Terms of Reference for Consultancy Services for the Review and Development of an Investor-ready Business Plan, Product Development, Resource Mobilization Strategy, Market Sounding and Transaction Advisory Services for the Rwanda International Trade Exhibi

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Consultancy Services for the Review and Development of an Investor-Ready Business Plan, Product Development, Resource Mobilization Strategy, Market Sounding and Transaction Advisory Services for the Rwanda International Trade Exhibition Park (RITEP)

1. Background

1.1 Introduction

The Private Sector Federation (PSF) is Rwanda’s apex private sector organization mandated to promote, represent, and advance the interests of the private sector while contributing to national economic transformation. As part of its strategic mandate, PSF develops initiatives that strengthen trade, investment, industrialization, entrepreneurship, exports, and private sector competitiveness.

One of the flagship initiatives under this mandate is the development of the Rwanda International Trade Exhibition Park (RITEP), a world-class, multifunctional exhibition and business events destination envisioned to become the premier venue for international trade exhibitions, conventions, conferences, business meetings, investment forums, innovation showcases, and commercial events in Rwanda and the wider region.

RITEP is envisaged not merely as an exhibition facility but as an integrated commercial ecosystem that stimulates trade, investment, innovation, tourism, manufacturing, services, and business networking while generating sustainable revenue for PSF and economic impact for Rwanda.

1.2 Strategic Context

The proposed RITEP project is fully aligned with Rwanda’s national development aspirations, particularly the country’s strategy of positioning itself as a regional hub for business, investment, tourism, and international meetings.

Over the last decade, Rwanda has established itself as one of Africa’s leading destinations for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE). Through significant investments in conference facilities, hospitality infrastructure, aviation connectivity, digital infrastructure, security, and ease of doing business, Rwanda has successfully hosted numerous continental and international events.

However, despite these achievements, Rwanda still lacks a purpose-built international trade exhibition park capable of hosting large-scale international trade fairs, industrial exhibitions, consumer expos, agricultural exhibitions, manufacturing expos, technology and innovation exhibitions, automotive exhibitions, construction and infrastructure expos, tourism exhibitions, investment forums, global business events, and multi-sector international exhibitions, etc.

The absence of such infrastructure limits Rwanda’s ability to attract and host large-scale exhibitions that generate significant economic activity, increase business tourism, expand export opportunities, strengthen regional trade integration, and position the country as a competitive exhibition destination.

The development of RITEP therefore represents a strategic investment that complements Rwanda’s MICE agenda while addressing an important infrastructure gap within the country’s trade promotion ecosystem.

1.3 Rationale for the Assignment

In 2021, PSF commissioned the preparation of a concept design and business plan for the proposed Rwanda International Trade Exhibition Park.

Since the completion of that assignment, the operating environment has changed considerably. Construction costs, financing conditions, investment trends, tourism demand, exhibition industry dynamics, inflation, regional competition, investor expectations, technological advancements, and commercial real estate markets have evolved significantly.

Consequently, the existing business plan no longer provides an adequate basis for investment decision-making or investor engagement.

In addition, the original assignment primarily focused on project planning and financial feasibility. It did not comprehensively address key aspects that are now critical for successful implementation, including:

• Commercial product development and diversification;
• Investor readiness and project bankability;
• Alternative financing and investment structures;
• Transaction advisory;
• Market sounding among potential investors and developers;
• Commercial operating models;
• International operator engagement;
• Resource mobilization;
• Negotiation strategies for PSF; and
• Revenue optimization under different ownership and operating scenarios.

PSF therefore seeks to reposition RITEP from a conceptual infrastructure project into a commercially viable, investor-ready, bankable, and revenue-generating development capable of attracting strategic investors, developers, financiers, and operators.

1.4 Why This Assignment is Different

This assignment is not intended to produce a conventional business plan. Rather, it seeks to transform RITEP into a market-tested investment opportunity supported by robust commercial analysis, innovative product development, comprehensive financial modelling, and transaction advisory services.

The Consulting firm is therefore expected to go beyond traditional feasibility studies by developing practical recommendations that enable PSF to move confidently into investor engagement, negotiations, financing, and project implementation.

Accordingly, the Consulting firm shall adopt a commercial project development approach, ensuring that RITEP is conceived not merely as a collection of buildings but as a financially sustainable business destination comprising diversified, commercially attractive, and mutually reinforcing products and services.

