1.0 Background

The AECF, LLC (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a leading non-profit development organization that supports innovative enterprises in the agribusiness and renewable energy sectors to reduce rural poverty, promote climate-resilient communities, and create jobs.

We catalyze the private sector by surfacing and commercializing new ideas, business models, and technologies designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmer incomes, expand clean energy access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resilience to the effects of climate change. We finance high-risk businesses that struggle to access commercial funding; we are committed to working in frontier markets, fragile contexts, and high-risk economies where few mainstream financing institutions dare to go. We also focus on the most vulnerable, including women, youth, and those living in fragile contexts.

To date, we have supported over 698 businesses in 26 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, impacted more than 37 million lives, and created over 38,000 direct jobs

AECF is headquartered in Kenya and has offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Somalia.

2.0 Objective

The objective of this Expression of Interest is to establish a roster of experienced writers capable of producing high-quality, evidence-based, and audience-focused content that effectively communicates AECF’s impact, investments, knowledge, and strategic priorities.

The successful consultants will be engaged on an assignment basis as needs arise.

3.0 Scope of work

AECF develops a diverse range of communication and knowledge products throughout the year. The selected consultants will work closely with programme teams, technical experts, communications specialists, and leadership to produce clear, compelling, and professionally written content.

Assignments may include, but are not limited to, the following:

A. Corporate publications

AECF regularly publishes documents that communicate organisational performance, strategic direction, and investment results to internal and external stakeholders.

Assignments may include:

• Annual reports
• Corporate reports
• Strategy documents
• Business plans
• Corporate profiles
• Organisational brochures
• Institutional fact sheets
• Investment portfolio reports
• Programme reports
• Results and impact reports

B. Knowledge and Technical Publications

AECF generates extensive knowledge through its investments, partnerships, and programme implementation. Writers will support the development of high-quality knowledge products that capture lessons, evidence, and best practices.

Assignments may include:

• Research reports
• Learning papers
• Knowledge products
• Policy briefs
• Technical briefs
• Discussion papers
• White papers
• Position papers
• Toolkits and manuals
• Guidance notes

C. Storytelling and Impact Communications

AECF places significant emphasis on demonstrating impact through compelling human-centred storytelling. Writers should be able to translate technical programme information into engaging narratives that resonate with multiple audiences.

Assignments may include:

• Success stories
• Beneficiary stories
• Business profiles
• Investment stories
• Human-interest features
• Field stories
• Case studies
• Change stories
• Project highlights

D. Leadership and Strategic Communications

AECF regularly develops executive-level communication products that position the organisation as a thought leader within Africa’s development and investment ecosystem.

Assignments may include:

• Speeches
• Keynote addresses
• Opinion articles
• Thought leadership articles
• Executive messages
• CEO and Board statements
• Conference papers
• Talking points
• Presentation narratives

E. Digital Content Development

The selected consultants may support AECF’s digital communication platforms by developing concise and engaging written content tailored for online audiences.

Assignments may include:

• Website content
• Social media copy
• Campaign messaging
• Blogs
• Feature articles
• Email newsletters
• Press releases
• Media statements
• Event summaries

F. Proposal and Partnership Documentation

AECF frequently prepares documents to support fundraising, partnerships, investment mobilisation, and stakeholder engagement.

Assignments may include:

• Concept notes
• Funding proposals
• Donor reports
• Partnership profiles
• Investment summaries
• Pitch documents
• Project summaries
• Grant documentation

G. Editorial Services

In addition to content development, AECF requires professional editorial support to ensure all publications meet the highest standards of quality, clarity, consistency, and accuracy.

Assignments may include:

• Copy editing
• Substantive editing
• Proofreading
• Technical editing
• Plain language editing
• Factchecking
• Style guide compliance
• Content restructuring

H. Emerging Communication Needs

Given the dynamic nature of AECF’s work, additional writing assignments may arise throughout the contract period. Consultants may therefore be requested to provide other writing and editorial services aligned with AECF’s communication, knowledge management, and stakeholder engagement priorities.

4.0 Deliverables

Depending on the assignment, consultants may be expected to deliver:

• Original written content
• Edited manuscripts
• Final publication-ready copy
• Interview summaries
• Story packages
• Research-based articles
• Executive briefs
• Content adapted for multiple communication channels

5.0 Eligibility requirements

Interested applicants should demonstrate:

Individual Consultants

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, English, Public Relations, International Development, Public Policy, or a related field. A postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.
• At least five (5) years of professional experience in writing, journalism, editing, publishing, or communications.
• Demonstrated experience producing high-quality publications for development organizations, international NGOs, donor-funded programs, research institutions, impact investors, government agencies, or multilateral organizations.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong research and interviewing skills.
• Ability to understand and simplify technical information for different audiences.
• Excellent command of written English. Additional language skills will be an advantage.

Firms

• Minimum five (5) years’ experience providing professional writing and editorial services.
• A multidisciplinary team with expertise across technical writing, editing, journalism, and communications.
• Demonstrated experience supporting organizations in the development sector.

6.0 Submission requirements

Interested applicants should submit:

• Cover letter expressing interest.
• Company or consultant profile.
• Updated CV(s) of key personnel.
• Portfolio comprising at least five relevant writing samples completed within the last five years.
• List of at least three clients with contactable references.
• PIN & tax compliance certificate.
• Company certificate (applicable to firm)
• Indicative rate card per word (USD)
• Proof of business registration (where applicable)

N/B: PLEASE DOWNLOAD AND FILL IN THIS TEMPLATE. ONCE COMPLETED, KINDLY COMBINE IT WITH YOUR BID SUBMISSION. THE TEMPLATE MUST APPEAR AS THE FIRST PAGE.

7.0 Selection criteria

Expressions of Interest will be evaluated based on:

• Relevant qualifications and professional experience.
• Quality, diversity, and relevance of writing samples.
• Experience working with development organisations or impact investors.
• Understanding of development of communication and knowledge management.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines while maintaining high editorial standards.
• Value for money.

8.0 Application

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The AECF considers all interested candidates on the basis of merit, without regard to race, gender, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

• Interested firms/consultants are requested to submit their technical and financial proposal via the procurement portal https://procurement.aecfafrica.org/ by 28^th July 2026, 5 pm (EAT).
• All questions should be directed to the procurement email aecfprocurement@aecfafrica.org by 17^th July 2026, 5 pm (EAT). The subject of the email should be ‘Clarification: EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI) FOR THE PROVISION OF WRITING SERVICES’.

9.0 Disclaimer

AECF reserves the right to determine the structure of the process, the number of short-listed participants, the right to withdraw from the proposal process, the right to change this timetable at any time without notice, and reserves the right to withdraw this tender at any time, without prior notice and without liability to compensate and/or reimburse any party.

The AECF does not charge an application fee for participation in the tendering process and has not appointed any agents or intermediaries to facilitate applications. Applicants are advised to contact the AECF Procurement Department directly.

N/B: SUBMITTING THE FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL DOCUMENT AS ONE DOCUMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY LEAD TO DISQUALIFICATION OF THE APPLICANT.