Deadline Date: December 12, 2025
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), a specialized agency of the United Nations and the donor of this opportunity, has launched the ELPS partnership initiative to collaboratively build sustainable global supply chains that empower rural people and smallholder farmers.
The focus areas of this opportunity are addressing needs expressed by farmers and market requirements through five components that define the project scope and include interventions deemed necessary for achieving the overall and specific objectives of the project, with activities clearly outlined in accordance with responsibilities, including those that will be implemented by parties other than the Implementing Partner engaged through this bidding exercise and limited to the services where “Implementing Partner” is specified in parentheses.
The ELPS initiative partners with food, agribusiness, and trading companies connected to global supply chains to support smallholder producers in integrating into international markets. The objective is to strengthen supply chain development by increasing supply volumes and quality while enhancing sustainability, environmental responsibility and protection of human rights across sourcing regions. The project seeks to foster mutually beneficial outcomes for both smallholder producers and private sector partners.
The initiative is financed through supplementary funds provided by Japan, with total project financing of up to US$ 366,127 available for project implementation. The selected service provider organization will execute activities within an allocated ceiling of US$ 339,127, disbursed through installment payments linked to agreed deliverables and milestones specified in the grant agreement.
Eligibility to apply extends to local non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations and commercial entities legally registered and licensed in their country of registration. Applicants must demonstrate compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, including valid certificates of incorporation or business registration, trade licenses for agricultural development, training or construction services in Rwanda, and sector-specific permits where applicable. Eligible applicants must be directly responsible for preparing and managing the proposed project rather than acting as intermediaries and must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in agricultural value chain development in Rwanda.
Organizations must show strong financial and organizational stability, providing annual audited financial statements aligned with international standards, and the capacity to enter legal and financial agreements with IFAD in compliance with IFAD procurement guidelines. Applicants must also prove their ability to continue operations beyond the duration of the project and possess a verifiable track record in the area of expertise proposed.
For more information, visit IFAD.