2. Purpose of the Assignment

The purpose of this consultancy is to support PSF in transforming the Rwanda International Trade Exhibition Park into a commercially attractive, financially sustainable, investor-ready, and bankable project capable of generating long-term revenues for PSF while contributing to Rwanda’s trade, investment, tourism, and economic development objectives.

The assignment is expected to produce an updated business plan supported by robust financial modelling, commercially viable product development, market validation, investor engagement strategies, transaction advisory, and implementation recommendations.

The Consulting firm shall also assist PSF in understanding the implications of different development, ownership, financing, and operating structures and provide practical guidance for engaging investors, developers, financiers, and operators.

3. Overall Objective

The overall objective of the assignment is to transform the Rwanda International Trade Exhibition Park (RITEP) into an investor-ready, bankable, commercially viable, and revenue-generating project for the Private Sector Federation through the preparation of an updated business plan, comprehensive product development strategy, commercialization framework, resource mobilization strategy, market sounding exercise, and transaction advisory services.

4. Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the consultancy are to:

1. Review and update the 2021 concept design and business plan to reflect current market realities, construction costs, tourism trends, trade dynamics, and investment conditions.
2. Develop a diversified portfolio of commercially attractive products and services that maximize the long-term financial sustainability of RITEP and enhance revenue generation for PSF.
3. Assess domestic, regional, and international demand for exhibitions, conventions, conferences, trade fairs, business tourism, retail, hospitality, logistics, and related commercial services.
4. Benchmark RITEP against leading international exhibition and convention destinations to identify best practices and competitive positioning.
5. Develop detailed financial models incorporating multiple development scenarios, sensitivity analyses, and risk assessments.
6. Clearly demonstrate how PSF will generate revenues under each recommended ownership.
7. Identify and recommend the most appropriate project development, financing, ownership, governance, and operating structures.
8. Conduct structured market sounding with potential investors, developers, financiers, and international operators to validate market appetite and refine the proposed transaction structure.
9. Design and manage an international Expression of Interest (EOI) or Call for Proposals to test market interest from entities capable of financing, developing, and/or operating the project.
10. Develop a practical implementation roadmap outlining the steps required to move RITEP from project preparation to financial close and implementation.

5. Scope of Services

5.1 General Scope of the Assignment

The Consulting firm shall undertake a comprehensive project development and transaction advisory assignment to transform the Rwanda International Trade Exhibition Park (RITEP) into a commercially viable, investor-ready, bankable, and revenue-generating project.

The assignment shall go beyond reviewing the existing business plan and shall include commercial product development, market validation, financial modelling, investment structuring, resource mobilization, market sounding, investor engagement, operator identification, and transaction advisory.

The Consulting firm shall ensure that all recommendations are practical, evidence-based, financially sound, and aligned with international best practices for large-scale exhibition parks, convention centres, mixed-use developments, and trade infrastructure.

The assignment shall include, but not be limited to, the following tasks.

Task 1: Review of Existing Studies and Project Documentation

Objective

To establish a clear understanding of the project’s current status, assumptions, opportunities, and gaps by reviewing all available documentation prepared to date.

Scope

The Consulting firm shall review the existing concept design, business plan, architectural concepts, site information, existing feasibility analyses, cost estimates, market assumptions, financial assumptions, etc.

The Consulting firm shall identify outdated assumptions, missing analyses, weaknesses, risks, opportunities, additional studies required, etc.

Expected Output

A Diagnostic Assessment Report summarizing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, gaps, and recommendations for updating the project.

Task 2: Market Assessment and Demand Analysis

Objective

To establish the current and future demand for RITEP and determine the project’s optimal market positioning.

Scope

The Consultant shall undertake a comprehensive market assessment covering Rwanda, East Africa, Africa, and selected international markets.

The assessment shall include:

Trade Exhibition Market

Assessment of demand for international trade fairs, consumer exhibitions, manufacturing exhibitions, technology exhibitions, agricultural expos, mining exhibitions, construction expos, tourism expos, health exhibitions, financial expos, education fairs, etc.

Convention and Conference Market

Assessment of international conferences, corporate meetings, government events, association meetings, regional summits, incentive travel, business tourism, etc.

