Ethiopia's Competitiveness in Apparel and Leather Market Segments

SELECTION OF CONSULTING FIRMS BY THE WORLD BANK GROUP REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) Electronic Submissions through WBGeProcure RFx Now ASSIGNMENT OVERVIEW Assignment Title: Ethiopia's Competitiveness in Apparel and Leather Market Segments Assignment Countries: Ethiopia ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION The purpose of this assignment is to a) identify the market segments in apparel and leather where Ethiopia can build a competitive position; b) identify the gaps that firms and policymakers must close to effectively compete in those segments; c) provide SMART recommendations as to reform actions needed and programs that can be put in place to upgrade firm capability. The assignment will include extensive data analysis, a number of interviews with firms in both sectors, and participation in a series of workshops to help build capacity and buy in from government entities that support the sectors. The assignment builds upon Ethiopia's Manufacturing Export Strategy and Manufacturing Linkages Strategy.  Key deliverables will include a market segment prioritization report for each sector, a policy reform prioritization matrix and firm-upgrading pathway for each sector and a final report and executive deck. The assignment is expected to start in January 2027 and conclude in July 2027. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS The World Bank Group invites eligible firms to indicate their interest in providing the services. Interested firms must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions, availability of appropriate skills among staff, etc. for firms; CV and cover letter for individuals). Please note that the total size of all attachments should be less than 5MB. Firms may associate to enhance their qualifications unless otherwise stated in the solicitation documents. Where a group of firms associate to submit an EOI, they must indicate which is the lead firm. If shortlisted, the firm identified in the EOI as the lead firm will be invited to the request for proposal (RFP) phase. Expressions of Interest should be submitted, in English, electronically through WBGeProcure RFx Now NOTES Following this invitation for EOI, a shortlist of qualified firms will be formally invited to submit proposals. Shortlisting and selection will be subject to the availability of funding. Only those firms which have been shortlisted will be invited to participate in the RFP phase. No notification or debrief will be provided to firms which have not been shortlisted. If you encounter technical difficulties while uploading documents, please send an e-mail to the Help Desk at corporateprocurement@worldbank.org prior to the submission deadline.