TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) 

1. BACKGROUND

AfriLabs is a network organization supporting over 500 technology and innovation hubs across 53 African countries. We support the growth of technology hubs and their community to raise high potential entrepreneurs that will stimulate economic growth and social development in Africa. We do this by providing capacity building resources, financing, mentoring, and networking opportunities to our network members. 

AfriLabs is establishing Innovation centres across fifteen locations in the South-West and the South-South zone to deliver market-relevant digital and creative skills, innovation, and enterprise support.  

Identified host institutions include these states: 

South-West Zone 

• Ile-Oluji — Ondo State (Federal Polytechnic Ile-Oluji) 

• Iree — Osun State (Osun State Polytechnic Iree ) 

• Ilaro — Ogun State (Federal Polytechnic Ilaro) 

• Yaba — Lagos State (Yaba College of Technology) 

South-South Zone 

• Uyo, Akwa Ibom — University of Uyo 

• Ikot Osurua, Akwa Ibom — Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic 

• Eket, Akwa Ibom — Heritage Polytechnic 

• Aleibiri, Bayelsa — Bayelsa State Polytechnic 

• Port Harcourt, Rivers — Rivers State University 

• Port Harcourt, Rivers — Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic 

• Delta State — Michael and Cecilia Ibru University 

• Benin, Edo State — University of Benin 

• Auchi, Edo State — Auchi Polytechnic 

• Calabar, Cross River State — Cross River State University of Technology 

• Ugep, Cross River State — Federal Polytechnic Ugep 

This assignment is issued under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, a Federal Government of Nigeria flagship initiative implemented by the Bank of Industry (BOI). iDICE is co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and Agence Française de Développement (AFD), with counterpart funding provided by the Federal Government of Nigeria. 

AfriLabs has been engaged as the Lead Aggregator Consultant for the South-West and South-South zones, responsible for identifying, evaluating, and onboarding Enterprise Support Organisations (ESOs) to implement programme activities at the designated Centres of Excellence. 

All activities under this Call for Application shall be conducted in accordance with the funding partners’ respective policies, safeguarding standards, and reporting requirements. 

2. PURPOSE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The purpose of this assignment is to engage competent Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) as technical implementation partners for the Digital and Creative Centres of Excellence under the iDICE South-West and South-South Aggregator Project.  

These ESOs are specialized, mission-aligned institutions that will serve as critical implementation partners at each CoE, translating programme design into direct delivery of skills training, incubation, acceleration, mentorship, and ecosystem-building services in the digital and creative sectors.  

This ToR sets out the process by which AfriLabs, as Aggregator Consultant, will identify, evaluate, and onboard ESOs to support Centres of Excellence across both regions. 

The objective is to identify organisations with the technical capacity, local presence, institutional alignment, and organisational integrity to serve as credible, long-term delivery partners for the digital and creative economy agenda. 

Selected ESOs will work with the selected institutions to manage and deliver enterprise development services incubation, acceleration, mentorship, business advisory, industry engagement, and investment readiness support to strengthen innovation ecosystems within participating institution(s), enabling each Centre of Excellence to nurture entrepreneurs, support startup growth, and drive digital and creative enterprise development.  

ESOs will work closely with AfriLabs, host institutions, the iDICE PCU, and ecosystem stakeholders to deliver programme activities in line with approved plans and donor requirements. AfriLabs seeks partners demonstrating technical excellence, strong local presence, institutional alignment and organizational integrity to serve as credible, long term delivery partners for the project.

3. NATURE OF THE PARTNERSHIP

ESOs selected under this Call will not be engaged as consultants or service vendors. They will be formalised as Sub-Award Implementation Partners through a Partnership Agreement / MOU. Funds disbursed are sub-awards tied to verified activity delivery — not fees for services rendered. 

The partnership structure is designed as follows: 

• AfriLabs serves as the Lead Aggregator, providing coordination, oversight, technical guidance, capacity support, and subaward management. 