Commercial Market

Assessment of demand for office space, retail space, food and beverage, warehousing, logistics, entertainment, innovation hubs, etc.

Competition Analysis

Benchmark RITEP against comparable facilities in EAC, South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Middle East, etc.

The Consultant shall analyze the capacity, pricing, occupancy, revenue streams, governance, ownership, investment structures, business models, etc.

Expected Output

Comprehensive Market Assessment Report.

Task 3: Product Development and Commercialization Strategy

Objective

To transform RITEP into a diversified commercial destination rather than a single-purpose exhibition facility.

Rationale

The long-term financial sustainability of RITEP will depend on diversified revenue streams rather than exhibition rental alone. The Consultant shall therefore identify, design, package, and commercialize a portfolio of complementary products and services that maximize asset utilization throughout the year.

Scope

The Consultant shall develop commercially viable products including, but not limited to:

Core Products

• Exhibition halls
• Convention centre
• Conference facilities
• Outdoor exhibition grounds
• VIP facilities
• Etc

Commercial Products

• Retail village
• Restaurants
• Food courts
• Office space
• Business centre
• Etc.

Logistics Products

• Warehousing
• Distribution centre
• Cargo handling
• Cold storage
• Exhibition logistics
• Etc.

Business Development Products

• Innovation centre
• Business incubation hub
• SME marketplace
• Permanent Made in Rwanda showroom
• Training and capacity-building centre
• Etc.

Digital Products

• Digital exhibition platform
• Smart ticketing
• Digital advertising
• Virtual exhibitions
• Data analytics services
• Etc.

Revenue Products

• Sponsorship
• Naming rights
• Advertising
• Membership programmes
• Premium services
• Event management services
• Equipment rental
• Parking
• Utilities
• Etc.

For each product the Consultant shall provide:

• Business case
• Market demand
• Target customers
• Pricing strategy
• Capital requirements
• Revenue projections
• Operating model
• Investment opportunities
• Commercialization strategy
• Key performance indicators
• Risks
• Growth opportunities
• Etc.

Expected Output

Comprehensive Product Development and Commercialization Strategy.

Task 4: Review and Development of the Business Plan

Objective

To prepare an updated, investor-ready business plan that reflects current market conditions and provides a robust foundation for investment decision-making.

Scope

The Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive business plan covering:

Strategic Analysis

• Vision
• Mission
• Strategic positioning
• Competitive advantage

Market Analysis

• Demand forecasts
• Customer segmentation
• Industry outlook

Operational Plan

• Governance
• Management
• Human resources
• Operations
• Maintenance

Marketing Strategy

• Branding
• Market positioning
• Promotion
• Sales strategy

Financial Plan

• Capital expenditure
• Operating expenditure
• Revenue projections
• Cash flow
• Balance sheet
• Income statement

Sustainability Strategy

• Environmental sustainability
• Climate resilience
• ESG considerations
• Green building opportunities

The business plan shall clearly explain:

• why investors should invest;
• why operators should operate;
• why banks should finance;
• how PSF benefits financially.
• Etc.

Task 5: Financial Modelling, Cost-Benefit Analysis and Scenario Planning

Objective

To determine the financial viability of alternative development and investment options.

Scope

The Consultant shall develop an integrated financial model capable of analysing multiple scenarios.

The financial model shall include:

• Construction costs
• Financing costs
• Inflation
• Exchange rates
• Interest rates
• Revenue projections
• Operating costs
• Maintenance costs
• Etc.

The Consulting firm shall analyse the following scenarios: PSF develops and owns RITEP, PPP Development, Build – Operate – Transfer (BOT), Build – Own – Operate (BOO), Joint Venture, Developer-financed project, Long-term lease, Management Contract, etc.

For every scenario, the Consultant shall quantify IRR, NPV, Payback Period, Cash Flow, Financial Risks, Commercial Risks, Governance Implications, Funding Requirements, Returns to Investors, Returns to PSF, etc.

Most importantly, the Consultant shall quantify annual revenues to PSF, Equity returns, Dividend potential, Lease income, Profit-sharing, Concession income, Royalty opportunities, Asset appreciation, etc.

The Consulting firm shall recommend the optimal investment model based on financial sustainability, strategic value, implementation feasibility, and long-term returns to PSF.

