BANK OF INDUSTRY
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
DESIGN, ORGANIZE, AND IMPLEMENT (GENERAL AND FEMALE FOCUSED) TECH HACKATHONS AND INNOVATIVE CHALLENGES (MANAGE COMPETITION, IMPLEMENTATION, SEED CAPITAL AND FOLLOW UP) INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL AND CREATIVE ENTERPRISES (IDICE) PROGRAMME

iDICE
Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises Programme

Technology and Creative Sector
Financing Agreement Reference: 2000200005160
Project ID No.: P-NG-K00-009

Background
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) towards the implementation of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme. The objective of the iDICE Programme is to promote entrepreneurship, boost innovation, create jobs, enhance social development, and achieve economic transformation by fostering growth in the digital technology and creative ecosystem, building on brownfield investments and synergies with ongoing initiatives in Nigeria.

In line with implementation arrangements, the iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) within the Bank of Industry (BOI) – the Executing Agency for the Programme appointed by the FGN – is seeking to engage the services of a consultant to design, organize, and implement (general and female focused) Tech Hackathons and Innovative Challenges (Manage Competition, Implementation, Seed Capital and Follow up) under the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme.

a) Objectives
The primary objective of this consultancy is to design, organize, and implement a minimum of 12 series of (general and female focused) tech hackathons and innovative competitions across the six (6) geo-political regions. Each region shall run two parallel streams:

Stream A – General Innovation Challenges: Technology hackathons and competitions targeting all eligible innovators and start-ups.
Stream B – Female Focused Challenges: Targeted hackathons and innovation competitions focused on discovering and nurturing female-led start-ups in the technology sector.

Of the 12 series of (general and female focused) events, a minimum of 5% start-ups shall be start-ups from vulnerable and marginalized groups “such as At Risk Youth, PWDS, Displaced Persons, Youth Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET Youths)”.

The specific goals are:
i. Identify and nurture high-potential technology startups through competitive hackathons and innovation challenges.
ii. Foster innovation and problem-solving by encouraging technology and digital solutions to pressing socio-economic and industry challenges using technology.
iii. Provide seed capital and structured post-event support to enable selected startups to scale and become investment ready.
iv. Create visibility and networking opportunities for emerging tech entrepreneurs by connecting them with investors, mentors, and industry stakeholders.
v. Strengthen the tech ecosystem by promoting collaboration among hubs, accelerators, universities, and private sector actors.
vi. Discover and nurture female-led startups through targeted hackathons, ensuring equitable access to resources, networks, and funding.
vii. Promote gender equality in entrepreneurship and innovation by addressing socio-economic and industry barriers faced by women.
viii. Strengthen the gender-inclusive tech and creative ecosystem by promoting collaboration among women-focused ESOs, accelerators, universities, and private sector actors.
ix. Document success stories and lessons learned to inform future gender-focused innovation programmes.

b) Scope of work
The Consultant will be required to carry out the following activities:

1. Program Design
i. Develop the framework for a minimum of 12 hackathons and competitions, including:
Focus areas and themes aligned with the technology and digital economy’s needs
Female led technology startups
Competition formats and participation criteria.
Evaluation criteria and judging processes.
ii. Outline strategies to engage key stakeholders, including industry leaders, ESOs, and relevant government agencies.
iii. Establish guidelines for awards and post-event support for winning teams.
iv. Prepare a plan outlining measures to mitigate potential environmental and social impact, including social safeguards, monitoring and reporting requirements.
v. Embed zero-tolerance SEA-H safeguards in all programme activities. Develop a Social Impact & Safeguarding Plan addressing prevention, safe reporting channels, response protocols, and accountability mechanisms.

2. Thematic Areas
Digital skills, employability and jobs- exploring skills matching platforms, freelancing and remote work, AI-powered learning and certification;
Agritech; financial inclusion and SME support;
Climate and clean energy;
Digital economy etc.

Selected startups should have 40% focused on ideation and problem solving; 60% focused on proof of concept.

3. Event Planning and Coordination
i. Plan and organize a series of tech hackathons and innovative competitions in the 6 Nigerian geo-political zones. These may involve either a general theme, or a specific problem to address as the event’s central focus.
ii. Recruit participants through targeted outreach campaigns leveraging ESOs, educational institutions, technology hubs, and other information and media pipelines.
iii. Secure partnerships with mentors, industry experts, and sponsors.
iv. Establish monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track progress and program impact.
v. Setup and prepare logistical arrangements concerning venue selection, technology requirements, event materials, transportation, media and publicity, judging and review pipeline and infrastructure.
vi. Incorporate gender-safe venue protocols, accessible facilities, and safe reporting mechanisms in all logistical arrangements.

