Scope
Description
In Zambia, low agricultural productivity and climate are driving poverty, nature loss, and vulnerability to shocks. RAINZ addresses these challenges by tackling policy and market failures in agriculture, climate adaptation, and natural resource management. Through three integrated components-a Policy Facility, Markets Facility, and Partnerships Facility-it blends technical programming, strategic partnerships, and UK diplomacy to unlock reform, attract private investment, and build inclusive, climate-resilient rural economies. RAINZ focuses on policy and systems to increase agricultural productivity, link smallholders to high-value markets, expands access to climate finance and information, and is designed for flexibility and long-term sustainability, recognising that systemic change requires both political engagement and market-driven solutions.
Component 1, the Policy Facility
This component works at systems level. It aims to support policy reform to increase agricultural productivity and improve natural resources management. Reforms may focus on supporting crop diversification, public extension services, agricultural market improvements - including financial markets, climate and weather services and early warning systems. Activities will be further defined during the inception phase but are likely to include research, technical assistance and embedded advisory capacity to support the Government of Zambia's Ministries and Agencies deliver on priorities linked to the RAINZ objectives.
The route to market for this contract is not yet determined and FCDO will be using market feedback from the Early Market Engagement event (https://forms.office.com/e/586QCJ047z) to inform the decision. The route to market stated in this notice is therefore subject to change. FCDO cannot guarantee that interested suppliers will be eligible to participate in the route to market that is ultimately selected.
Total value (estimated)
- £8,333,333 excluding VAT
- £10,000,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2030
- Possible extension to 31 March 2033
- 6 years, 8 months
Main category
Services
CPV classifications
- 75211200 - Foreign economic-aid-related services
Contract locations
- ZM - Zambia
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
23 March 2026
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Above or below total value threshold
Above or equal to threshold
Contracting authority
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXRR-8771-PHVX
King Charles Street
London
SW1A 2AH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Nicola Burleigh
Email: nicola.burleigh@fcdo.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government