Task 6: Development Models, Ownership Structures and Negotiation Framework

The Consulting firm shall evaluate alternative project delivery and ownership structures, including traditional public development, Public–Private Partnerships (PPP), Build–Operate–Transfer (BOT), Build–Own–Operate (BOO), Design–Build–Finance–Operate (DBFO), concession arrangements, long-term leases, strategic joint ventures, and Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) models.

For each model, the Consulting firm shall assess:

• Governance structure and decision-making arrangements.
• Capital investment requirements and financing mix.
• Allocation of risks and responsibilities.
• Revenue-sharing mechanisms.
• Expected returns to PSF and investors.
• Procurement and implementation implications.
• Legal and regulatory considerations.
• Advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for Rwanda.

The Consulting firm shall prepare a negotiation framework to support PSF during engagement with potential investors, developers, operators, and financiers. This framework shall identify negotiable and non-negotiable issues, recommended negotiation positions, key commercial terms, valuation considerations, and decision criteria to maximize long-term value for PSF.

Task 7: Resource Mobilization Strategy

Objective

To identify viable financing sources and develop a practical strategy for mobilizing the capital required to implement RITEP.

Scope

The Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive Resource Mobilization Strategy that identifies and evaluates strategic private investors, local and international developers, development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral development banks, sovereign wealth funds, infrastructure funds, pension funds, commercial banks, export credit agencies, institutional investors, philanthropic and blended finance opportunities where appropriate.

The strategy shall recommend an optimal financing structure, including the balance between equity, debt, grants (if applicable), and alternative financing instruments. It shall also include an investor engagement plan, financing roadmap, and indicative timelines for capital raising.

Task 8: Investor Readiness and Investment Promotion

The Consultant shall prepare a complete investor-ready package, including investment Memorandum, executive project profile, investor teaser, pitch deck, financial model, frequently asked questions (FAQ), data room index and guidance on documentation, investor engagement strategy, etc.

These materials shall be suitable for use during investment roadshows, bilateral investor meetings, and financing discussions.

Task 9: Market Sounding and Investor Validation

Objective

The objective of this task is to validate market interest and obtain real market feedback from potential investors, developers, financiers, operators, and strategic partners before PSF commits to a particular investment or procurement approach.

Unlike a traditional feasibility study that relies primarily on secondary market research, this assignment requires direct engagement with the market to determine whether RITEP is attractive to private sector participants and under what conditions they would be willing to invest, develop, finance, or operate the project.

The findings shall be used to refine the business model, financing structure, procurement strategy, and implementation approach.

Scope of Work

The Consultant shall:

• Develop a Market Sounding Strategy and Engagement Plan.
• Identify and profile potential domestic, regional, and international investors.
• Identify major developers of exhibition, convention, mixed-use, and commercial infrastructure.
• Identify infrastructure investment funds, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, institutional investors, and development finance institutions.
• Identify international exhibition and convention centre operators and venue management companies.
• Engage selected market participants through interviews, meetings, workshops, questionnaires, or virtual consultations.
• Assess investor perceptions regarding Rwanda as an investment destination and RITEP as an investment opportunity.
• Gather information on preferred investment structures, expected rates of return, financing requirements, governance expectations, risk allocation, concession terms, and operational preferences.
• Document key barriers, concerns, and recommendations from the market.

Expected Outputs

The Market Sounding Report shall include list of institutions engaged, summary of consultations, level of market interest, key investment conditions, preferred commercial structures, investor recommendations, implications for the business plan, recommended adjustments to the project structure, etc.

Task 10: Design and Management of an International Expression of Interest (EOI) / Call for Proposals

Objective

To test actual market appetite and identify qualified entities capable of financing, developing, operating, or partnering with PSF in delivering the RITEP project.

Rationale

PSF intends to use the market testing process not only to assess investor interest but also to determine the most suitable project delivery strategy before launching a formal procurement process.

Scope of Work

The Consultant shall develop an international EOI/Call for proposals strategy, prepare the EOI document and associated information package, define eligibility criteria, recommend the most appropriate advertising channels, advise on the duration and timetable for the EOI process, develop evaluation criteria for assessing responses, manage clarification requests from interested parties, support PSF during the evaluation of submissions, prepare a comprehensive evaluation report,

The Consultant shall advise whether the responses support a fully privately financed development, a Public-Private Partnership, a strategic investor model, a phased development approach, a developer-led investment, an operator-led investment, a consortium approach, etc.

