SDG Pipeline Builder Methodology for SMEs in South Africa

UNDP
SDG Pipeline Builder Methodology for SMEs in South Africa Request for proposal

Reference: UNDP-ZAF-00232
Beneficiary countries or territories: South Africa
Registration level: Basic
Published on: 30-Jul-2026
Deadline on: 14-Aug-2026 07:00 (GMT -4.00)
Description
[SCOPE OF TENDER......]

The selected firm will undertake the following tasks to adapt and implement the SDG Pipeline Builder methodology under the DIME‑Scale framework, with the objective of building a viable investment pipeline and strengthening the readiness of spaza retailers and township value chain businesses to access finance:

1. Inception Report: Develop an inception report outlining the firm’s understanding of the assignment and detailed workplan. The report should outline approach to the assignment and how the SDG Pipeline Builder Methodology is to be adapted to township economies.

2. Ecosystem and Investor Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the township retail ecosystem, including spaza business models, regulatory and operational constraints, and key barriers to finance. Map and assess relevant financiers and their key risks and constraints to lending in township economies.

3. Pipeline Development and Business Screening: Apply the adapted methodology to identify, screen, and segment SMEs into a structured pipeline based on investment readiness, financing needs, and risk profile. Develop clear enterprise profiles and prioritisation criteria to support engagement with financiers.

4. Investment Readiness Programme Design and Delivery: Design and implement a targeted technical assistance programme to strengthen selected businesses, focusing on compliance, financial management, and operational capacity. Track progress and improvements in investment readiness, with a view to preparing enterprises for financing.

5. De-risking, Financial Structuring, and Deal Facilitation: Design and apply practical de-risking solutions  to improve bankability. Support the structuring of appropriate financial solutions and facilitate engagement with financiers, including due diligence and transaction processes, with the objective of enabling deal closure.

6. Reporting, Knowledge Capture, and Scale-Up Recommendations:  Document results, lessons learned, and key constraints across the pipeline development process. Provide actionable recommendations to strengthen the methodology and support replication and scale under DIME‑Scale and the Investment Accelerator.




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[UNDP OFFICE SOUTH AFRICA
PROCUREMENT UNIT]

Email address: procurement.enquiries.za@undp.org
Surname: Procurement Unit