| Overview : REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) ENGAGEMENT OF BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS TO STRENGTHENING SMEs COMPETITIVENESS AND EXPORT READINESS FOR THE AFCFTA MARKET Background Much like similar trade blocs composed of developing nations, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is marked by the homogeneity of product offerings from the different countries. This provides a key challenge to trade competitiveness since participating countries will opt to lockout products similar to those already produced within their own countries. The ability to export is a result of developing the competitiveness and readiness of domestic SMEs for most manufacturing SMEs. Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) have a pivotal role to play in enabling SMEs to maximize the advantages presented by the AfCFTA Agreement. They are uniquely positioned to lead efforts to identify and address SME competitive and export readiness capacity gaps. BMOs are also able to bring onboard experience and expertise from businesses not only operating locally but also regionally. They, therefore, have the technical expertise required to equip their members with the appropriate knowledge skills, and tools to access and navigate trade and investment spaces. In addition, BMOs can support SMEs by providing them with up-to-date market information and trade opportunities so that businesses are well informed about doing business thus boosting their participation in the new single market. Over the period October 2021 to March 2022, UNDP partnered with five BMOs to create awareness on AfCFTA amongst SMEs. This process highlighted several challenges constraining the competitiveness and export readiness of Uganda’s SMEs including lack of market intelligence, poor packaging, and branding, inability to comply with product Quality and Certification standards, and limited availability of affordable quality business development services. Building on these efforts, UNDP Uganda is seeking to partner with three BMOs in Uganda to strengthen the enterprise competitiveness and export readiness as well as support SMEs to identify and access new business and market opportunities in the AfCFTA. For Request for Proposal Details, please download the attached RFP document; - To submit proposals and other related documents, to tenders.kampala@undp.org no later than Sunday 5th June 2022, at 23:59 hours (East African Standard Time). For additional information, please contact ug.procurement@undp.org. | 
