Consultancy Services for the development of the National Rail Transport Strategy and its Implementation Plan

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – FIRMS SELECTION - OPEN INTERNATIONAL)

COUNTRY: Zambia

NAME OF PROJECT: Transport Corridors for Economic Resilience

Credit No.: IDA-E2930

Assignment Title: Consultancy Services for the development of the National Rail Transport Strategy and its Implementation Plan

Reference No. ZM-MTOL-444173-CS-QCBS

The Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, has received financing from the World Bank towards the cost of the Transport Corridors for Economic Resilience Project and intends to apply part of the proceeds for Consulting Services, to develop a National Rail Transport Strategy and its Implementation Plan that will provide a long-term policy and investment framework defining how the rail sector will develop, be financed, regulated and operated in order to improve connectivity, efficiency, safety and economic competitiveness.

The consulting services will develop a comprehensive National Rail Strategy for Zambia by assessing the current railway sector covering infrastructure, rolling stock, operations, environment, institutions, regulations, finances, and market position and identify gaps and define a long-term vision. This will include setting strategic priorities, network development plans, and the rail sector’s role within Zambia’s multimodal transport system to improve connectivity and competitiveness. An actionable implementation roadmap will also be created, outlining priority investments, financing options (including Public-Private Partnerships), necessary reforms, and a phased, costed plan for sustainable sector development. The period for the Consultancy Services shall be Twelve (12) months.

The Ministry of Transport and Logistics now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Consultancy Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. 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” September 2023 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 Quality and Cost-Based Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations.

Guidance on content of the EOI: The following instructions need to be followed when submitting Expressions of Interest (EoI) which will be used as short-listing criteria:

• EoIs should be submitted either in hard and/or soft copies within the stated deadline. Hard Copies should be delivered to the address provided below by Wednesday 3rd June, 2026 at 14:30 local time. Consultants may make arrangements to have their Expressions of interest delivered by courier services. However, the Ministry shall not accept liability for loss or late delivery;

• Soft copies of EOIs must be e-mailed to [email protected] and mandatory copy to [email protected] and [email protected] and [email protected] by Wednesday 3rd June, 2026 at 14:30 local time;

• If submitting EoI(s) in hard copy, the EoI must be submitted in an envelope marked "EoI for Consultancy Services for ZM-MTOL-444173-CS-QCBS: Submission Date (dd/mm/yyyy); Submitted by (name of firm or firms) and country(s);

• If submitting EoI(s) in soft copy, the EoI must be submitted in an email marked "EoI for Consultancy Services ZM-MTOL-444173-CS-QCBS: Submitted by (name of firm or firms) and country(s);

• An EoI must be a maximum of 40 pages. Any EoI submission over 40 pages will only be reviewed for the first 40 pages;

• A cover letter expressing interest in offering the services. (Maximum 2 pages);

• Consultant's overall organizational structure (Maximum 2 pages) and providing evidence of being in business;

• Consultant's overall company profile (Maximum 2 pages);

• Information on Firms technical and managerial capacity necessary for successful implementation of the assignment (no need to provide CVs); and

• Experience of the firm/ firms submitting the EoI in a tabular form of previous comparable similar assignments including country, client, assignment title, assignment reference number, project value, assignment period, brief description of consultant's role in the assignment and the contact details. List only the most important and relevant ones. (Note: List the largest value and most relevant projects to this assignment first).

More information can be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 to 13:00 hrs and 14:00 to 17:00hrs. Further, the detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be obtained from the following website: https://www.motl.gov.zm/ or request by email from [email protected] and mandatory copy to [email protected] and [email protected] and [email protected]

The Head Procurement and Supplies Unit,

Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

Stand No 5199 United Nations Avenue.

P.O.BOX 50065.

LUSAKA, ZAMBIA.