CALLS FOR PROPOSALS: TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR) FOR THE REVIEW OF THE MPUMALANGA TRADE AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY (MTIS) AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN
- INTRODUCTION
The Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency, seeks to review the Mpumalanga Trade and Investment Strategy and its implementation plan to ensure alignment with current economic trends, policy frameworks, and emerging opportunities.
This review will assess the effectiveness, relevance, and impact of the existing strategy while identifying areas for improvement to enhance trade and investment in the province.
- OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the review are:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the current Mpumalanga Trade and Investment Strategy in achieving its intended outcomes.
- To assess the implementation plan and identify challenges and gaps in execution.
- To align the strategy with national, regional, and global trade and investment trends.
- To propose recommendations for enhancing the strategy to attract domestic and foreign investment.
- To ensure the strategy supports inclusive economic growth, transformation, and sustainable development.
- To ensure that targeted benefits are developed for Micro small Medium enterprises.
- SCOPE OF WORK
The review will cover the following key areas:
- Assessment of the strategic objectives, goals, and key performance indicators (KPIs) of the Mpumalanga Trade and Investment Strategy.
- Analysis of the policy, legal, and institutional framework supporting trade and investment in the province.
- Review of the implementation plan, including monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
- Identification of key sectors with potential for trade and investment growth.
- Engagement with stakeholders, including government entities, private sector, investors, and trade bodies.
- Benchmarking against best practices from other regions or countries.
- Development of a revised strategy and implementation plan with clear action steps and recommendations.
- METHODOLOGY
The review process will involve:
- Desk research and literature review of existing policies, reports, and relevant documents;
- Stakeholder consultations through interviews, surveys, and workshops which must at least include all local and district municipalities, government departments and strategic businesses within the province. Further to this the service provider must also consult MSMM’s to capture their aspirations with regard to strategy;
- Data collection and analysis to measure performance and impact within the province;
- Comparative analysis with similar trade and investment strategies from other jurisdictions;
- Development of a draft report for review and validation by key stakeholders as mentioned above and;
- Finalization of the revised strategy and implementation plan.
- DELIVERABLES
The consultant(s) or expert team will be expected to provide:
- An inception report outlining the approach, methodology, and work plan.
- A diagnostic report highlighting key findings from the assessment.
- Stakeholder consultation reports and workshop proceedings. (Round 1)
- A draft report of the revised Mpumalanga Trade and Investment Strategy and Implementation Plan.
- Stakeholder consultation reports and workshop proceedings. (Round 2)
- A final reviewed and updated Trade and Investment Strategy and Implementation Plan.
- TIMEFRAME
The review process is expected to take approximately – 9 months, with the following indicative milestones:
- Inception Phase – 1 Month
- Data Collection- 2 Months
- Stakeholder Engagement (Round 1)- 1 Month
- Draft Report Development: – 2 Months
- Stakeholder Engagement (Round 1)- 1 Month
- Validation and Final Report Submission: – 2 Months
- EXPERTISE REQUIRED
The review team should possess the following qualifications and experience:
Qualifications: The successful candidate will have at least a B-degree in Economics or related fields with proven experience and expertise in trade, investment, and economic development. Experience in policy analysis and strategy development will an added advantage.
Experience: Knowledge of national and provincial trade and investment frameworks is a requirement and the successful candidate should demonstrate his knowledge in these areas by demonstrating similar projects which were successfully delivered. Further to this the candidate should have strong research, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement skills and have extensive experience in working with government institutions and private sector stakeholders.
- REPORTING AND ACCOUNTABILITY
The consultant(s) will report to the Mpumalanga Green Cluster Agency where the Department of Economic Development and Tourism will also play an active role and provide regular updates on progress.
- A steering committee may be established to oversee the review process and provide guidance where necessary.
- BUDGET AND PAYMENT TERMS
The budget for this assignment will be determined based on the scope of work and deliverables.
- Payment terms will be outlined in the contract agreement based on agreed milestones and deliverables.
- SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS
Interested consultants or firms should submit their proposals including:
- A technical proposal outlining the approach, methodology, and work plan.
- A financial proposal detailing the budget breakdown and specific budget payment milestones linked to the technical proposal.
- CVs of key team members demonstrating relevant experience.
- References and examples of similar previous work.
- CONCLUSION
The review of the Mpumalanga Trade and Investment Strategy is crucial to ensuring that the province remains competitive and attractive for investment.
- The updated strategy will serve as a roadmap for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development in Mpumalanga.
- This TOR provides a structured framework for conducting the review while ensuring that it remains goal-oriented and impactful.
Closing Date: 20 May 2025 at 16:00.
Submission: Proposals must be emailed to admin@mpumalangagreencluster.co.za with the subject line “MTIS Proposal.”
For any queries, contact 087 527 0910.
Late submissions will not be considered.