• The ESO Partner serves as the on-the-ground implementation lead at their assigned Centre of Excellence, responsible for programme design, delivery, beneficiary management, and local ecosystem engagement. 

• The Host Institution provides physical infrastructure, institutional endorsement, and access to the student and alumni community. 

• AfriLabs and iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) provides programme-level oversight, donor compliance guidance, and approval of major milestones.

4. PARTNERSHIP OBJECTIVES 

Selected ESO Partners shall contribute to the successful implementation and long-term sustainability of the iDICE Centres of Excellence. Specifically, each ESO Partner shall: 

• Design, coordinate, and deliver high-quality entrepreneurship development programmes tailored to digital and creative enterprises. 

• Implement structured incubation and acceleration programmes for startups, innovators, and early-stage enterprises at the assigned CoE. 

• Deliver competency-based training programmes that strengthen the entrepreneurial, technical, managerial, and innovation capabilities of programme beneficiaries. 

• Facilitate mentorship programmes by identifying, recruiting, coordinating, and supporting experienced mentors from relevant industries. 

• Provide business advisory and enterprise development services to startups, MSMEs, students, and innovators participating in the programme. 

• Facilitate access to industry experts, investors, ecosystem partners, government agencies, financial institutions, and professional networks. 

• Support startup investment readiness: pitching, investor engagement, fundraising, and business growth. 

• Coordinate beneficiary recruitment, selection, onboarding, registration, participation tracking, and retention. 

• Promote gender equality, disability inclusion, youth participation, and equitable access in line with iDICE and AfriLabs’ inclusion objectives. 

• Strengthen collaboration between host institutions and the broader innovation ecosystem. 

• Collect, manage, analyse, and report programme data required for MEL, donor reporting, and performance management. 

• Contribute to the long-term sustainability of the CoEs by building local capacity and strengthening institutional enterprise support systems. 

• Ensure compliance with AfriLabs’ operational standards, safeguarding policies, donor requirements, and applicable national regulations. 

5. 5. STATEMENT OF WORK 

Each ESO Partner shall support the establishment and operationalisation of their assigned iDICE Centre of Excellence by delivering enterprise development programmes, strengthening the local innovation ecosystem, and supporting entrepreneurs within the participating tertiary institution. 

Digital and Creative Skills Capacity Development Programme Delivery 

• Support the establishment and operationalisation of the assigned Centre of Excellence by delivering high-quality entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills, creative enterprise, and employability programmes in collaboration with the host institution. 

• Deliver entrepreneurship, business management, digital, and creative enterprise training using approved curricula and learning methodologies. 

• Deliver training in accordance with the approved learning streams, programme delivery framework, and implementation schedule outlined in the programme implementation guide 

• Recruit, train, and support a minimum of 2600  programme beneficiaries  in the assigned institution contributing towards the programme target of training 25000 youth for South South and 10,000 in the Southwest geopolitical zone over the implementation period. (Age range: 15–35 years)  

• Ensure programme delivery promotes inclusive participation and contributes towards achieving a minimum of 40% female participation and other inclusion targets established under the programme. 

• Provide structured employability pathways that enable at least 80% beneficiaries to secure formal employment, remote or freelance work opportunities, or self-employment through enterprise creation within 6 Months – 1 year of programme completion. 

• Facilitate practical learning sessions, workshops, bootcamps, masterclasses, and business clinics, hackathons, innovation challenges, and networking events. 

• Ensure training content reflects current industry trends, market needs, and emerging technologies relevant to the assigned centre of Excellence hub type. 

• Conduct learner assessments, monitor participant progress, and maintain accurate attendance, participation, and completion records for all programme activities. 

Incubation and Acceleration Support

• Design and implement structured incubation and acceleration programmes for startups and innovators. 

• Provide technical assistance to at least 500 participating startups to strengthen their business models and growth strategies during the programme implementation period 

• Support product validation, market readiness, commercialisation, and customer acquisition for student led startups, youth led MSMEs, and creative ventures emerging from the Centres of Excellence. 

