CFAs: MSMEs and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Support Programme (Libya)

Deadline: 04-Oct-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is supporting efforts to strengthen inclusive and sustainable livelihood opportunities in Tarhouna and Derna, Libya through entrepreneurship, enterprise development, improved market access, and employment opportunities for vulnerable populations. The MSMEs and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Support Programme in Tarhouna and Derna is designed to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth by strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems, building the capacity of local institutions and individuals, improving access to finance readiness support, and creating stronger connections between employers, employees, buyers, and markets.

About the MSMEs and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Support Programme

The programme focuses on addressing economic and livelihood challenges in Tarhouna and Derna by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

Its overall focus includes:

- Entrepreneurship development. - Enterprise development. - Livelihood opportunities for vulnerable populations. - Employment opportunities. - Improved access to markets. - Strengthening local entrepreneurship ecosystems. The programme seeks to create more inclusive economic opportunities while strengthening the capacity of local institutions and individuals. Programme Activities The scope of the programme covers several activities designed to strengthen entrepreneurship and livelihood opportunities in Tarhouna and Derna.

Key activities include:

- Entrepreneurship ecosystem assessment. - Validation of assessment findings. - Identification of beneficiaries. - Curriculum development. - Capacity-building and training. - Psychosocial support for economic participation. - Finance readiness activities. - Employer-employee linkages. - Job fairs. - Buyer-market linkage events. - Improved market access. These activities are intended to address different barriers faced by vulnerable populations and entrepreneurs seeking to participate in economic activities. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Assessment The programme will include an assessment of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Tarhouna and Derna. The assessment will help identify relevant conditions, opportunities, and needs within the local entrepreneurship environment. The findings will then be validated, followed by the identification of beneficiaries who can participate in the programme’s activities. Capacity Building and Training A key component of the programme is strengthening the capacities of local institutions and individuals.

This will include activities such as:

- Curriculum development. - Training programmes. - Individual capacity building. - Institutional capacity strengthening. - Finance readiness support. These activities are intended to improve the ability of participants and local institutions to engage in entrepreneurship and economic opportunities. Psychosocial Support for Economic Participation The programme also includes psychosocial support for economic participation. This component is intended to support vulnerable populations in their participation in economic activities alongside the programme’s entrepreneurship, training, and livelihood interventions. Finance Readiness Activities The programme will support activities related to finance readiness, including experience with Islamic or Sharia-compliant microfinance or MSME financing-readiness. This is intended to help entrepreneurs and enterprises become better prepared to access appropriate financing opportunities. Employment and Job-Matching Opportunities The programme will facilitate stronger connections between employers and potential employees. One of the planned activities is the organisation of job fairs, which will help facilitate employer-employee linkages and create opportunities for vulnerable populations to connect with potential employment opportunities. Market Access and Buyer Linkages Improving market access is another important part of the programme. The programme will facilitate buyer-market linkage events to help enterprises and participants connect with buyers and markets. These activities are designed to strengthen market opportunities and support enterprise development in Tarhouna and Derna. Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants must meet specific organisational and experience requirements.

Applicants must:

- Be officially registered companies or organisations in Libya, including INGOs or NGOs; or - Have a registered Libyan partner. - Demonstrate experience coordinating with Libyan public institutions or national programmes on economic development or livelihoods. - Have field access to Tarhouna and Derna. - Possess at least five years of institutional experience in entrepreneurship or MSME support. - Have at least three prior contracts of a similar nature. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the required institutional capacity and relevant experience to implement the programme. Experience Requirements Applicants must have substantial experience in entrepreneurship or MSME support. A minimum of five years of institutional experience in this field is required. Applicants must also demonstrate experience working with Libyan public institutions or national programmes related to economic development or livelihoods. Requirement for Similar Previous Contracts Applicants must have completed at least three prior contracts of a similar nature. The previous contracts must cover relevant areas, including: - Enterprise or individual capacity-building. - Islamic or Sharia-compliant microfinance or MSME financing-readiness. - Job-matching or market-linkage programming. This requirement ensures that applicants have demonstrated experience across the key areas covered by the programme. Geographic and Field Access Requirements Applicants must have field access to Tarhouna and Derna. Organisations applying for the opportunity should therefore be able to demonstrate their ability to operate and deliver