and challenges present for ICT services within Ghana, Zambia, Guinea Conakry, Central African Republic, and Ivory Coast and analyse the readiness for Rwandan businesses in ICT sector to take advantage of the market opportunities within the mentioned countries.

The assignment entails both travel and desk research for Ghana and Zambia. The contractor will be tasked with conducting thorough desk research and traveling on-site for the purpose of this assignment in these two countries. For the remaining countries, desk research alone will suffice.

Specific tasks to be performed by the contractor.

• Analyse the legal and regulatory requirements including any ICT specific regulations within the target markets.
• Examine the ICT services in which Rwanda has a competitive advantage and identify areas with export potential.
• Analyse the capacity of firms in Rwanda to satisfy the market demand and identify conditions for accessing the market.
• Examine the market size, growth rate, trends, and competition within the target market.
• Analyse the services commitment for communication services made under the AfCFTA trade in services protocol.
• Propose possible modes of supply for ICT services in the target markets.
• Provide recommendations for growing ICT services export to the target markets.
• Provide information in regard to tax regimes, investments incentives
• Provide a self-assessment matrix for Rwandan ICT companies that want to export in the mentioned countries and benefit from the AfCFTA.
• Provide Recommendation on how Rwandan Companies can leverage on e-commerce,
• Prepare a comprehensive report with findings and recommendations.

Onsite research (Ghana and Zambia)

• Identify the needs, preferences, and behaviours of the target audience in the ICT sector to help tailor services to meet their demand effectively.
• Analyse the pricing dynamics, cost structures and potential profitability within the target market.
• In-depth market analysis of the ICT landscape in Ghana and Zambia, identify the demand for various ICT services, key competitors, regulatory environment, infrastructure status and cultural nuances affecting business operations,
• Evaluate different market entry modes,
• Examine the market size, growth rate, trends, and competition within the target market.

The scope of work for the consultancy shall cover all activities necessary to accomplish the stated objectives of the project, whether a specific activity is cited in these terms of reference or not. During the first week of the assignment there will be an inception meeting between all parties (the consultant, GIZ, the ICT Chamber, and other relevant stakeholders) to introduce the assignment, clarify any open questions and to further determine the scope of work and the way forward (activities).

The contractor is responsible for providing the following.

• The consultant is expected to produce an inception report with a detailed workplan and methodology.
• Zero draft of the assessment report with findings and implementation plans for review by all stakeholders.
• Final draft of the assessment incorporating inputs from stakeholders
• Preparation and technical facilitation of the validation workshop of the assessment report.

Period of Assignment

The assignment is expected to be implemented within the period of 15^th July – 30^th December 2024. The total number of estimated days is 40 working days. The assignment requires physical presence in Rwanda and travelling for onsite research.

These milestones, as laid out in the table below, are to be achieved within the contract period.

3. Concept

In the bid, the bidder is required to show how the objectives defined in Chapter 2 are to be achieved, if applicable under consideration of further specific method-related requirements (technical-methodological concept). In addition, the bidder must describe the project management system for service provision.

Technical-methodological concept

Strategy: The bidder is required to consider the tasks to be performed with reference to the objectives of the services put out to tender (see Chapter 2). Following this, the bidder presents and justifies the strategy with which it intends to provide the services for which it is responsible (see Chapter 2).

The bidder is required to present and explain its approach to steering the measures with the project partners and its contribution to the results-based monitoring system.

The bidder is required to describe the key processes for the services for which it is responsible and create a schedule that describes how the services according to Chapter 2 are to be provided. In particular, the bidder is required to describe the necessary work steps and, if applicable, take account of the milestones and contributions of other actors in accordance with Chapter 2.

Project management of the contractor

The tenderer is required to explain its approach for coordination with the GIZ project. In particular, the project management requirements specified in Chapter 2 (Tasks to be performed by the contractor) must be explained in detail.

The tenderer is required to draw up a personnel assignment plan with explanatory notes that lists all the experts proposed in the tender; the plan includes information on assignment dates (duration and expert days) and locations of the individual members of the team complete with the allocation of work steps as set out in the schedule

4. Personnel concept

The below specified qualifications represent the requirements to reach the maximum number of points.

Team Leader

Tasks of the team leader

• Overall quality assurance of the contractor
• Ensuring the coherence and complementarity of the contractor’s services.
• Coordinate with the GIZ and stakeholders to ensure alignment with the study’s goals.
• Ensure the collection of comprehensive and accurate data on the ICT market, including market size, growth trends, competitive landscape, and regulatory environment for Ghana and Zambia.
• Conduct a thorough review of existing literature, reports, and databases related to the ICT sector in the target markets.
• Identify and engage with key stakeholders, including government agencies, ICT firms, industry associations, and potential clients.
• Ensure that all data collection and research activities comply with relevant ethical standards and legal requirements.
• Work with the key expert and contribute to his/her study and analysis.
• Maintain regular communication with GIZ and stakeholders to provide updates on progress and key findings.
• Ensure submission of all required reports specified in this contract within the specified time frame and in line with GIZ requirements.

Qualifications of the Team leader

• 1.1 Post graduate qualification in Economics, International trade, International business, Law, and any other related field.
• 1.2. Fluent in spoken and written English (must be stated in the CV )
• 1.3 7 years’ experience in ICT industry, including trends, technologies, and emerging innovations, is essential. This includes knowledge of various ICT services such telecommunications.
• 1.4 10 years’ experience in market research methodologies, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The team leader should be able to gather relevant data on market trends, consumer behaviour, and competitive landscape across the target market.
• 1.5 Two similar projects completed in policies and regulations governing trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This includes knowledge of the AfCFTA trade in services protocol and trade agreements relevant to the ICT sector.
• Leadership/management experience (2.1.6): 5 years of management/leadership experience as project team leader or manager in a company
• Regional experience (2.1.7): 7 years of experience in projects in East Africa, of which 2 years in projects in Rwanda
• Development cooperation (DC) experience (2.1.8): 5 years of experience in DC projects
• 1.9 5 years’ experience in comprehensively understanding of the African market dynamics, including cultural, economic, and political factors influencing business operations. This experience also includes awareness of regional differences in ICT adoption, infrastructure, and regulatory frameworks.

