Expression of Interest (EOI)

Service contract of providing compliance and capacity-building support to exporting firms and the National Implementation Committee in Rwanda.

Reference Number: 83485713

Publication date: 25.03.2025

Introduction

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; Digitalization and Digital Economy; and regional projects in the Great Lakes Region.

General Information

Brief information on the project

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federally owned international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations. GIZ has worked in Rwanda for over 30 years. The primary objectives between the Government of Rwanda and the Federal Republic of Germany are poverty reduction and the promotion of sustainable development. To achieve these objectives, GIZ Rwanda is active in the sectors of Decentralization and Good Governance, Economic Development and Employment Promotion, Energy, and ICT (Information and Communications Technology).

Through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany currently provides technical support to the African Union Commission (AUC), specifically to the Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) and the AfCFTA Secretariat, with its project “African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”. The project’s main objective is to strengthen the framework conditions for intra-African trade. Besides the outstanding topics of AfCFTA Phase I on Trade in Goods and Trade in Services, phase II and III issues, such as Investment, competition policy, Intellectual Property Rights, and digital trade are supported. Furthermore, the involvement of the private sector and civil society is supported.

To this end, the project pursues a multi-level approach on the continental level working with the AUC DTI and AfCFTA Secretariat, at the regional level supporting Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and the national level, specifically in the project focus countries, like Rwanda.

The AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade area bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight (8) Regional Economic Communities (RECs). As part of its mandate, the AfCFTA is to eliminate trade barriers and boost intra-Africa trade and advance trade in value-added production across all service sectors of the African Economy. The AfCFTA will contribute to establishing regional value chains in Africa, enabling investment and job creation. The practical implementation of the AfCFTA has the potential to foster industrialization, job creation, and investment, thus enhancing the competitiveness of Africa in the medium to long term.

While the AfCFTA presents immense potential, its successful implementation requires support for local firms in aligning their production processes with the agreement’s provisions. Additionally, effective implementation at the national level depends on well-trained and well-equipped National Implementation Committees (NICs).

GIZ, through the “Programme Support to the AfCFTA,” supports the African Union Commission (AUC), the AfCFTA Secretariat, and national governments, including Rwanda. This consultancy will help ensure that Rwandan firms and the National Implementation Committees (NIC) fully leverage the benefits of AfCFTA

Context

As part of the commitment to supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), GIZ Rwanda is seeking a consulting firm to provide compliance and capacity-building support to exporting firms and the National Implementation Committee in/of Rwanda. This consultancy will include two primary areas:

• Capacity building for selected firms (Trade in Goods) to ensure AfCFTA compliance, particularly regarding rules of origin, trade instruments, and digital trade.
• Capacity building for selected firms on the AfCFTA Trade in Services framework covering the agreement’s provisions, market access commitments, sector liberalization, modes of supply, and trade facilitation procedures to enhance regional service integration and economic growth.
• Capacity building for the AfCFTA National Implementation Committee (NIC) to enhance their understanding of their roles and responsibilities in implementing AfCFTA provisions.

The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide comprehensive support in:

Trade in Goods

Enhancing firms’ capacity to comply with AfCFTA requirements, including:

• Understanding and implementing the rules of origin.
• Utilizing AfCFTA trade instruments such as the e-tariff book portal, the non-tariff barriers (NTBs) monitoring platform, and the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS).
• Navigating AfCFTA regulations and maximizing benefits.

Trade in Services

• Understanding of the AfCFTA Trade in Services Provisions
• Market Access Commitments for Services
• Liberalization of Service Sectors under AfCFTA
• Modes of Supply
• Trade Facilitation Procedures for Services

National Implementing Committee Working Groups

Strengthening the NIC’s capacity through targeted training for the following working groups:

• Tariff and Rules of Origin Working Group.
• Trade-in Services Working Group.

GIZ shall hire the contractor for the anticipated contract term, from 1^st June to 30th December 2025

The services described in Section 4 shall be provided until 15^th September 2025.

Tasks to be performed by the contractor.

The contractor shall provide the following work/service

1.1 For Firms in Trade in Goods

• Prepare an inception report outlining the training objectives, methodology, key topics, and expected outcomes.
• Organize a kick-off meeting with key stakeholders to present the inception report, align expectations, and gather feedback.
• Deliver specialized training on rules of origin and trade compliance tools (Section a) to ensure participants understand regulatory requirements and market access benefits under AfCFTA.
• Develop effective strategies to maximize the use of AfCFTA instruments, helping businesses leverage trade opportunities and enhance competitiveness.
• Conduct a comprehensive two-day training program for 50 private sector firms in Trade in Goods, to provide in-depth insights into trade policies and compliance measures: as per section (a) topics.
• Create a post-training evaluation questionnaire to assess participants’ understanding, gather feedback, and identify areas for further support.
• Compile a final report with key insights and recommendations to help firms implement AfCFTA provisions effectively and navigate trade challenges

