COLEAD is inviting Expressions of Interest from qualified service providers to support the competitiveness of the agri-food sector, particularly horticulture, through market intelligence services.

This is the first phase of a two-stage procurement process. Applicants selected for the shortlist will subsequently be invited to submit a full tender. Successful tenderers will be offered a framework contract and may be mobilised on an as-needed basis across COLEAD's current and future programmes and projects.

The assignment will support COLEAD's Market Insights Department in generating data-driven intelligence, technical analysis and accessible knowledge products for agri-food value-chain actors and development programmes.

Main Areas of Expertise

Agri-food Markets and Systems

Service providers may be required to:

• Analyse national, regional and international trade flows.
• Assess production structures and volumes.
• Analyse consumption trends and market developments.
• Conduct competitiveness and SWOT analyses.
• Identify market, regulatory and operational bottlenecks.
• Assess tariffs, standards and market-access requirements.
• Analyse promising commodity and value chains.
• Conduct value-chain and supply-chain assessments. 

Agrifood Processing and Production

Services may include:

• Technical feasibility studies for processing and production facilities.
• Assessment of infrastructure, equipment and input requirements.
• Production and processing capacity analysis.
• Investment and business-model development.
• Assessment of value-addition opportunities.
• Circular bioeconomy and sustainable resource-use analysis.
• Regulatory, food-safety, quality and certification assessments.
• Market-entry and positioning analysis. 

Knowledge Dissemination and Communication

Selected providers may also support:

• Market studies.
• Sector studies.
• Market profiles.
• Webinars and workshops.
• Infographics and fact sheets.
• Digital knowledge products.
• Data visualisations and dashboards.
• Market-intelligence communication materials. 

Who Can Apply?

Participation is open to:

• Natural persons
• Legal entities
• Consortia of bidders

Applicants must be nationals of eligible ACP and EU States and/or countries listed in COLEAD's eligible-country list.

Consortium applications are permitted, with all consortium members required to meet the applicable eligibility requirements throughout the procurement process.

Consortium Requirements

Consortia may apply, but forming a consortium does not provide preferential treatment during evaluation.

All members of a consortium are jointly and severally liable to the contracting authority. Once shortlisted, applicants may not subsequently form new associations or mutual subcontracting arrangements with firms that were not identified in the shortlisted application.

Geographic Scope

Assignments may be undertaken across COLEAD's partner countries worldwide, with a particular emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa and other low-income and lower-middle-income countries eligible under the OECD DAC list.

Depending on the assignment, service providers may work:

• Remotely.
• In the field.
• Through a hybrid approach.

Travel may be required to partner countries and, where relevant, to COLEAD offices including Brussels, Rungis, Nairobi and Lomé. 

Target Beneficiaries

The services will support organisations and stakeholders involved in agri-food and horticultural value chains, including:

• Producers and farmers.
• Processors.
• Exporters and importers.
• Retailers.
• Farmer organisations and cooperatives.
• Professional and business associations.
• Public and private-sector actors.
• Intermediary support organisations. 

Applicant Experience

Tenderers must demonstrate sufficient skills and experience in at least one of the areas covered by the framework contract.

The Expression of Interest requires applicants to provide:

• At least one detailed example of a recent assignment, undertaken within the previous three years, demonstrating relevant expertise.
• Up to three proposed experts with relevant technical experience.
• At least one professional reference, including an email address. 

For an independent consultant applying individually, no additional expert may be proposed.

Framework Contract

The selected service providers will enter into a framework contract specifying the experts available and the maximum daily remuneration rate applicable to each expert.

Assignments will be issued on an as-needed basis through ordering letters setting out the specific requirements.

Being awarded a framework contract does not guarantee that a provider will receive assignments or a specific volume of work.

Contract Value

Maximum overall contract value: €1,000,000

This is the maximum ceiling for the procurement procedure and does not constitute a commitment by COLEAD to award contracts or assignments up to this amount.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be assessed primarily on the bidder's:

• Technical and professional capacity
• Relevant skills and experience
• Ability to perform the required services
• Compliance with the application instructions. 

Important Dates

Publication: 7 September 2026

Expression of Interest Deadline: 7 October 2026

Shortlist Publication: 22 October 2026

Expected Invitation to Tender: 22 October 2026

Full Tender Deadline: 25 November 2026

Notification of Successful Bidders: 15 February 2027

Expected Contract Start: From the date of signature by the two contracting parties.

Application

Expressions of Interest must be submitted through the COLEAD online application form.

Applications may be submitted in:

• English
• French

Each applicant may submit only one application for this tender.

Applicants should include the reference:

COLEAD/AO/260459

in the email subject line.

Key Opportunities for Service Providers

The framework provides opportunities to contribute expertise in:

Agri-food market intelligence; horticultural markets; trade analysis; value-chain analysis; agrifood processing; investment feasibility; market access; regulatory requirements; sustainability; circular bioeconomy; market studies; data analysis; knowledge products; digital dashboards and communication.

Click HERE to visit the official website.