4. Implementation and Facilitation
* Execute hackathons and challenges according to the designed framework. A total of 12 tech Hackathon event and innovative competitions across the six (6) geo-political regions. Of the 12 series of (general and female focused) events, a minimum of 5% start-ups shall be start-ups from vulnerable and marginalized groups “such as At Risk Youth, PWDS, Displaced Persons, Youth Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET Youths)”. Each region shall have a minimum of two (2) events.
* 36 Participating start-ups progressing to incubation and investment stages
* Provide facilitation support, including mentor pairing, team formation, and problem-solving workshops.
* Coordinate judging panels and ensure transparent evaluation processes.

5. Post-Event Follow-Up
* Further engage with winners and high-performing participants providing a list of promising startups for further incubation and funding opportunities under iDICE programme.
* Compile and disseminate lessons learned and success stories. Leveraging media pipelines to increase visibility in the technology and digital economy, giving further reach to future competitions and events.
* Specifically document female-led startup success stories and gender inclusion outcomes. Include SEA-H compliance record and any incidents/responses in the End-of-Programme Report. The Consultant shall design and implement a structured post-hackathon pipeline, including incubation and acceleration support, with defined milestones for start-up development, investment readiness, and scaling.
* Create mechanisms for continued tracking of supported start-ups beyond the consultancy period (e.g., tracer studies or follow-up reporting)
* Create an End-of-Program report highlighting the logistical implementation of the hackathons. The report must showcase quantitative data points collected throughout the course of the events such as attendance number, media reach, social media impressions, as well as a qualitative review of the impact the events have created and further recommendations for future events. Reporting shall disaggregate participation data by gender and vulnerable status.

Minimum Qualification and Experience
Key qualifications and experience required for this consultancy include:
* Minimum of 7 years’ experience in technology consulting, innovation program management, or event organization.
* Proven experience in organizing hackathons, competitions, or innovation challenges
* Strong technical understanding of emerging technologies (AI, IoT, Cloud, Blockchain).
* Proof of the availability of experienced technical and operational staff with requisite certifications
* Strong event planning and coordination skills, including outreach and logistics.
* Demonstrate Financial management skills for handling seed capital and budgeting.
* Expertise in stakeholder engagement, including industry and government partnerships
* Demonstrated ability to track and evaluate program impact.

Gender, Safeguarding, and SEA-H Requirements
Gender expertise and safeguarding provisions are core requirements of this assignment. The Consultant firm must:
i. Demonstrate proven experience in developing and implementing gender-sensitive strategies and safeguarding plans.
ii. Designate a qualified Gender and Safeguarding Officer responsible for overseeing implementation of gender commitments and SEA-H provisions across all events. (Preferably female)
iii. Develop and operationalise a SEA-H Prevention and Response Protocol, including:
* Clear definitions and zero-tolerance policy statements.
* Mandatory training for all programme staff, mentors, judges, and volunteers.
* Confidential and accessible safe reporting channels for participants.
* Documented response and referral procedures for any reported incidents.
v. Accountability and reporting obligations to the PCU.
vi. Ensure all event venues, materials, and facilitation approaches are gender-responsive and accessible.
vii. Collect and report gender-disaggregated data throughout the programme, covering participation, outcomes, and prize disbursements.
viii. Integrate gender inclusion metrics into all M&E frameworks and reporting.

BANK OF INDUSTRY
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
ENTERPRISE SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT FOR IMPROVED START-UPS SERVICE DELIVERY IN NIGERIA INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL AND CREATIVE ENTERPRISES (IDICE) PROGRAMME
IDICE
INVESTMENT IN DIGITAL AND CREATIVE ENTERPRISES PROGRAMME
TECHNOLOGY AND CREATIVE SECTOR
FINANCING AGREEMENT REFERENCE: 2000200005160
PROJECT ID NO.: P-NG-K00-009

Background

The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has received financing from the African Development Bank (AfDB), Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) towards the implementation of the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme. The objective of the iDICE Programme is to promote entrepreneurship, boost innovation, create jobs, enhance social development, and achieve economic transformation by fostering growth in the digital technology and creative ecosystem, building on brownfield investments and synergies with ongoing initiatives in Nigeria.

As part of implementation arrangements, the iDICE Programme Coordination Unit (PCU) within the Bank of Industry (BOI) – the Executing Agency for the Programme appointed by the FGN – is seeking to engage the services of a Consultant for Enterprise Support Organizations Capacity Development for Improved Start-ups Service Delivery in Nigeria.