1.2. For Firms in Trade in Services

• Develop an inception report outlining the training objectives, methodology, key topics (AfCFTA Trade in Services provisions, market access commitments, sector liberalization, modes of supply, and trade facilitation procedures), and expected outcomes.
• Hold a kick-off meeting with key stakeholders to present the inception report, align expectations, and gather input for refining the training approach.
• Provide tailored training on AfCFTA Trade in Services provisions, focusing on legal frameworks, commitments, and compliance mechanisms.
• Develop strategies to optimize market access and liberalization of service sectors, guiding participants on how to leverage AfCFTA commitments for business growth.
• Conduct a two-day training for 25 exporters in Trade in Services; covering modes of supply, trade facilitation procedures, and best practices for accessing regional service markets (as per topics in Section (b)
• Develop a post-training evaluation questionnaire to assess participants’ understanding of AfCFTA Trade in Services and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
• Prepare a final report with recommendations for firms on maximizing opportunities within AfCFTA’s Trade in Services framework and addressing potential barriers.

 1.3 For NIC Working Groups:

• Conduct an inception meeting with stakeholders (MINICOM, RRA, RDB, PSF, and others).
• Develop three tailored training modules:
• Trade in Goods & Rules of Origin: Focus on tariff concessions and compliance.
• Trade in Services: Guide market access and regulatory issues.
• Deliver two workshops, one for each working group.
• Support each working group in developing an action plan, that is; develop Proposal of an Action plan of activities for the working group to support them in the Support in the implementation of the Tis or TiG protocol.
• Prepare a consolidated report summarizing training outcomes and recommendations.

Certain milestones, as laid out in the table below, are to be achieved during the contract term:

 Tender requirements

Qualifications of proposed staff

The tenderer is required to propose personnel for the positions specified here and described with respect to the areas of responsibility and qualifications on the basis of relevant CVs.

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

Tasks of Senior Consultant 1:

Firms

• Provide Training to firms on Understanding and implementing the rules of origin and utilizing AfCFTA trade instruments such as the e-tariff book portal, the non-tariff barriers (NTBs) monitoring platform.
• Navigating AfCFTA regulations and maximizing benefits.

NIC: Trade in Goods working Group

• Provide training on the AfCFTA trade-in goods protocol by focusing on the schedules of tariff concessions and rules of origin annex.
• Support the team in understanding their role in the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement,
• Provide the state of play regarding the AfCFTA tariff concessions and rules of origin ongoing negotiations,
• Support the working group to develop an action plan,
• Support the working group on Trade Policy and Regulations: Understanding international trade policies and regulations, including tariffs and trade agreements, is crucial for trade in goods.
• Support the group in understanding and enhancing trade facilitation measures, including customs procedures, border controls, and transport infrastructure, and how these can help streamline the movement of goods across borders, reduce trade costs, and improve supply chain efficiency for trade in goods.
• Support the group to enhance advocacy strategies, and stakeholder engagement to participate effectively in implementation, and advocate for the removal of NTBs that restrict market access.
• Training on quality standards, product certification, and conformity assessment procedures in ensuring that goods meet regulatory requirements, safety standards, and customer expectations in the AfCFTA markets.

Qualifications of Senior Consultant 1: AfCFTA Tariff and rules of origin

• Education/Training: Master’s degree in economics, international trade, international business, trade law or any other related field.
• Language: Business fluency in English C1
• General Professional experience: 8 years of relevant professional experience in international trade, trade facilitation.
• Specific Professional experience: 8 years’ experience in economic analysis specific to trade in goods at regional and international level including assessing the potential impacts of tariff liberalization, trade facilitation measures, and rules of origin.
• Regional Experience: 7 years of experience in regional trade landscape in Africa, with specific understanding of Rwanda’s trade context and regional integration initiatives.
• Development Cooperation (DC) Experience: 4 years of experience working on development projects, preferably with international organizations, development agencies, or consulting firms. Understanding of development cooperation principles and practices, including results-based management and stakeholder engagement.

Tasks of Senior Consultant 2:

Firms (Trade in Services Exporters)

• Understanding the AfCFTA Framework for Trade in Services
• Understanding Rules & Commitments for TiS Under the AfCFTA
• Modes of Supply
• Accessing Financial & Non-Financial Support (Leveraging AfCFTA institutions like Afreximbank for trade support)
• Market Entry Strategies & Business Expansion
• Liberalization of Service Sectors under AfCFTA

NIC: Trade in Services Working Group 

• Provide the training on the AfCFTA trade in services protocol,
• Support the team in understanding their role in the implementation of the AfCFTA agreement,
• Provide the state of play regarding the AfCFTA trade in services, ongoing negotiations and other relevant updates regarding TiS,
• Support the working group to develop an action plan,
• Provide training on the selected 5 priority service sectors in TiS and how to engage the private sector in benefiting the AfCFTA trade in services protocol.

