Other
The Sustainable Private Sector in Forestry (SPSF) Programme, supported by SIDA and UNDP, invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Gums and Resins Market Development Challenge Fund.
Description
CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)
Gums and Resins Market Development Challenge Fund, Ethiopia
Overview
The Sustainable Private Sector in Forestry (SPSF) Programme, supported by SIDA and UNDP, hereby invites eligible entities to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the Gums and Resins Market Development Challenge Fund.
This initiative seeks to stimulate innovative, market-driven solutions that strengthen gums and resins value chains, foster inclusive economic growth, and drive climate resilience across target areas in Ethiopia, specifically focusing on Boodaley District, Somali Region.
Key Tender Details
- Issuance Date: October 28, 2026
- EOI Submission Deadline: November 20, 2026
- Target Geographical Area: Boodaley District (Somali Region), Ethiopia
- Target Value Chain: Gums and Resins (Frankincense, Myrrh, Gum Arabic)
- Submission Email: [email protected]
- Email Subject Line Requirement: Must state Gums and Resins Market Development Challenge Fund
Funding Windows & Cost-Sharing Requirements
The fund operates under three competitive grant windows:
| Grant Window | Funding Amount (USD) | Target Applicants | Indicative Focus | Minimum Co-Financing Requirement |
| Micro Grant |
Up to $10,000 |
Start-ups, Cooperatives, MSMEs |
Piloting & validating innovations; proof-of-concept testing |
30% of total project cost |
| Medium Grant |
$10,001 – $20,000 |
Growing MSMEs, Private Firms, Consortia |
Scaling tested innovations; market reach expansion |
50% of total project cost |
| Large Grant |
$20,001 – $30,000* |
Established Enterprises, Lead Firms, Processors |
Systemic innovations, market transformation, replication |
50% of total project cost |
*Under special circumstances with international partners, higher amounts may be considered under separate criteria.
Disbursement Schedule
Grants are performance-based and disbursed across three tranches:
- Tranche 1 (30%): Disbursed upon contract signing and proof of matching funds.
- Tranche 2 (40%): Disbursed upon achieving agreed mid-term milestones (e.g., equipment installation, key staffing).
- Tranche 3 (30%): Disbursed upon submission and approval of the final completion/impact report.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Eligible Applicants
- Legally registered Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Cooperatives, Unions, and registered Producer/Processor/Trader Associations
- Private Sector Companies (National or International)
- Consortia led by a private sector or market-oriented entity
- Social Enterprises and Startup Innovators
2. Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Legal Status: Must be a legally registered entity with official credentials.
- Geographic Focus: Implementation must be within or linked to Boodaley District, Somali Region.
- Proof of Concept: Demonstrable pilot results or early traction (mandatory for Medium and Large windows).
- Commercial Viability & Sustainability: Clear pathway to revenue generation, financial sustainability, and systemic market impact.
- Inclusion: Concrete strategy to generate decent employment/income for women and youth.
- Environmental Compliance: Adherence to national environmental and forestry regulations.
Evaluation Criteria
Submissions will be evaluated by a Selection Committee based on the following weighted scale:
| Criteria | Description / Focus | Weight (%) |
| Inclusion & Social Impact |
Job creation and income enhancement for women, youth, and marginalized groups |
20% |
| Innovation & Technical Soundness |
Feasibility, novelty, and technical robustness of the solution |
15% |
| Commercial Viability & Market Impact |
Business case profitability and potential for systemic market change |
15% |
| Experience & Team Track Record |
Relevant experience and technical capacity of the entity/team |
15% |
| Sustainability & Systemic Impact |
Post-grant continuity, adoption incentives, and scaling strategy |
10% |
| Co-Investment / Cost-Share |
Proportion and commitment of matching funds provided |
10% |
| Environmental Impact |
Contributions to forest conservation, climate benefits, and biodiversity |
5% |
| Budget Realism |
Alignment of costs with proposed activities and outputs |
5% |
| Financial Sustainability |
Long-term operational and financial model |
5% |
| Total |
100% |
Application Process & Timeline
The application process follows a two-stage competitive model:
Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI) Submission
- Deadline: November 20, 2026
- Document Length: Maximum 3–5 pages
- Required Documents for EOI:
- Completed EOI Application Form
- Proof of Concept or evidence of early sales
- Estimated budget and co-financing plan
- Registration Certificate and TIN Certificate
- Key Project Indicators & milestone framework
Stage 2: Full Proposal (Shortlisted Applicants Only)
- Shortlisted candidates will be formally invited to submit a Full Proposal (10–15 pages) detailing a business plan, financial model, revenue projections, and an Environmental & Social Safeguards Plan.
Submission & Contact Information
- Submission Address: Send EOI packages electronically to [email protected].
- Subject Header: Gums and Resins Market Development Challenge Fund
For Inquiries & Application Materials:
- Contact Person: B. Teshome (Management Team Lead)
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +251 911 93 45 84
- Physical Address: Gurdshola, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Tender details
- Deadline: 2026-11-20
- Bid closing time: 17:00
- Bid opening: 2026-11-20 17:00
- Bid opening (note): No Specific Opening Date and Time
- Region: Addis Ababa
- Publishing entity: International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
- Buyer TIN: 0004800917
- Buyer's registered address: CMC road near Gurd shola
- Published on: Qelal Tenders (Oct 28, 2026)
- Posted at: 2026-10-28T11:51:24.000Z
- Buyer website: https://www.ilri.org/
- Source: Qelal Tenders