REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

FOR THE PROCUREMENT OF CONSULTANCY SERVICES FOR RE-DIAGNOSIS AND LEGAL

FRAMEWORKS ENHANCEMENT TO ESTABLISH THE NATIONAL CREDIT GUARANTEES SCHEME:

Procurement Reference No.: NBE/ICB/CS/07/2026

I. Background

Ethiopia’s financial sector is undergoing significant reforms to build a stable and inclusive system, Expanding access to finance is a key priority for the National Bank of Ethiopia, as limited credit availability for MSMEs, women, and rural households remains a major barrier to inclusive growth. To address this. the Bank is establishing a National Credit Guarantee Scheme (NCGS)to share lending risks, incentivize financial institutions to serve underserved segments, and promote financial inclusion

The Ministry of Labor and Skills conducted an initial assessment and prepared draft legal frameworks for MSMEs’ guarantee schemes. This study now requires an update to reflect current priorities, broaden the scheme’s scope to include women and rural households, and ensure alignment with national objectives and international best practices.

In collaboration with GIZ, the National Bank of Ethiopia seeks an experienced consultant to re-diagnose the initial study and revise recommendations for the institutional structure and legal frameworks of the NCGS.

II. Objectives of the consultancy

The overall objective of the assignment is:

1. to review, validate and update the existing draft initial study and legal frameworks of the NCGS to ensure that technically sound. legally compliant, and institutionally sustainable.

2. expand the scope of the schemes to incorporate Women rural households and farmer cooperatives

The specific objectives are to:

1) Re-diagnose and refine the existing study and design:

a. Critically review the Scheme’s initial study. assumptions, and business model:

b. Evaluate the proposed institutional setup for the scheme: Assess its appropriateness. governance, and capacity of the institutional structure that is proposed for the Scheme.

c. Reassess the draft Legal Frameworks: Scrutinize the adequacy and robustness of the existing legal, regulatory, and policy framework of the Scheme:

ii) Update and finalize the draft legal frameworks and expand the scope of the schemes to accommodate women, farmer cooperatives and rural households.

III. The scope of the consultancy services

The consulting firm shall perform, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

1. Review and update existing documents and reports, including: Previous diagnostic and design reports on the NCGS: Relevant financial sector policies, laws, and regulations; risk management strategies: monitoring & evaluation approaches: Credit guarantee schemes and related instruments in comparable countries: assess current developments through additional data and integrate this into the existing assessment:

2. Re-assess the proposed institutional setup of the NCGS Evaluate alternative institutional models: Analyze governance structures, ownership arrangements, operational & financial models and accountability mechanisms; Propose updated recommendations for institutional structure, soles, and responsibilities

3. Review the scope of schemes to accommodate women former cooperative and rural household segments

4. Review and update the draft legal framewote:Andye compatibility with existing banking business and other relevant laws re-consider possible guarantee products identify potential legal gaps or conflicts: Recommend legal instruments required for the effective operation of the NCOS

5. Facilitate stakeholder validation workshop: present the revised findings and recommendations to key stakeholders and gather feedback

6. Develop a high-level implementation plan or rood map to implement the revised recommendations

IV. Documents required from applicants

a) Certified copy of valid registered VAT or equivalent

b) Certified copy of valid tax identification Number (T

c) Renewed trade license for this focal year

d) Valid Tax clearance certificate.

The final selection of the organization to conduct the study shall be based on a quality-and cost-based selection (QCBS) method through request for proposals

On all pages of the RFP proposal document, the organization’s stamp should be sealed near the authorized signatory, and all pages should be numbered, dated signed, and stomped

The application must be signed by an authorized individual Additional sheets that the applicant must attach should be numbered and submitted as a package with a signed letter

The applicant may provide any additional information he or she believes is necessary to demonstrate his or her ability to perform the assignment.

1. The Proposal and all documentations shall be submitted in English one original and one copy (in hard and softcopy having been signed on each page by authorized personnel and delivered to the address below on or before February 24, 2026, until 4:00 PM in the Afternoon. The Applications will be opened on February 27, 2026, at 10:30 Am in the morning of the Office of National Bank of Ethiopia. Documents received after the deadline will not be considered valid and will be returned unopened.

2 The Employer reserves the right to accept any part of or al applications and the right to reject any part or all applications

3. Late submissions shall be rejected

4. The following address is for processing activities such as for issuance of documents and/or for clarification regarding the invitation

Attention: Procurement Services Management Directorate

National Bank of Ethiopia

P. O. Box. 5550

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Interested and eligible applicants can obtain the complete set of bidding documents of the RFP from the Procurement Services Management Directorate with the following telephone and e-mail addresses

Tel. +251-11-517-5167, +251-11-517-5165

+251-11-517-5162/5161

E-mail: pamd@nbe.gov.et