Ethiopia’s digital economy depends on a skilled workforce and streamlined public services. Yet, many SMEs lack knowledge to access critical platforms such as online e-tax filing, customs portals, and other related e-services. To close this gap, DTEA designed this project visioning to provide structured training, mentorship, and user-friendly manuals and e-learning system that assist SMEs confidently navigate these platforms.

Objectives of the Assignment Overall Objective

The primary objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of SMEs—particularly those engaging in garment, textile, agro-processing, and other manufacturing areas as well as import and export —to effectively utilize e-government services, thereby enhancing their operational efficiency, competitiveness, and integration into the digital economy.

Specific Objectives

• To enhance participants’ capacity to effectively navigate and use selected e-government services (e-tax platform system and customs trade portal and e-SW system) through targeted training and practical exercises.
• To increase the utilization of the selected e-government platforms by SMEs through awareness campaigns, support services, and tailored guidance.
• To reduce operational costs and time for SMEs by promoting the adoption of efficient e- government processes such as tax filing and customs.

Scope of Work

The scope covers e-Tax platform for tax filing and payment and the Customs Trade Portal and Electronic Single Window (eSW) system for managing import and export processes e-service systems that are essential, frequently used, and impactful in overall opereations of any kind of business organizations

To achieve this, the project will implement a mix of training workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and awareness campaigns designed to help participants not only understand these platforms but also effectively use them to reduce operational costs, improve regulatory compliance, and unlock new business opportunities. The project’s activities—including assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation—will all be aligned within this defined scope

Table 1: E-services, use and managing body

The manuals will complement training sessions and remain as long-term reference resources for SMEs. For sustained use and continual learning processes, the consulting firm require to further develop those manuals to be more interactive in the form of e- learning management system

Key Tasks

The selected firm will:

• Document key workflows and user processes for each selected platform.
• Develop comprehensive user manuals (step-by-step guides)
• Ensure manuals are user-friendly and include visuals, screenshots, and practical examples
• Develop the structure and framework of an interactive e-learning platform (web-based).
• Convert training materials and manuals into digital learning content (modules, videos, quizzes, and case studies).
• Test the e-learning platform for functionality, usability, and security before deployment.
• Develop a training plan and curriculum tailored to SME needs and skill levels.
• Organize and facilitate training sessions (both in-person and virtual) for selected SMEs.
• Conduct hands-on demonstrations on how to use e-government platforms effectively.
• Provide technical support and mentoring to participants during and after training.

Major Deliverables and Timeline

Consulting Firm Qualifications and Experience

The consulting firm should possess a proven track record and strong technical capacity in developing digital learning materials, building e-learning systems, and delivering training programs for SMEs or similar target groups. The firm is expected to demonstrate the following qualifications and experience:

Institutional Experience

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in ICT, digital training, or e-learning system development.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, developing, and deploying e-learning platforms or digital training solutions.
• Proven experience in the preparation of user manuals, training content, and multimedia learning materials.
• Experience in implementing capacity-building or digital transformation projects for SMEs, government institutions, or development partners.
• Strong understanding of e-government systems and digital service delivery frameworks in Ethiopia or similar contexts.

Technical and Human Resource Capacity

• Availability of a multidisciplinary team with expertise in Digital learning and instructional design, Software or web development (preferably LMS platforms such as Moodle, Canvas, or custom systems), ICT training and digital literacy development, Content development and graphic design
• Team members should possess relevant academic qualifications (minimum of bachelor’s degree in ICT, computer science, instructional design, or related fields) and proven professional experience.
• Previous Performance and References
• Evidence of at least three successfully completed assignments of similar nature and complexity (e.g., digital training development, e-learning system setup, or SME capacity-building projects).
• Letters of recommendation or completion certificates from previous clients (government agencies, development organizations, or private sector entities).
• Availability of samples or portfolio demonstrating previous work in e-learning design, training materials, or manuals.
• Operational Capacity
• Demonstrated ability to deliver outputs within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Adequate technical infrastructure (hardware, software, and online tools) to support e-learning development and delivery.
• Strong project management and communication skills, ensuring collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

Key Expert Profiles

The consulting firm shall propose a qualified and experienced team capable of delivering all components of the assignment. The following key experts (or equivalent positions) are required

• Team Leader / Project Manager Qualifications and Experience:
• Minimum of a Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Computer Science, Project Management, or related field.
• At least 7 years of professional experience in managing ICT, e-learning, or digital transformation projects.
• Proven experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder capacity-building initiatives, preferably involving SMEs or government institutions.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Overall coordination, planning, and supervision of the assignment.
• Lead the inception phase and preparation of reports.
• Ensure quality assurance of all deliverables.
• Serve as the main liaison between the client and the consulting team.
• E-Learning System Developer / ICT Specialist Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in developing and deploying e-learning or digital training systems.
• Proven knowledge of Learning Management Systems (LMS) such as Moodle, Canvas, or other open-source or custom-built platforms.
• Experience in system integration, user management, and data analytics.
• Familiarity with hosting, cybersecurity, and data privacy best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and customize the e-learning platform.
• Integrate digital training content and multimedia components.
• Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and ensure system functionality.
• Provide user and technical documentation for sustainability.
• Instructional Designer / Digital Content Developer Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in Education Technology, Communication, or Instructional Design.
• At least 5 years of experience in developing e-learning modules, training videos, and interactive digital content.
• Proficiency in e-learning authoring tools (Articulate, Adobe Captivate, Camtasia, etc.).
• Strong skills in visual communication, scriptwriting, and multimedia design.
• Experience in transforming technical manuals into engaging learning content.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and structure e-learning modules based on adult learning principles.
• Develop multimedia-based instructional materials and visuals.
• Convert manuals and training guides into interactive digital content.

Evaluation Criteria

The selection of the consulting firm will follow a Quality- and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) method, where both the technical and financial proposals will be evaluated. The evaluation process will consist of two stages: (1) Technical Evaluation and (2) Financial Evaluation. Only firms that score a minimum of 70 points in the technical evaluation will be considered for financial evaluation.

Technical Evaluation (Weight: 80%)

The technical proposal will be evaluated based on the following key criteria and sub-criteria:

Financial Evaluation (Weight: 20%)

The financial proposals will be opened only for technically qualified firms (those scoring ≥70 points). The financial score will be determined using the following formula:

Sf =(Lf/F)×20

Where:

• Sf = Financial score
• Lf= Lowest financial proposal
• F = Financial proposal under consideration