Invitation for Expression of Interest (EOI) for Strategic Partnership in the Development of the SWP Business Ecosystem

Identify and shortlist qualified Solar Water Pump (SWP) companies that are interested in partnering with SNV to strengthen and expand a sustainable SWP market ecosystem across 23 zones and 66 woredas in the Sidama, central, south, and southwest regions of Ethiopia. Through this process, SNV seeks to understand the capabilities, market presence, business models, and long-term vision of potential partners. Shortlisted companies may subsequently be invited to participate in a co-creation process to explore collaborative approaches for addressing market constraints and expanding access to quality SWP solutions for smallholder farmers and Agri-SMEs.

1. Company Background
   • Brief company profile and history.
   • Core business activities.
   • Current areas of operation.
   • Key personnel and technical capacity
2. Experience in Solar Water Pump Business
   • Year of experience in supplying, installing, and servicing SWP technologies.
   • Experience serving smallholder horticulture farmers, particularly those operating irrigation systems of up to 1 hectare.
   • Number and types of SWP systems delivered in recent years
   • Key achievements and examples of relevant assignments.
3. Dealer and Distribution Network
   • Current distribution and sales network with existing sales outlets, branches and partnerships with dealers, cooperatives, Agro-dealers, or local agents.
   • Presence in Sidama, central Ethiopia, South Ethiopia and Southwest regions of Ethiopia
   • Plans for strengthening market penetration and accessibility
4. Warranty and After-Sales Service System
   • Warranty arrangements and claim procedures
   • Preventive maintenance and repair services arrangements
   • Technical support and customer service mechanisms.
   • Availability of trained technicians
   • Spare parts availability and management
5. Business and Payment Modality
   • Current sales and payment arrangements offered to customers
   • Experience with instalment payments, supplier credit, leasing, or other financing approaches
   • Existing or planned partnerships with financial institutions, MFIs or cooperatives
   • Approaches for improving affordability for smallholder farmers
6. Market Expansion Strategy
   • Vision for expanding SWP business
   • Proposed approach to reach new customers
   • Strategies for creating demand and increasing adoption
   • Planned investments in distribution, technical capacity, service delivery and market development
7. Inclusion and Outreach Approach
   • Strategies to reach women, youth, and underserved smallholder farmers.
   • Approach to promoting equitable access to SWP technologies.
8. Key Challenges and Opportunities
   • Main constraints affecting business expansion
   • Proposed solutions or support needs to overcome these constraints.