Expert

Tasks of the expert

• Identify and analyse key competitors offering ICT services in the target market. Assess their market share, strengths, weaknesses, pricing strategies, service offerings, distribution channels, and customer base. Understand their positioning in the market and potential areas for differentiation.
• Evaluate the current and future demand for ICT services within the target markets. Understand the factors driving demand, such as economic growth, government initiatives, digital transformation efforts, and industry-specific trends.
• Analyse the current regulatory frameworks in Rwanda and readiness for Rwandan companies to export ICT services in the target markets.
• Assess the regulatory environment governing the ICT sector in the target market. Understand the legal and policy frameworks, licensing requirements, data protection regulations, intellectual property rights, and any barriers to entry or trade restrictions.
• Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis to evaluate the overall market dynamics. Identify internal and external factors affecting the competitiveness of ICT service providers in the target market.
• Based on the findings of the market assessment, formulate actionable recommendations and strategic insights for ICT service providers in Rwanda looking to enter or expand their presence in the target market. Identify opportunities for differentiation, market entry strategies, partnership opportunities, and potential risks to mitigate.

Qualifications of the expert

• 2.1 Post graduate qualification in Economics, International relations, business law, International Trade, and other related fields.
• 2.2 Fluent in spoken and written English (must be indicated in the CV)
• 2.3 7 Years’ Experience in analytical works and economic analysis, designing and implementing trade related policies.
• 2.4 5 years’ experience in dealing with communications services at governmental level and Proven ability to develop trade related studies.
• 2.4 2 similar projects with proof on trade in services matters especially on communications and ICT services under the AfCFTA.

5. Costing requirements

Assignment of personnel and travel expenses.

The consulting firm will be required to conduct field research in Ghana and Zambia. GIZ will cover the travel expenses, including round-trip tickets, accommodation, and per diem for one expert traveling from their home country to Ghana and Zambia. It is important to note that these costs cover only one expert per country.

The total budget allocated for this travel is up to EUR 7000 (RWF 9,671,690), covering both trips for maximum 12 working days (6 working days for each country) for all the trip/travel expense.

Per-diem and overnight accommodation allowances are reimbursed as a lump sum up to the maximum amounts permissible under tax law for each country as set out in the country table in the circular from the German Federal Ministry of Finance on travel expense remuneration (downloadable at https://www.bundesfinanzministerium.de).

Accommodation costs which exceed this up to a reasonable amount and the cost of flights and other main forms of transport can be reimbursed against evidence.

All business travel must be agreed in advance by the officer responsible for the project.

The bidder is required to calculate the travel by the specified experts and the experts it has proposed based on the places of performance stipulated and list the expenses separately by daily allowance, accommodation expenses, flight costs and other travel expenses.

Sustainability aspects for travel

GIZ would like to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ emissions) caused by travel. Please incorporate options for reducing emissions, such as selecting the lowest-emission booking class (economy) and using means of transport, airlines and flight routes with a higher CO₂ efficiency. For short distances, travel by train (second class) or e-mobility should be the preferred option.

If they cannot be avoided, CO₂ emissions caused by air travel should be offset. GIZ specifies a budget for this, through which the carbon offsets can be settled against evidence.

There are many different providers in the market for emissions certificates, and they have different climate impact ambitions. The Development and Climate Alliance (German only) has published a list of standards (German only). GIZ recommends using the standards specified there.

Requirements on the format of the bid

The structure of the bid must correspond to the structure of the ToRs. In particular, the detailed structure of the concept (Chapter 3) is to be organised in accordance with the positively weighted criteria in the assessment grid (not with zero). It must be legible (font size 11 or larger) and clearly formulated. The bid is drawn up in English.

The complete bid shall not exceed 10 pages (excluding CVs).

The CVs of the personnel proposed in accordance with Chapter 4 of the ToRs must be submitted using the format specified in the terms and conditions for application. The CVs shall not exceed 4 pages. The CVs must clearly show the position and job the proposed person held in the reference project and for how long. The CVs should be submitted in English.

If one of the maximum page lengths is exceeded, the content appearing after the cut-off point will not be included in the assessment.

Please calculate your price bid based exactly on the aforementioned costing requirements. In the contract the contractor has no claim to fully exhaust the days/travel/workshops/ budgets. The number of days/travel/workshops and the budget amount shall be agreed in the contract as ‘up to’ amounts. The specifications for pricing are defined in the price schedule.

6. Submission of offer: The Expression of Interest should contain the following:

Technical Proposal:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in this assignment
• Technical proposal with a brief description of why you would be considered as the most suitable for the assignment, relevant expertise, and a detailed, clear methodology, your approach to complete the assignment, template attached.
• CV of the Consultants proposed
• Proof of successful completion of related assignments.

• VAT Registration certificate
• Latest tax clearance certificate
• Company registration certificate (RDB)

Financial Proposal (Template attached): indicates the all-inclusive daily rate, supported by a breakdown of all costs. The costs must be in RWF and VAT

Please submit electronically your EoI (technical & Financial offer) in 2 separated emails and must be in PDF files to this email ONLY: RW_Quotation@giz.de until latest 16^th June 2024

Please you must write on each email subject this sentence:

83466496 Technical/financial offer, without this sentence, your offer may not be considered

Only soft copies will be considered

GIZ reserves all rights