Qualifications of Senior Consultant 2: AfCFTA Trade in services 

• Education: Advanced degree (master’s or PhD) in International Trade, Economics, Law, or a related field.
• Language: Business fluency in English C1

General Professional experience:

• General Professional Experience: 8 years of experience in trade in services, including its concepts, principles, modes of supply and trade policy related to services.
• Specific Professional Experience: 8 years of experience in legal and regulatory frameworks governing trade in services, including non-tariff barriers (NTBs), negotiation techniques and strategies specific to trade in services agreements,
• Regional Experience: 7 years’ experience in policy development and formulation related to trade in services, including advising governments on trade policy reforms, regulatory harmonization, and capacity-building initiatives to enhance trade in services competitiveness within the East Africa region.
• Development Cooperation (DC) Experience:  5 years’ experience working on development projects, preferably with international organizations, development agencies, or consulting firms. Understanding of development cooperation principles and practices, including results-based management and stakeholder engagement.

Quantitative requirements

Per-diem 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 (German only).

Overnight accommodation allowances are reimbursed as set out in the specification of inputs below.

Reasonable accommodation costs above the specified amounts can also be reimbursed against evidence where specifically justified.

All travel activities must be agreed in advance with the staff member responsible for the project.

Sustainability aspects for travel

GIZ is required to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂ emissions) caused by travel. When preparing your tender, 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.

CO₂ emissions caused by air travel must be offset. GIZ specifies a budget for this, through which the carbon offsets are settled against evidence.

The market for carbon credits is made up of a large number of providers, each with different claims as to their climate impact. The Development and Climate Alliance has published a list of standards. GIZ recommends using the standards specified there.

Calculate your financial bid exactly in line with the quantitative requirements of the specification of inputs above. There is no contractual right to use up the full days/travel or workshops or budgets. The number of days/travel/workshops and the budgets will be contractually agreed as maximum amounts. The regulations on pricing are contained in the price schedule.

GIZ cost inputs

GIZ will cover the Trainings Logistics (hotel conference package) and printing of certificates if needed.

Conceptual

The tender should indicate how the services outlined in Tasks section are to be provided. Reference should be made to the following criteria:

Strategy (1.1): The contractor is required to consider the tasks to be performed with reference to the objectives of the services. Following this, the contractor presents and justifies the explicit strategy with which it intends to provide the services for which it is responsible (Tasks to be performed).

The contractor is required to present the actors relevant for the services for which it is responsible and describe the cooperation (1.2) with them.

The tenderer is required to present and explain its approach to steering the measures with the project partners (1.3.1) and its contribution to the results-based monitoring system (1.3.2).

The contractor is required to describe the key processes for the services for which it is responsible and create an operational plan or schedule (1.4.1) that describes how the services (Tasks to be performed by the contractor) are to be provided. In particular, the tenderer is required to describe the necessary work steps and, if applicable, take account of the milestones and contributions of other actors (partner contributions) (1.4.2).

The tenderer is required to describe its contribution to knowledge management for the partner (1.5.1) and GIZ and to promote scaling-up effects (1.5.2) under learning and innovation.Project management of the contractor (1.6) The tenderer is required to explain its approach to coordination with the GIZ project.

• Requirements on the format of the tender
• The structure of the tender must correspond to the structure of the ToR. In particular, the detailed structure of the concept (IV)should be organized in accordance with the positively weighted criteria in the assessment grid (not with zero). The tender must be legible (font size 11 or larger) and clearly formulated. It must be drawn up in English (language).

The complete tender must not exceed 3 pages (excluding CVs). If one of the maximum page lengths is exceeded, the content appearing after the cut-off point will not be included in the assessment. External content (e.g. links to websites) will also not be considered.

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

Please calculate your financial tender based exactly on the parameters specified in Chapter 5 Quantitative requirements. The contractor is not contractually entitled to use up the days, trips, workshops or budgets in full. The number of days, trips and workshops and the budgets will be contractually agreed as maximum limits. The specifications for pricing are defined in the price schedule.

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

Technical Proposal:

• A cover letter expressing your interest in this assignment
• Technical Proposal (attached template for technical proposal MUST be used)
• Company registration certificate (RDB)
• VAT-Registration Certificate
• Latest tax clearance certificate
• Up to date CVs of proposed experts
• Self-declaration of eligibility

Financial Proposal: Financial offer indicates the all-inclusive total contract price, supported by a breakdown of all costs as described in the specification of inputs.

Your EoI has to be submitted in 2 separated emails to RW_Quotation@giz.de until 13/04/2025

The technical offer has to be submitted in PDF format and as attachment to the email with the subject: Technical offer 83485713

The financial offer has to be submitted in PDF format and the price must be in Rwandan Francs and VAT excluded (if applicable) and as attachment to the email with the subject: Financial offer 83485713

If the emails exceed the default email size of 30MB, offers can be exceptionally submitted through https://filetransfer.giz.de/

Offers submitted through any other sharing platform, as google documents or similar will not be considered.

Offers submitted in hard copy will not be considered.

GIZ reserves all rights.