Expected Outputs

• International EOI documentation.
• Evaluation criteria.
• Evaluation report.
• Recommendations on the preferred procurement strategy.

Task 11: Identification and Assessment of Development, Investment and Operating Partners

Objective

To identify the most suitable organizations capable of financing, developing, managing, or operating RITEP.

Scope of Work

The Consultant shall prepare a long list and shortlist of potential infrastructure developers, real estate developers, exhibition centre operators, convention centre management firms, hospitality operators, commercial facility managers, mixed-use development specialists, strategic investors, institutional investors, technical partners, etc.

For each organization, the Consultant shall assess technical capability, financial strength, track record, regional presence, interest in the project, preferred investment structure, potential value addition, risks associated with engagement, etc.

Expected Outputs

• Long list of potential partners.
• Shortlist of recommended partners.
• Partner assessment matrix.
• Engagement strategy.

Task 12: Transaction Advisory Services

Objective

To provide professional transaction advisory support that enables PSF to move confidently from project preparation to investor negotiations and implementation.

Scope of Work

The Consultant shall advise PSF on:

Transaction Structuring

• Project structure.
• Ownership arrangements.
• Capital structure.
• Financing mix.
• Governance model.
• Institutional arrangements.

Procurement Strategy

Recommend the most suitable procurement approach, including competitive bidding, competitive dialogue, swiss Challenge (where applicable under Rwandan law), direct negotiations (where justified), PPP procurement, concession procurement, etc.

Negotiation Advisory

Develop practical guidance covering negotiation objectives, negotiation scenarios, commercial negotiation strategies, financial negotiation strategies, risk-sharing arrangements, revenue-sharing mechanisms, exit provisions, dispute resolution mechanisms, etc.

Financial Close Roadmap

The Consultant shall prepare a roadmap outlining the steps required to progress from investor selection to financial close, including key approvals, documentation, milestones, and indicative timelines.

Expected Outputs

• Transaction Advisory Report.
• Procurement Strategy.
• Negotiation Playbook.
• Financial Close Roadmap.

Task 13: Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategy

Objective

To identify and propose mitigation measures for risks that could affect the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the project.

Scope of Work

The Consultant shall prepare a comprehensive risk register covering market risks, financial risks, construction risks, environmental risks, social risks, governance risks, political and regulatory risks, operational risks, technological risks, climate-related risks, foreign exchange risks, force majeure risks, etc.

Each identified risk shall include description, likelihood, potential impact, risk owner, mitigation measures, residual risk, monitoring indicators, etc.

Expected Outputs

Comprehensive Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan.

Task 14: Stakeholder Consultation and Validation

Objective

To ensure that the updated business plan and recommended implementation approach reflect stakeholder expectations and are supported by key actors.

Scope of Work

The Consultant shall identify and engage relevant stakeholders, including public institutions, private sector representatives, potential users of the exhibition park, financial institutions, tourism and hospitality stakeholders, logistics providers, event organizers, and other parties relevant to the successful implementation of RITEP.

The Consultant shall facilitate consultation meetings and validation workshops to present preliminary findings, receive comments, and incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final outputs.

Expected Outputs

• Stakeholder Engagement Plan.
• Consultation Summary Report.
• Validation Workshop Report.

Task 15: Implementation Roadmap and Action Plan

Objective

To provide PSF with a practical and sequenced roadmap for implementing the RITEP project.

Scope of Work

The Consultant shall prepare an Implementation Roadmap that outlines immediate actions (0–6 months), short-term actions (6–18 months), medium-term actions (18–36 months), long-term actions (beyond 36 months), etc.

The roadmap shall include key activities, responsible parties, dependencies, critical milestones, estimated timelines, decision gates, resource requirements, monitoring indicators, etc.

The Consultant shall also identify “quick wins” that PSF can pursue to build momentum while progressing toward the full development of RITEP.

Expected Outputs

• Detailed Implementation Roadmap.
• Action Plan.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework.

