Consultancy for the Formulation of e-Commerce Policy, Strategy and Action Plan for The Gambia

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Consultancy Service for The Formulation of an E-Commerce Policy Strategy and Action Plan for The Gambia.

Country: The Republic of The Gambia

Project Name: Digital Transformation for Africa / Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (DTfA/WARDIP SOP1)

Project ID: P176932

Reference: WARDIP/C4/2024/QBS007

Assignment Tittle: Consultancy Service for The Formulation of an E-Commerce Policy Strategy and Action Plan for The Gambia.

Duration of the assignment: Four (4) months

Deadline of submission: 12:30pm (Gambian Time)1st November 2024

Selection Method: QUALITY BASED SELECTION (QBS)

Background:

The Government of The Gambia has secured funding from the International Development Association (IDA), hereinafter referred to as ‘the Bank,’ under the Digital Transformation for Africa - Western Africa Regional Digital Integration Program (WARDIP) Series of Projects (SOP)-1, with an allocation of USD 50 million. The primary goal of DTfA/WARDIP-SOP1 is to expand broadband access and usage while strengthening the foundation for Digital Financial Services (DFS) and selected digital public services, ultimately advancing the creation of a Single Digital Market in Western Africa. This initiative will accelerate the achievement of national digital development objectives, while also aligning with regional digital transformation goals.

To ensure success, the project will focus on improving national policies, regulations, and the implementation of strategic programs. It will address obstacles to cross-border connectivity, data flows, and digital services, fostering a seamless and competitive digital ecosystem at both the national and regional levels. The expected outcome is a self-sustaining cycle of economic growth, increased investment, innovation, job creation, and enhanced service delivery across both domains.

To achieve these objectives, the project will encompass three interconnected technical components, along with a Project Implementation and Coordination Component and a Contingent Emergency Response Component (CERC), designed to address key constraints in developing a robust digital economy.

In view of the above, DTfA/WARDIP, through the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (MOCDE), is seeking to engage a qualified consultancy firm to conduct Feasibility Study on the Establishment of the e-Gambia Power Project.

Objectives of the Assignment

The objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive national e-Commerce Policy Strategy and Action Plan that aligns with the national ICT policies, trade policies, and regional/continental strategies (such as ECOWAS and AU e-Commerce strategies). The Policy Strategy and Action Plan will focus on:

• Creating a conducive legal and regulatory environment for e-commerce development.

• Promoting investment in e-commerce infrastructure.

• Enhancing human capacity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, particularly among MSMEs, women, and youth.

• Strengthening confidence in e-commerce through improved regulatory frameworks, including digital payment systems, cyber security, and data protection legislation.

• Integrating The Gambia into regional and global digital economies through e-commerce.

Scope of Work

• The selected consulting firm will be responsible for the following tasks:

• Conduct a desk review of existing e-commerce assessments and related policies.

• Conduct consultations with relevant stakeholders such as ministries, private sector organizations, financial institutions, and academia to gather insights on e-commerce challenges and opportunities.

• Perform SWOT and PESTEL analyses to evaluate the e-commerce ecosystem in The Gambia.

• Develop a draft National E-Commerce Policy Strategy and Action Plan, aligning it with ECOWAS and AU strategies.

• Facilitate an internal review and national validation workshop to gather feedback on the draft Policy Strategy and Action Plan.

• Finalize the Policy Strategy and Action Plan based on stakeholder feedback and submit all required documentation.

Firm Qualifications

Interested firms must meet the following criteria:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in e-commerce, trade, and policy development at the national and regional levels.

• Proven experience in formulating at least 3 e-commerce policies, strategies, and action plans.

• Expertise in digital infrastructure, including digital payment systems, cyber security, and data protection.

• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement and inclusive policy dialogue.

Key Experts Required

The consulting firm must propose the following key experts:

• Team Leader: Master’s Degree in Trade/Economics/ICT/Management, with 10 years of experience in policy and strategy development, particularly in e-commerce or trade-related fields.

• Trade Specialist/Economist: Bachelor’s degree in public policy/economics/Trade or related fields, with 5 years of relevant experience.

• ICT Specialist: Bachelor’s Degree in ICT/Telecommunications or related fields, with 5 years of experience in digital infrastructure and e-commerce policy development.

Deliverables