# SDG Pipeline Builder Methodology for SMEs in South Africa

> This tender closed on 2026-08-14.

- **Reference:** UNDP-ZAF-00232
- **Issuer:** [UNDP-ZAF - SOUTH AFRICA](https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders/issuer/undp-zaf-south-africa.md)
- **Region:** National
- **Type:** RFP - Request for proposal
- **Published:** 2026-07-30
- **Closing date:** 2026-08-14 13:00 SAST
- **Sectors:** [Other professional services](https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders/sector/M74.md), [Financial services](https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders/sector/K64.md)

## Summary

#### Overview
**UNDP-ZAF invites proposals to adapt and implement the SDG Pipeline Builder methodology for SMEs in township economies under the DIME-Scale framework, to build a viable investment pipeline and strengthen readiness of spaza retailers and township value-chain businesses to access finance.** The assignment covers inception, ecosystem and investor analysis, pipeline development and screening, investment-readiness program design and delivery, de-risking and deal facilitation, and knowledge capture with scale-up recommendations. 

#### Requirements
- Demonstrated track record in investment-readiness programs for SMEs and pipeline development, preferably in township economies or informal retail sectors in South Africa. 
- Ability to conduct ecosystem analyses, map financiers, and assess lending risks in township economies, delivering actionable insights. 
- Expertise in de-risking, financial structuring, and deal facilitation, including due diligence support and transaction processes. 
- Experience designing and delivering targeted technical assistance to improve financial management, compliance, and operational capacity. 
- Strong reporting, knowledge capture, and ability to document lessons learned and scale-up recommendations. 
- Capability to work with UNDP and deliver in English, with understanding of SDGs and development finance.

#### How to Apply
- **Deadline:** 14 August 2026, 11:00. 
- **Submission method:** Electronic submission to procurement.enquiries.za@undp.org, with adherence to UNDP Quantum portal processes. 
- **Documents to submit:** Technical and financial proposals, company profile, CVs of proposed team, implementation plan, and case studies demonstrating relevant experience. 
- **Where to obtain bid documents:** Documents available on the UNDP Quantum portal (see UNDP Quantum portal).

## Description

SDG Pipeline Builder Methodology for SMEs in South Africa

\[SCOPE OF TENDER......\]

The selected firm will undertake the following tasks to adapt and implement the SDG Pipeline Builder methodology under the DIME‑Scale framework, with the objective of building a viable investment pipeline and strengthening the readiness of spaza retailers and township value chain businesses to access finance: 1. Inception Report: Develop an inception report outlining the firm’s understanding of the assignment and detailed workplan. The report should outline approach to the assignment and how the SDG Pipeline Builder Methodology is to be adapted to township economies. 2. Ecosystem and Investor Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the township retail ecosystem, including spaza business models, regulatory and operational constraints, and key barriers to finance. Map and assess relevant financiers and their key risks and constraints to lending in township economies. 3. Pipeline Development and Business Screening: Apply the adapted methodology to identify, screen, and segment SMEs into a structured pipeline based on investment readiness, financing needs, and risk profile. Develop clear enterprise profiles and prioritisation criteria to support engagement with financiers. 4. Investment Readiness Programme Design and Delivery: Design and implement a targeted technical assistance programme to strengthen selected businesses, focusing on compliance, financial management, and operational capacity. Track progress and improvements in investment readiness, with a view to preparing enterprises for financing. 5. De-risking, Financial Structuring, and Deal Facilitation: Design and apply practical de-risking solutions to improve bankability. Support the structuring of appropriate financial solutions and facilitate engagement with financiers, including due diligence and transaction processes, with the objective of enabling deal closure. 6. Reporting, Knowledge Capture, and Scale-Up Recommendations: Document results, lessons learned, and key constra...

Documents available on UNDP Quantum portal: https://undp.sharepoint.com/sites/Docs-Public/Procurement/Forms/AllItems.aspx?env=Embedded&isAscending=false&FilterType1=Text&sortField=Modified&FilterField1=NegotiationNumber&FilterValue1=UNDP-ZAF-00232

## Published on

- [UNDP Procurement Notices](https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_negotiation.cfm?nego_id=48133)

More open tenders: https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders.md

---

> Source: https://za.bidwunder.com/tenders/sdg-pipeline-builder-methodology-for-smes-in-south-africa-3ecf5338