6. Cross-Cutting Requirements

Throughout the assignment, the Consultant shall ensure that all analyses and recommendations incorporate the following principles:

• Commercial Sustainability: Recommendations shall maximize long-term financial sustainability and diversify revenue streams for PSF.
• Investor Focus: Outputs shall meet the expectations of institutional investors, developers, financiers, and operators.
• Value for Money: All proposed options shall demonstrate clear economic and financial value.
• Innovation: The Consultant shall identify innovative products, technologies, and business models that enhance the competitiveness of RITEP.
• Sustainability and ESG: Environmental, social, and governance considerations shall be integrated into the project design and business model.
• Gender and Inclusion: The project should promote inclusive participation, including opportunities for women, youth, and persons with disabilities within Rwanda’s private sector ecosystem.
• Knowledge Transfer: The Consultant shall ensure that PSF staff are actively engaged throughout the assignment through workshops, presentations, and mentoring, enabling the Federation to understand and apply the methodologies, financial models, and transaction advisory tools developed during the consultancy.

7. Methodology

7.1 General Approach

The Consultant shall adopt a participatory, evidence-based and results-oriented approach that combines strategic analysis, technical expertise, commercial project development, financial modelling and transaction advisory.

The methodology should demonstrate how the Consultant will transform the Rwanda International Trade Exhibition Park (RITEP) from a conceptual project into an investor-ready, bankable and commercially viable investment opportunity.

The Consultant is expected to employ both qualitative and quantitative research techniques and to engage closely with PSF throughout the assignment.

The methodology shall include, at a minimum review of existing documentation, literature review and international benchmarking, market research and demand analysis, stakeholder consultations, product development workshops, financial modelling, cost-benefit analysis, market sounding and investor engagement, development of alternative investment scenarios, validation workshops, preparation of investor-ready documentation, etc.

The Consultant shall clearly describe the analytical tools, modelling techniques, stakeholder engagement methods and quality assurance processes that will be used throughout the assignment.

8. Deliverables

The Consultant shall prepare the following deliverables.

Deliverable 1: Inception Report (Week 1)

The Inception Report shall demonstrate the Consultant’s understanding of the assignment and include detailed methodology, work plan and implementation schedule, team deployment plan, stakeholder engagement strategy, data collection plan, risk management approach, quality assurance framework, communication protocol, refined assignment schedule, etc.

This report shall be presented to PSF for approval before commencement of substantive work.

Deliverable 2: Draft Business Plan

The report shall include the diagnostic and market assessment as well as benchmarking report, product development and commercialization strategy, updated investor-ready business plan, financial model and scenario analysis, resource mobilization strategy, market sounding and EOI report, investor readiness package, transaction advisory report and implementation roadmap.

Deliverable 3: Business Plan

9. Assignment Duration and Indicative Work Plan

The assignment is expected to be completed within 6–8 weeks from the date of contract signature.

The Consultant shall propose a detailed work plan; however, the indicative schedule below provides guidance:

Week	Key Activities
1	Inception, document review, work planning
2	Diagnostic assessment and stakeholder consultations
3	Market assessment, benchmarking and demand analysis
4	Product development and commercialization strategy
5	Business plan update and financial modelling
6	Resource mobilization strategy, market sounding and EOI preparation
7	Investor-ready documentation and transaction advisory
8	Validation workshop, final reports and knowledge transfer

10. Reporting Arrangements

The Consultant shall report directly to the Private Sector Federation (PSF) through a Project Steering Committee and designated Contract Manager.

The Consultant shall participate in a kick-off meeting, submit weekly progress reports, hold weekly progress review meetings, present draft deliverables for review, incorporate comments from PSF, present final deliverables during validation workshops, etc.

All reports shall be submitted in both editable (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and PDF formats.

11. Required Qualifications of the Consulting Firm

The consulting firm shall demonstrate:

• At least 10 years of experience in business consultancy, infrastructure advisory, investment advisory, project development or transaction advisory.
• At least 10 years of proven experience in preparing business plans and financial models for projects of similar or larger scale and complexity.
• Demonstrated experience in exhibition centres, convention centres, tourism infrastructure, mixed-use developments, commercial real estate or comparable projects.
• Proven experience in Public–Private Partnership (PPP) advisory.
• Demonstrated experience in project finance, investment promotion and resource mobilization.
• Experience conducting market sounding and investor engagement exercises.
• Proven experience in preparing investor-ready documentation and supporting investment transactions.
• Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa; experience in Rwanda or the East African Community will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary assignments involving commercial, financial, legal and technical experts.

