Government of Lesotho
ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION SUPPORT PROJECT
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTANCY FIRM)
CONSULTING SERVICES : SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LESOTHO MICROFINANCE SCHEME
Financing Agreement Reference : 2100150036596
Sector : Enterprise Development
Project ID No.: P-LS-KF0-002
The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho has received financing from the African Development Fund towards implementation of the Economic Diversification Support Project and intends to apply part of the agreed amount for this loan to payments under the contract for consultancy services to provide support for implementation of the Lesotho Microfinance Scheme.
The overall objective of this Technical Assistance (TA) programme is to assist in the implementation of the Lesotho Microfinance Scheme to create a vibrant and sustainable scheme that will increase access to quality and comprehensive products and services by economically active groups and individual MSMEs. Specifically, the assignment will support delivery of the Lesotho National Microfinance Scheme to deepen financial inclusion by improving access to finance for small, micro and medium entrepreneurs in Lesotho. The initiative is expected to strengthen capacity in the key implementation areas as well as support specific interventions at the macro, meso and micro levels of financial sector market system in Lesotho. Furthermore, the program is expected to provide, at each level, guidance and tools in microfinance and microfinance operations geared towards creating a conducive environment for the growth and development and scale of microfinance in Lesotho. In undertaking this assignment, the consultancy firm will be expected to assist in the development of policies, legal and regulatory framework; development of MSME financial products; training and advisory services; and development of certified microfinance programmes at institutions of higher learning.
The estimated duration of this assignment is 18 months from the date of signing of the contract.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry now invites eligible Consultancy firm to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc). Consultants may constitute joint-ventures to enhance their chances of qualification.
Eligibility criteria, establishment of the short-list and the selection procedure shall be in accordance with the Procurement Policy and Methodology for Bank Group Funded Operations, dated October 2015, which is available on the Bank’s website at http://www.afdb.org.
Interested consultants may obtain further information at the address below during office hours 08.00 hours to 16.30 hours.
EOIs must be delivered to the address below by 25th October, 2019 at 16.30 hours and mention “Support for Implementation of the Lesotho Microfinance Scheme”
Attn : The Project Manager
Economic Diversification Support Project (EDSP)
Ministry of Trade and Industry
1st Floor, Matanki House,
Corner Kingsway and Balfour Road
P.O. Box 747
Maseru, Lesotho
E-mail : tmofelehetsi@psc.org.ls with a copy to mpolaki@psc.org.ls