Urgent TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) Technical Support for SMEs on Digital Technology Adoption and digital Market Access

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) Technical Support for SMEs on Digital Technology Adoption and digital Market Access 1. Introduction 1.1 Background The Center for Accelerated Women’s Economic Empowerment (CAWEE), established in 2004, is a pioneering organization dedicated to empowering women engaged in Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ethiopia, particularly those involved in export-oriented businesses. With nearly two decades of impactful experience, CAWEE continues to support women-owned and managed enterprises, with the vision of fostering globally competitive Ethiopian women entrepreneurs. 1.2 The Mabqat Program CAWEE is currently implementing the Mabqat Program as part of a consortium in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, Ethiopian Enterprise Development (EED), and led by PETCO Ethiopia. “Mabqat” (ማብቃት) translates to empowerment, reflecting the program’s mission to support young women and men in securing dignified and meaningful employment across key manufacturing sectors, including leather, textile, handicrafts, agriculture, and solid waste management. 1.3 Program Overview Targets: 240,000 youth engaged in work (80% young women) 6,355 SMEs supported (40% with access to finance) Geographic Coverage: Addis Ababa Oromia Regional State Amhara Regional State Tigray Sidama Regional State Central Ethiopia Regional State South Ethiopia Regional State Dire Dawa City Administration Implementation Period: June 2024

• May 2029 2. Program Objectives The Mabqat Program aims to: Enhance youth skills, particularly for young women, in alignment with market demand in the manufacturing sector. Increase SME productivity and competitiveness to promote job creation. Strengthen the financial ecosystem to improve SME access to innovative and affordable financial services. Improve the enabling environment through strengthened stakeholder collaboration. 3. Training Initiative under SME Capacity Building As part of Intervention Area 1: SME Capacity Building, CAWEE seeks to engage a qualified consultant/firm to deliver a comprehensive, packaged service for 200 SMEs operating in the leather, textile, and garment subsectors. The assignment will focus on supporting SMEs to: Adopt digital technologies such as payment systems, marketing tools, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions. Access digital platforms including e-commerce, fintech, and logistics services. Strengthen marketing practices such as branding, promotion, and packaging for both local and international markets. The activity is expected to be practical, high-quality and results-oriented, aimed at strengthening SMEs’ digital presence, improving operational efficiency, fostering innovation, and enhancing digital marketing capabilities. 4. Objectives of the Assignment 4.1 General Objective To enhance the digital capacity, competitiveness, and overall performance of SMEs in the leather, textile and garment subsectors through effective adoption and utilization of digital technologies. 4.2 Specific Objectives Facilitate the adoption of digital tools including payment systems, ERP solutions and marketing technologies. Strengthen SMEs’ access to e-commerce, fintech, and logistics platforms. Build SME capacity in digital marketing, branding, promotion and packaging. Improve SMEs’ digital presence and visibility through hands-on training. Enhance SMEs’ ability to access and compete in digital markets. Promote innovation and efficiency through digital transformation. 5. Scope of Work The selected consultant/firm will undertake the following: 5.1 Digital Technology Adoption  Digital transformation and readiness assessment for SMEs Digital payment systems and integration ERP and business management tools (inventory, finance, Customer Relationship Management (CRM)) Digital marketing tools (social media, content creation, Search Engine Optimization (SEO)/ Search Engine Marketing SEM, analytics) 5.2 Access to Digital Technologies and Market Information  E-commerce platforms and online marketplaces Fintech solutions and digital financial tools Logistics and supply chain digital solutions Market intelligence and business data analysis Promotion, branding, and digital storytelling Product packaging and market readiness 5.3 Training Delivery Deliver interactive and participatory training sessions Use practical case studies, demonstrations, and real-life applications Provide tailored support for women- and youth-led SMEs 5.4 Training Methodology Develop learner-centered materials (manuals, toolkits, online modules) Apply blended learning approaches (physical and digital) Incorporate hands-on exercises and simulations 5.5 Assessment and Certification Conduct pre- and post-training assessments Provide certificates of completion Monitor SME progress and adoption of digital tools 6. Target Audience The program will target: 200 SMEs under the Mabqat Program Entrepreneurs seeking to enhance digital presence Women- and youth-led businesses SMEs in the leather, textile, and garment sectors 7. Location and Coverage Training will be coordinated through the following cities: Addis Ababa Hawassa Bahir Dar Dire Dawa Mekelle Note: These locations serve as coordination hubs for the program and do not limit implementation to the cities themselves. The training is expected to cover the broader geographic areas within each respective region.The financial proposal must include all associated costs, including travel, accommodation, per diem, and a detailed cost breakdown per participant and per location.