a) Objectives
The main objective of this assignment is to strengthen capacity of ESOs to deliver quality services to technology start-ups in Nigeria, with the following goals:
* Carry out a diagnostic assessment to Identify key weaknesses and ascertain gaps in services offered in enterprise support structures within the tech sector in Nigeria.
* Select promising ESOs for placement in the training program through a review process considering the following factors: (i) Unique competencies, (ii) Prior track records, (iii) Operational Capabilities, (iv) Client Testimonials (if any), and finally (v) Management Team and Vision
* Design and implement capacity building of the selected ESOs. The program must include: (i) Training Sessions and Workshops, (ii) Direct one on one Needs Analysis sessions for each ESO, (iv) Monitoring and Evaluation programs
* Develop and Coordinate a Test-Phase period in which beneficiary ESOs implement start-up service for their sector through business development, mentorship, workspace services etc.
* Plan, Direct, and Organize the implementation of the ESO start-up service delivery Program.
* Prepare a plan outlining measures to mitigate potential environmental and social impact, including social safeguards, monitoring and reporting requirements

b) Scope of work
The scope of work for this assignment includes, but is not limited to:
1. Needs Assessment and ESO selection
i. Conduct a comprehensive sectoral review uncovering key weaknesses in the support structures as well as service gaps in offerings by existing ESOs within the Tech sector.
ii. Isolate specific service areas (e.g., funding, mentorship, capacity building) that ESOs can strengthen in tech-based enterprises.
iii. ESO Review and Selection:
* Invite ESOs to submit proposals demonstrating their unique competencies, track records, operational capacity, and vision.
* Evaluate applications against predefined criteria, including testimonials, team strength, and unique competencies and service offerings.
* Finalize the selection of a minimum of 40 ESOs for the training program using the selection criteria set in table below:

Criteria: Sector Focus
Description: Evaluates the alignment of the ESO’s offerings and key sector focus to the programme’s objectives.

Criteria: Sector Experience
Description: Evaluates the adequacy of the ESOs viz industry presence and reputation, number of years operational in sector and number of executed projects (portfolio)

Criteria: Sector Performance and Portfolio
Description: Evaluates the reputation and performance of organization in relation to industry benchmarks

Criteria: Team composition
Description: Evaluates the organizational structures and team composition of the organization for adequacy viz:
* Technical competencies
* Experience

Criteria: Potential Impact
Description: Evaluate ESOs current/potential impact for adequacy viz:
* Tech start-ups and tech-enabled businesses being supported
* Potential of ESOs to make significant impact to start-ups entrepreneurs, etc.

2. ESO Training Programme Outlining, Design, and Development
i. Create a modular training curriculum focused on governance, financial sustainability, sector-specific expertise, and innovation.
ii. Develop interactive training methods, such as workshops, case studies, and peer learning.
iii. Define the sequence and duration of capacity-building sessions, needs analysis, test phases, and evaluations.
iv. Establish monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to track ESO progress and program impact.
v. Develop a system for spot checks and independent quality assurance to validate reported results.

3. Develop the capacity of selected ESOs and address their specific needs
i. Hold Capacity Building Workshops training for a minimum of 40 ESOs on governance, financial models, program innovation and start-up service delivery support.
ii. Provide sector and sub-sector specific insights tailored to creative industries (e.g., intellectual property, digital marketing).
iii. One-on-One Needs Analysis: Conduct individual sessions with ESOs to develop organization specific, curated development plans.

4. Test-Phase
i. ESOs will implement their start-up service support program by testing real-world applicability.
ii. Integrate Beneficiary ESOs into a comprehensive framework outlining services to be delivered, including but not limited to:
• Business Development Services (BDS): Business planning, financial management, legal/regulatory compliance, marketing strategies, product development, and market linkages.
• Mentorship Services: One-on-one mentorship, group coaching, and specialised support for female-led start-ups.
• Workspace Services: Access to co-working spaces, meeting rooms, internet connectivity, and shared infrastructure.
iii. Implement a voucher-based intervention to enable affordable and structured access to BDS and workspaces. (Eligibility criteria, voucher value, redemption process).
iv. Beneficiary ESOs to support a minimum of 10 start-ups, ensuring 40% female-led representation within the region. Of the 10 Start-ups, a minimum of 5% start-ups shall be start-ups from vulnerable and marginalized groups “such as At Risk Youth, PWDS, Displaced Persons, Youth Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET Youths)”.
v. Define application processes, selection criteria and on boarding of selected start-ups.
vi. Prepare guidelines for delivery of support, including mentorship, workspace access, and voucher intervention.
vii. Integrate Enterprise Support Organizations (ESOs) and tech partner services into the framework, detailing roles, onboarding requirements, and contractual arrangements.
viii. Develop an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) to address potential environmental and social risks, including safeguards and reporting requirements.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation
i. Track performance against KPIs and collect feedback from stakeholders.
ii. Provide periodic support and refine interventions based on observed outcomes.
iii. Establish robust monitoring frameworks to track BDS delivery, measure impact on start-up growth, and document outcomes.

Note that selection of beneficiaries and workshop events should spread across the Country, as much as feasible.

Minimum Qualification and Experience
The consultant/team should have the following qualifications:
• Proven expertise in Incubator and Accelerator programs.
• Experience with capacity building and training programs, particularly in job creation or workforce development contexts.
• Proof of the availability of experienced technical and operational staff with requisite certifications.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.
• Strong understanding of logistical planning, operational management, data collection, skill development, and processes.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate M&E systems into broader program frameworks.