Consulting Services for Independent Verification Agent — ASCENT Project, Malawi

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION)

COUNTRY: Malawi

NAME OF PROJECT: Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT) Project

Grant No.: IDA E4010

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for An Independent Verification Agent (IVA) of Performance Based Conditions under Ascent Project

Reference No. MW-ESCOM-532692-CS-CQS

Date of issue: 20 April, 2026

The Government of the Republic of Malawi through the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited has received financing from the World Bank toward the cost of the Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation in Malawi (ASCENT) Project, and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include: To undertake a rigorous, third‑party verification of ESCOM’s reported achievements of the Performance‑Based Conditions (PBCs) under ASCENT Project for a duration of at least one (1) year from 2026.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be found at the following website: www.escom.mw or can be obtained at the address given below.

The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Limited 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:

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• Be a registered agency/firm operating under either international laws or the laws of the Government of Malawi

• Have a minimum of five (5) assignments’ experience in evaluating projects and related services with extensive experience in developing countries.

• Proven experience in conducting verification exercises of similar nature.

• Be financially sound, well reputed and soundtrack record of successful implementation of assignments with the World Bank or similar international organisations.

• Demonstrate excellent technical knowledge on grid electrification.

• Significant professional background in conducting qualitative and quantitative studies and data analysis.

• Proven previous working experience consisting of substantial involvement in assessments, evaluations and/or reviews in related areas.

• Proven capacity to supervise and coordinate all administrative and technical aspects of the consultancy.

Key Experts will not be evaluated at the shortlisting stage.

The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” Sixth Edition, February, 2025 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

Consultants may associate with other firms to enhance their qualifications, but should indicate clearly whether the association is in the form of a joint venture and/or a sub-consultancy. In the case of a joint venture, all the partners in the joint venture shall be jointly and severally liable for the entire contract, if selected.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Consultant Qualification Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours i.e 0830 to 1200 hours from 1330 to 1630 hours Malawi Time.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 7 May 2026.

Submissions must be clearly labelled with assignment Title and reference number.

The Chairperson of the Internal Procurement and Disposal of Assets Committee Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Ltd

ESCOM House, Annex Building, 9 Haile Selassie Road.

Projects Procurement Section

P.O. Box 2047

Blantyre, Malawi

+265 1 822 000

e-mail: [email protected]

www.escom.mw