• Conduct regular business advisory sessions and progress reviews for student led startups, youth led MSMEs, and creative ventures emerging from the Centres of Excellence. 

• Track startup performance and provide post-programme support where required for student led startups, youth led MSMEs, and creative ventures emerging from the Centres of Excellence. 

Mentorship and Business Advisory

• Recruit and coordinate qualified mentors with relevant sector expertise. 

• Match mentors with at least 500 Startups based on business needs and areas of specialization. 

• Coordinate mentorship sessions and monitor mentor-mentee engagement. 

• Provide one-on-one business advisory covering strategy, financial management, marketing, operations, governance, and investment readiness. 

• Maintain records of mentorship activities and outcomes. 

Innovation and Ecosystem Development

• Facilitate collaboration between the CoE and relevant ecosystem stakeholders. 

• Build partnerships with industry, investors, government agencies, academia, and development organisations. 

• Support networking events, innovation showcases, Demo Days, and ecosystem engagement activities. 

• Promote collaboration opportunities that enhance innovation, commercialisation, and enterprise growth.

Beneficiary Recruitment andProgramme Management 

• Support beneficiary outreach, mobilisation, and recruitment activities. 

• Participate in the screening and selection of programme participants using approved selection criteria. 

• Coordinate participant onboarding and orientation activities. 

• Monitor participant engagement and support retention and programme completion. 

• Maintain an updated beneficiary database throughout programme implementation. 

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

• Collect programme data and maintain accurate records of all implementation activities. 

• Track agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and project milestones. 

• Submit periodic technical reports, beneficiary data, success stories, and lessons learned 

• Support monitoring visits, programme evaluations, and learning activities conducted by AfriLabs or the iDICE PCU. 

• Ensure timely submission of all reports in the prescribed formats and templates and on relevant platforms. 

Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI)

• Integrate gender equality, disability inclusion, and youth participation across all programme activities. 

• Promote equitable access to programme opportunities for women, persons with disabilities, and other underserved groups. 

• Ensure programme delivery aligns with AfriLabs’ safeguarding, diversity, equity, and inclusion policies. 

Institutional Collaboration and Sustainability

• Work collaboratively with the management and designated focal persons of each participating institution. 

• Support knowledge transfer and institutional capacity building to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the CoEs. 

• Participate in planning meetings, technical review sessions, and stakeholder engagements convened by AfriLabs and the iDICE PCU. 

• Document best practices, lessons learned, and recommendations to improve programme implementation. 

Compliance, Financial Accountability, and Quality Assurance

• Ensure all activities comply with the iDICE Programme implementation framework, AfriLabs operational guidelines, and donor requirements. 

• Maintain high standards of programme quality, professionalism, and ethical conduct. 

• Retire each quarterly sub-award disbursement through verified financial statements, bank statements, activity reports, and supporting documentation before the next tranche is released. 

• Maintain separate accounts or sub-ledgers for iDICE sub-award funds, clearly distinguishing them from the organisation’s other financial activities. 

• Submit to periodic financial audits, spot checks, and desk reviews conducted by AfriLabs or the iDICE PCU. 

• Implement appropriate risk management measures and promptly communicate any implementation challenges to AfriLabs. 

6. 6. EXPECTEDDELIVERABLES

The selected Enterprise Support Organisation (ESO) shall be responsible for delivering the following outputs in accordance with the approved Programme Implementation Guide, annual work plans, and performance targets assigned by AfriLabs. 

7. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIS) 

The performance of each ESO shall be assessed quarterly and annually against agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Performance targets shall be assigned by AfriLabs based on the implementation plan for each Centre of Excellence. 

8.  ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To be considered for this partnership, applicant organisations must meet all of the following minimum criteria and submit the listed documentation: 

• Legally registered entity in Nigeria, with a valid CAC registration certificate (Certificate of Incorporation, Form CO2, Form CO7 or equivalent) 

• Demonstrated local operational presence within the applicable region, evidenced by a physical office address, utility bill, lease agreement, or hub membership (For AfriLabs Hub Members). 

