Establishing a Framework Agreement for Geospatial Electrification Planning and Analytical Services

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (CONSULTING SERVICES -FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT – FIRMS SELECTION)

ZAMBIA ACCELERATING SUSTAINABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY ACCESS TRANSFORMATION (ASCENT) PROJECT.

Grant No.: P180547

Assignment Title: Framework Agreement for Geospatial Electrification Planning and Analytical Services.

Reference No . ZM-COMESA-565158-CS-QBS

The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT) Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services

2. The objective of the consulting services (“the Services”) is to support the development and application of geospatial least-cost electrification planning approaches, including the identification of optimal combinations of grid extension, mini-grid, and standalone systems to achieve universal access objectives, and to be grounded in internationally recognized methodologies that ensure transparency, consistency, and reproducibility of analytical approaches, as well as the development or strengthening of related geospatial data systems, data governance arrangements, interoperability mechanisms, and digital decision-support tools

3. Scope of service”; The services to be provided under the Framework Agreement are organized into indicative service components, which describe the range of technical support that may be required

Individual assignments issued under the Framework Agreement may involve one or several service components, depending on the needs of the requesting Project Implementation Unit (PIU).

The combination and scope of services to be provided under each assignment will depend on the specific needs of the requesting PIU and the nature of the Service Request submitted to COMESA.

Service component 1:

Development of National Electrification Analyses (NEAs).

Consulting firms may support participating PIUs in preparing or updating National Electrification Analyses using geospatial least-cost electrification modelling methodologies. Activities may include the collection and validation of spatial datasets, development or updating of geospatial least-cost electrification models, analysis of grid extension, mini-grid and standalone electrification options, and preparation of electrification investment planning scenarios.

Service component 2:

Updating Existing Electrification Plans and Models.

Consulting firms may assist PIUs in reviewing and updating existing electrification plans and modelling tools. Activities may include updating modelling assumptions and datasets, recalibrating electrification planning models, incorporating updated demand forecasts or policy targets, and producing revised electrification planning outputs.

Service component 3:

Spatial Data Infrastructure (SDI), Data Governance and Interoperability.

Consulting firms may assist PIUs in establishing or strengthening national spatial data infrastructure (SDI) systems, data governance arrangements and interoperable geospatial data platforms to support energy access planning. Activities may include assessing SDI readiness, identifying data architecture and interoperability gaps, developing data governance frameworks and standards, and establishing or enhancing geospatial data platforms, metadata catalogues and data-sharing mechanisms, including, where relevant, open-source or interoperable platforms such as GeoNode, CKAN, or equivalent tools.

Service component 4:

Development of Visualization and Decision-Support Platforms.

Consulting firms may support the development of digital platforms and tools that facilitate the analysis and dissemination of electrification planning outputs. Activities may include development of geospatial dashboards, creation of data portals for electrification planning outputs, and integration with national energy information systems.

Service component 5:

Capacity Building and Institutional Support.

Consulting firms may provide technical assistance and training to strengthen national capacities in geospatial electrification planning. Activities may include training on modelling methodologies and planning tools, support for data management processes, and preparation of technical guidelines and operational manuals.

The consulting services “Framework Agreement for Geospatial Electrification Planning and Analytical Services” include establishment for an initial period of three (3) years and may, subject to satisfactory performance, continued need, availability of financing, and any applicable approvals, be extended for up to two (2) additional one-year periods.

The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the primary procurement stage for the assignment can be found at the following website: https://www.comesa.int/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/TOR_FA_GeoSP_Primary_Proc-_-30.09.2026.docx

4. The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. The shortlisting criteria are:

At least ten (10) years of relevant experience; Successful completion of at least three assignments of similar nature and complexity; Experience with government institutions, utilities, regional organizations, or development partners; Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa, preferably in the energy sector; Capacity to deploy multidisciplinary teams for multi-country assignments.

Submission requirements:

Company profile and legal registration documents. Description of the firm's relevant experience. List of up similar assignments completed within the last ten years. Information on contract value, client, implementation period, and firm's role. Description of organizational and technical capacity. Contact details for client references.

5. The attention of interest