eConsultant2: ICT Strategy and PPP options for ICT sector in Somalia

The ICT Sector Unit of the World Bank Group is working with the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MPT) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) of the Federal Government of Somalia to provide a program of ICT Sector Support, 2014-2018. The project development objective for ICT Sector Program (covering Phase 1 and Phase 2) is to contribute towards the process of developing a regulatory framework for the telecommunications sector and building an ICT infrastructure in Somalia.

This assistance is being commissioned in preparation for a potential Phase 3 of the ICT Sector support program. It is concerned with the provision of technical assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia and is supported by PPIAF in order to assist the development of ICT infrastructure. Specifically, Phase 3 will seek to identify necessary reforms to the enabling environment, support project preparation, and build capacity for private sector participation in the development of a fiber optic backbone network, both domestic and international, among other methods, by leveraging sector synergies. Continue reading

Afghanistan – The Canal that Brought a Neighborhood Back to Life

This article was originally published on the World Bank website.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • The rebuilding of a canal has brought life back to a rural neighborhood in Balkh Province, reviving arable land as well as allowing residents to supplement their income by growing their own vegetables.
  • The reconstruction sub-project was made possible through the National Solidarity Program, the government’s flagship program for rural development.
  • The National Solidarity Program is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development and receives funding from a number of donors, including the World Bank and the (Dutch-funded) Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF).

Jamshid and Basit are happily enjoying themselves around in and around the canal. “Now that the canal is paved, we can easily fill our buckets and carry the water home.”

IFC – To Develop Sustainable Hydropower in Asia, a Regional Approach Is Best

Article originally published on the IFC website.

Seven hundred million people live without electricity in Asia. Several countries, including Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan, are tapping into their hydropower potentials to generate electricity for domestic consumption and exports, which will be a big boost to their economic development. To ensure the sustainability of such developments, IFC is working with both the public and private sectors to raise standards and enhance collaboration between the two sides.

“Hydropower demands are growing too fast to limit your scope to one country,” said Kate Lazarus, team leader for IFC’s Mekong sustainable hydropower program. “We’re approaching sustainability from an Asia-wide perspective.” Continue reading

World Bank to Support Bulgarian Government with Energy Sector Assessment

Article originally published on the World Bank website.

The Bulgarian Government and the Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) have asked the World Bank to provide a sound analytical basis and options that the Ministry of Energy and BEH could consider in defining a strategy for financial recovery and the liberalization of the power market.

The advisory support will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, which starts now in collaboration with the Bulgarian Energy Holding, the Bank will undertake an objective assessment of the sector’s financial position to propose options for the implementation of the liberalization of the power market. Continue reading

India – Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project

The Jhelum and Tawi Flood Recovery Project for India, worth a total of $250 million, will support the recovery and increase disaster resilience in Project Areas, and increase the capacity of the Project Implementing Entity to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency. The flood affected region consists of 22 districts, affecting 12.5 million people.

The project development objective is to support the recovery and increase disaster resilience in Project Areas, and increase the capacity of the Project Implementing Entity to respond promptly and effectively to an eligible crisis or emergency.

Continue reading

eConsultant2: GAFSP Rwanda Evaluation

IFC would like to invite firms meeting the following criteria to submit an expression of interest for this consultancy:

Experience with conducting rigorous impact evaluations in developing countries;
Experience in the agribusiness sector a strong plus. Continue reading

eConsultant2: Malawi GAFSP Evaluation – Survey Firm – DEADLINE AUGUST 13

IFC is looking to hire a survey firm to manage all aspects of a baseline household data collection, entry and management for a prospective, rigorous impact evaluation of two interventions: an outgrower scheme and employment of unskilled labor at a commercial farm. The purpose of the household surveys is to estimate the baseline wellbeing of smallholder farmers in the Salima province of Malawi, where the company operates. The baseline will be used to better understand the context of these farmers, and to measure the effects of their engagements with the company over time by comparing the results against a midline (September 2017) and an endline (September 2019) data collection. Continue reading

Tender: UPDATE – Horticulture Development Project

Tender posted on DevBusiness website (www.devbusiness.com). Log on to DevBusiness to review full tender.

DB Reference number: WB3439-07/15

Country: India

Deadline: August 25, 2015

The Project Director: Himachal Pradesh Horticulture Development Project, now invites prospective nursery / firms to indicate their interest in supply of improved plant material comprising of Clonal Rootstocks, grafted feathered and whip nursery fruit plants of Apple, Pear, Cherry, Stone fruits, Kiwi and Walnut etc. as follows: Continue reading

Bangladesh – National Agricultural Technology Program – Phase II Project

The World Bank approved a total of $176.06 million for the Second National Agricultural Technology Program. The project development objective is to increase agricultural productivity of smallholder farms and improve smallholder farmers’ access to markets in selected districts. This is to be achieved through the following components: Continue reading

Tender: Eastern Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (EAAPP-APL1A)

Tender posted on DevBusiness website (www.devbusiness.com). Log on to DevBusiness to review full tender.

DB Reference number: WB3621-08/15

Country: Uganda

Deadline: August 21, 2015

Supply of One (1) Set of a Diary Processing Equipment-Lot.1 and Fibre/Nitrogen Analyser Equipment and Hummer Mill-Lot.2 Continue reading