• Organisational mission, mandate, and programming clearly aligned with the thematic focus of iDICE (technology entrepreneurship and the creative economy). 

• Formal letter of endorsement or expression of support from at least one participating host institution. 

• Minimum of two (2) years of audited financial statements and a valid current Tax Clearance Certificate from FIRS or NRS. 

• Evidence of current organization valid ITF, NSITF, BPP, and PENCOM certificates 

• Demonstrated track record in entrepreneurship support, incubation, acceleration, or innovation programming, with verifiable evidence of impact. 

• Qualified leadership and delivery staff with CVs demonstrating sector-relevant education and programme delivery experience. 

• Functional governance structure (Board of Trustees, Directors, or equivalent) with internal systems for financial management, procurement, and reporting. 

• Active partnerships and ecosystem networks relevant to the assigned Centre of Excellence (CoE) location and sector. 

• Demonstrated commitment to gender equality, disability access, and inclusion of underrepresented populations. 

• Evidence of sustainability orientation, including realistic plans for programme continuity and diversified funding. 

• Confirmation of evidence of a robust internal control system, well documented organizational policies (eg Finance, procurement, Human Resource, Ethics and anti-corruption policies and procedures) a reliable financial reporting system, and personnel to support effective governance, accountability, and financial management. 

• Concept Note, workplan and budget as depicted below 

Skills (Applicable to Award Applicants)  

• Strong technical and organisational capacity to deliver structured entrepreneurship support interventions.  

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership ability.  

• High-quality reporting and monitoring systems.  

• Familiarity with the digital and creative economy landscape in the applicant’s region.  

• Experience working with tertiary institutions or donor-funded programmes is an advantage. 

9.  SUB-AWARD DISBURSEMENT AND RETIREMENT FRAMEWORK

Selected ESO Partners will receive sub-award funding disbursed on a cost reimbursement and deliverable completion basis, subject to the satisfactory retirement and verification of milestone achievement. The disbursement model is structured as follows: 

Milestone Retirement Requirement: No disbursement will be released until the preceding sub-award milestone has been fully fulfilled and submission of the following document:  

(a) a detailed expenditure report with supporting receipts and bank statements; (b) a narrative activity report confirming deliverables/milestones achieved; and  

(c) written approval from AfriLabs confirming satisfactory retirement.  

Unsubmitted document/reports will be treated as outstanding and may result in suspension of further disbursements. 

All sub-award funds are subject to AfriLabs’ and the iDICE PCU’s review and approval. Payments will not be released for milestones that remain incomplete, disputed, or unverified. 

10.  DURATION AND GEOGRAPHIC COVERAGE

• Partnership Duration: Minimum of 2 years, co-terminus with CoE implementation at the assigned institution. 

• Start Date: Immediately upon signing of Partnership Agreement / MOU. 

• Locations:  

• South-West (Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Osun)  

• South-South (Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Rivers) geopolitical zones. 

The institutions have already been stated above in the background session. 

• Number of ESO Partners for South-West: Four (4) ESOs across the four institutions.  

• Number of ESO Partners for South-South: Eleven (11) ESOs across the eleven institutions.  

11.  REPORTING AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

Selected ESO Partners will report to: 

• AfriLabs Project / Aggregator Lead 

• iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) 

ESO Partners will work closely with: 

• Host institution focal persons 

• AfriLabs MEL and programme teams 

• Infrastructure and capacity specialists 

• Institutional focal persons at NBTE, BOI, AfDB, and AFD 

12.  HOW TO APPLY

Interested organisations should submit the following documents through the designated application portal or email: 

• Completed ESO Application Form (to be accessed from the application portal) 

• Certificate of Incorporation (CAC Certificate) and Company registration documents (Form CO2, Form CO7). Submit as one document 

• Minimum of two (2) years of audited financial statements (2024 and 2025). Submit as one document 

• Bank reference letter showing organization financial capacity. 