The firm shall provide at least three references for comparable assignments completed within the last ten years.

12. Key Experts

The Consultant shall propose a multidisciplinary team with the following minimum composition. Additional experts may be proposed where justified.

12.1 Team Leader / Project Development and Transaction Advisory Expert

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, Infrastructure Development, Engineering, Project Management or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading at least five comparable infrastructure or transaction advisory assignments.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Overall management of the assignment.
• Quality assurance of all deliverables.
• Coordination of the multidisciplinary team.
• Lead strategic discussions with PSF.
• Present key findings and recommendations, etc.

12.2 Financial Modelling and Project Finance Expert

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting or related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in project finance and infrastructure financial modelling.
• Demonstrated experience leading at least three comparable financial modelling and project finance expert assignments.
• Strong experience in financial modelling, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop the integrated financial model.
• Conduct scenario analysis, sensitivity analysis and cost-benefit analysis.
• Assess investment structures and financing options.
• Quantify financial returns to PSF and investors, etc.

12.3 Market Research and Commercial Strategy Expert

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Economics, Marketing, Business or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in market research, commercial strategy, etc. assignments.
• Strong experience in market research, commercial strategy, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct market assessment and demand forecasting.
• Benchmark comparable facilities.
• Develop market positioning and commercialization strategies, etc.

12.4 Infrastructure and Real Estate Development Expert

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Quantity Surveying, Real Estate Development or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience in infrastructure, real estate development, etc. in at least three comparable infrastructure or real estate development assignments.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Review concept design and infrastructure requirements.
• Assess development phasing.
• Estimate capital investment requirements.
• Advise on mixed-use development opportunities.

12.5 Exhibition and Convention Centre Expert

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in planning, operating or advising exhibition and convention facilities.
• International experience is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience leading at least three comparable projects, tourism, and exhibition and convention center assignments.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement and report-writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on venue planning and operations.
• Recommend international best practices.
• Support product development and operational planning.

12.6 Resource Mobilization and Investment Promotion Expert

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, International Development, Economics or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading at least three comparable resource mobilization, investment and financing assignments.

Responsibilities

• Develop the resource mobilization strategy.
• Identify potential investors and financiers.
• Prepare investor engagement and fundraising plans.

12.7 Legal and Commercial Expert

Qualifications

• Degree in Law with specialization in commercial, infrastructure or investment law.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Review legal and contractual implications of proposed models.
• Advise on governance and commercial agreements.
• Support negotiation framework development.

13. Technical Proposal Requirements

Interested firms shall submit:

• Technical proposal describing the understanding of the assignment.
• Detailed methodology and work plan.
• Team composition and CVs of proposed experts.
• Relevant experience and references.
• Financial proposal, including a detailed cost breakdown.

14. Evaluation Criteria

The selection shall follow the Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method, unless otherwise specified in the Request for Proposals.

An indicative evaluation matrix is as follows:

Criterion	Maximum Points
Firm’s relevant experience	20
Understanding of the assignment and methodology	25
Work plan and implementation approach	10
Qualifications and experience of key experts	35
Knowledge transfer and quality assurance	10
Total Technical Score	100

Only firms achieving the minimum technical score of 70% shall have their financial proposals opened.

15. Payment Schedule

Payments shall be linked to the satisfactory completion and approval of deliverables. An indicative schedule is:

Deliverable	% of Contract Price
Inception Report	10%
Diagnostic, Market Assessment and Product Development Reports	20%
Updated Business Plan and Financial Model	25%
Resource Mobilization Strategy, Market Sounding and Investor Package	25%
Final Transaction Advisory Report and Implementation Roadmap	20%

16. Confidentiality and Ownership of Outputs

All information, data, analyses, reports, financial models, presentations, and other outputs produced under this assignment shall remain the exclusive property of the Private Sector Federation (PSF). The Consultant shall treat all information obtained during the assignment as confidential and shall not disclose it to any third party without the prior written consent of PSF.

The Consultant shall not use any part of the assignment or its outputs for purposes other than the execution of this contract without the express authorization of PSF.

Proposals (technical and financial) should be sent to PSF ([email protected]) not later than Tuesday 25^th August 2026 at 5 pm