Background 

 

The Gambian ecosystem is at an early stage of maturity with an emerging set of actors in the network and the increasing realization of the potential of entrepreneurship development for the country’s economic growth. However, the rapid and unstructured growth of institutions in response to the entrepreneurship boom in the country has led to some overlaps and gaps. One important challenge is the lack entrepreneurship and business support services in the rural Gambia. While some institutions and business support organization entertain lose networks of advisers, experts and members in the regions, structured institutionalized support in rural areas is an area of concern for most of the actors in the ecosystem. The lack of support services and the cost of business for the rural entrepreneurs reduces the ability of youth and women to take advantage of new opportunities. The demand is particularly strong in the new growth centers upriver including along the Trans Gambia corridor.


A network analysis of the entrepreneurship ecosystem in The Gambia conducted by ITC also stressed the need for more incubation and acceleration services for entrepreneurs and specific support services targeting women-owned businesses. The analysis further emphasized the importance to forge partnerships in the ecosystem for improved complementarities and synergies in the service offering to entrepreneurs


To strengthen collaboration across institutions, ITC supported the ecosystem partners to develop and rollout the “Andandorr Programme,” which started in 2020 is a pilot entrepreneurship initiative jointly implemented by key entrepreneurship service providers in The Gambia. The programme follows a maturity-model bespoke service provision for women and youth entrepreneurs in The Gambia across all regions and strengthens information sharing through a joint CRM system.


To improve the accessibility of services in the rural Gambia, the present project sets out establish one-stop shop for entrepreneurship support in Farafenni NBR. The Centre will serve as a pilot to decentralize entrepreneurship and business support services in one region and will be operated by the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA).



Requirements and Expected Outputs

 

The design of the regional entrepreneurship hub should take into account the use of sustainable and green construction methods while also considering aesthetics, quality, functionality, affordability, as well as energy efficiency. The main parameters and design requirements are as follows:


Sites Plan


The available plot size is 25m x 30m


Main building


  • Reception desk
  • A training hall that can accommodate 30 people together with a small cafeteria
  • Four toilets, two for men and two for women
  • Security room and a server room
  • One stand-alone office with a separate toilet, 5 offices that can be open plan
  • Co-working space to accommodate up to ten entrepreneurs with separate meeting room
  • Small shop and adjacent storage space
  • Commercial space for rent to third-parties

 

Other requirements 

  • The perimeter fence at the back of the building (2.3m height)
  • The masonry material used for construction will be compressed stabilized earth blocks (CSEB) and the design should reflect a good understanding of CSEB technology.
  • The spatial arrangement, site configuration, effective use of natural light and ventilation, energy efficiency, sustainability and economics of design should also be considered.
  • The site should provide wheel-chair access, at least for the ground floor


Expected Outputs

 

The selected party will be requested to provide the detailed architectural and engineering designs and detailed costing of the construction works (Bill of Quantities) of the Centre based on additional inputs and guidance by ITC and GIEPA. The final designs should be provided in printed and digital format (preferably pdf) including plans, sections, elevations and 3D rendering.



Eligibility criteria


Education and Work experience: 

 

  • Proven of track record in designing high-quality functional structures with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in architectural and engineering design
  • Proven experience in the design with earth blocks and other sustainable construction structures


Interested parties should express their interest and submit their offer for the design of the Entrepreneurship One Stop Shop by email to bsallah@intracen.org. The submission should include minimum two sample designs of similar work. The submissions should be submitted no later than 3rd October 2021. For any inquiries on the TOR you may write to Yusupha.keita@intracen.org or call 3740266 or 4495685