• Provide the most recent and valid PENCOM, NSITF, ITF, and BPP compliance certificates (Submit as one document) 

• Valid, current Tax Clearance Certificate (FIRS or NRS) 

• Organisational chart showing governance structure and senior management team 

• CVs of key staff (Executive Director and heads of training, incubation, and mentorship functions). Submit as one document 

• Proof of physical office address, utility bill, lease agreement. 

• Evidence of minimum of 2 previous work done and sample training curriculum (one to two courses currently delivered) 

• Minimum of three (3) organizational reference from partner organisations or former programme beneficiaries (entrepreneurship support, incubation, and ecosystem development). Include corporate email and contact details 

• Completion of attached conflict of interest declaration form 

• Letter of endorsement or expression of support from a participating host institution (from a minimum of 1 institution.) 

• Concept Note (must also include plan outlining measures to mitigate potential environmental and social impact, including social safeguards, monitoring and reporting requirements and gender targets. 

• Work plan for the 36 months  

• A detailed budget as the scope of work may be interpreted (This must be in Naira) 

Submission Portal: Link Here 

Submission Deadline: Friday 4th September,2026. 

Note:  

• Applicants should apply only for the region in which their firm is domiciled. 

• Please ensure that you are from the implementing region (either South-West or South-South). 

• Applications from women-owned organisations are strongly encouraged. 

13.  CONFIDENTIALITY, SAFEGUARDING & CONFLICT OF INTEREST

• All information gathered during this assignment including any data relating to students, staff, or institutional vulnerabilities is strictly confidential and may only be used for the purposes of this engagement. 

• The selected ESO’s will be required to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and a Child and Vulnerable Persons Safeguarding declaration prior to commencement of work, given the assignment engagement with student populations. 

• Any actual or perceived conflict of interest with AfriLabs, or the donor, must be declared in writing while applying. Failure to disclose will result in immediate disqualification and contract termination. 

• Any disclosure or suspicion of SEAH, abuse, or safeguarding concern identified during the assignment must be reported immediately and confidentially to the AfriLabs Project Lead in line with AfriLabs’ Safeguarding Policy, regardless of whether it falls within the formal scope of the assessment. 

• All physical and digital data collected must be securely stored and, upon conclusion of the engagement, returned to AfriLabs or securely destroyed. The Consultant shall provide written certification confirming the return or destruction of all data, including any copies or backups in their possession. Any unauthorised retention, disclosure, or misuse of AfriLabs’ data shall constitute a material breach of this agreement and may result in termination, legal action, and/or liability for any resulting damages. 

14.  EVALUATION CRITERIA

All submissions will be evaluated by ESO application reviewers against the criteria below. Only applicants meeting the minimum pass mark of 70 out of 100 will be shortlisted for further consideration. 

Note: Budget will only be opened for technically qualified applicants who meet the minimum pass mark above. 

15.  DISCLAIMER

AfriLabs reserves the right to review, shortlist, and engage ESO Partners based on qualifications, alignment with programme requirements, and available programme resources. Submission of an application does not guarantee selection or guarantee a specific sub-award allocation. AfriLabs is not obligated to provide reasons for non-selection. 

Canvassing of AfriLabs, iDICE PCU, or host institution staff in connection with this Call for Partnership will result in automatic disqualification. 

This Call for Partnership is entirely free of charge. AfriLabs will never request payment at any stage of the application or selection process. If you are contacted by anyone requesting fees in connection with this Call, please report it immediately to procurement@afrilabs.com. 

For clarification on the application, send an email to procurement@afrilabs.com 

Acronyms: 

• ESO- Enterprise Support Organisations 

• CoE- Centre of Excellence 

• AfriLabs- African Technology Innovation Hubs Initiative 

• IDICE- Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises 

• PCU- Programme Coordination Unit 

Downloadable Application document: 

• Concept note guide 

• Conflict of Interest declaration form 

• ESO Implementation Guide