Tender Overview
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR PUNTLAND SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES POLY DEVELOPMENT Assignment Tittle: Consultant - PUNTLAND SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES POLICY DEVELOPMENT.
- Background The Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Investment (MoCII) is mandated with creating and enforcing sensible trade laws and policies in order to stimulate economic growth. By guaranteeing adherence to industrial quality standards and conforming to the demands of global frameworks such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce poverty and increase economic prosperity, the Ministry plays a critical role in creating an environment that is conducive to investment and the growth of the private sector. The Ministry is implementing strategic reforms to modernize regulatory frameworks, boost institutional capacity, and improve the business climate in order to fulfill its goal. These initiatives are essential to establishing Puntland as a top investment destination and guaranteeing a sustainable and competitive business environment on a global scale. The assignment will also consider Puntland’s position within regional trade integration, including opportunities and challenges associated with the East African Community (EAC) market. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) continue to play a key role in the growth and sustainability of Puntland’s economy. SMEs are core to the emerging private sector in Puntland and constitute the base for private sector led growth in the country. SMEs play a critical role as drivers for inclusive growth and employment creation for the citizens of Puntland and dominate Puntland’s private sector which is estimated to contribute to over 80% of the states’ Gross Domestic Product. SMEs therefore have potential to drive Puntland’s future economic growth, wealth and employment creation. The consultancy sought under these ToRs aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the MoCII, enhance private sector development through preparation of a business-enabling environment with the availability of business regulations, policy frameworks and promotion of domestic production and facilitation of the local, regional and international markets through ensured quality of import and export commodities. The business regulatory frameworks to better support women’s economic empowerment and the inclusion of ultra-poor entrepreneurs. This is in the recognition of the need to address barriers such as limited access to finance, skills and markets. MoCII aims to develop SME Policy to facilitate formalization and growth of SME and accessibility of markets, addressing barriers that impede these groups from full participation in the economy. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy in the Puntland State of Somalia. However, local businesses face systemic constraints, including limited access to finance, entrepreneurial skill gaps, and a fragmented regulatory environment. Currently, no dedicated SME Policy exists to translate these strategic directions into a coherent framework. Interventions remain project-based, donor-driven and weakly coordinated, with overlapping mandates between ministries and limited mechanisms for systematic engagement with the private sector. A formal SME Policy is therefore required to define government’s vision, mission, objectives and instruments for SME development, and to provide a clear basis for programming, budgeting and partner support. This ToR presents the Background, methodology, analytical framework, and work plan for the consultancy assignment to develop the Puntland SME Policy, aligned with Puntland’s Economic Development Agenda 2036 and the Puntland State Development Plan 2026–2030.
- Purpose of the Assignment The primary objective of this 2-month consultancy is to design, draft, and validate a comprehensive, gender-sensitive Puntland SME Policy. This framework will establish an enabling business environment, foster public-private partnerships (PPPs), streamline microfinance mechanisms, and drive formal job creation aligned with the Puntland Development Plan. To engage a qualified Consultancy expert to support MoCII to: • Draft Small and Medium Enterprises Policy • Institutional Capacity Building: Strengthen the Ministry of Commerce and Industry's capacity to support SME development, including improving service delivery to the private sector. • Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate public-private dialogue with stakeholders, including chambers of commerce, women entrepreneurs, and relevant Ministry officials.
Application process Interested candidates should submit:
- Detailed Technical and Financial proposal
- An updated CV of the expert
- A cover letter outlining relevant experience and qualifications Applications must be submitted to [email protected] and coping [email protected] Closing date for application: 5th October 2026
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