How to Find Tenders from the African Development Bank (AfDB)

Tips for Suppliers

Monitor the AfDB Project Pipeline

AfDB projects take 1–3 years from concept approval to first procurement. Use the AfDB Project Portal to track projects in preparation — the Project Appraisal Report (PAR) contains procurement plans listing anticipated contracts by type, value, and method. Identify opportunities early and begin planning your bid strategy before notices are published.

Register and Set Up Procurement Alerts

Bookmark the AfDB procurement notices page and check it regularly. For corporate procurement (supplying the Bank itself), register on the EPROCURE platform. Consider subscribing to UN Development Business for comprehensive multilateral tender coverage. Track both General Procurement Notices (early signals) and Specific Procurement Notices (actual tender invitations).

Understand the African Operating Context

AfDB projects are implemented across diverse African contexts with varying infrastructure, logistics, regulatory environments, and security conditions. Research country conditions thoroughly before bidding. Site visits during pre-bid periods are strongly recommended for works contracts. Factor realistic mobilization timelines, supply chain challenges, and local conditions into your pricing.

Consider Partnerships with African Firms

The AfDB promotes the participation of African firms in Bank-financed procurement. Joint ventures between international and African firms are common and often advantageous — combining international expertise and financial capacity with local knowledge, relationships, and workforce. Some national procurement procedures also apply domestic preference margins.

Maintain Impeccable Compliance Standards

The AfDB has a zero-tolerance policy on fraud and corruption. Its Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption (PIAC) investigates allegations and can impose debarment, which is cross-recognized by the World Bank, ADB, EBRD, and IDB. Implement robust compliance programmes covering all staff, agents, and subcontractors involved in AfDB work.

Use Standard Solicitation Documents as Your Template

All AfDB-financed procurement above specified thresholds must use the Bank's Standard Solicitation Documents (SSDs). Study these documents carefully — they define evaluation criteria, qualification requirements, and contract terms. Structure your bids to respond precisely to SSD requirements. Non-compliant submissions risk disqualification regardless of technical quality or pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the AfDB directly award contracts to suppliers?

For project-financed operations (the vast majority of AfDB lending), no. Procurement is executed by the borrowing country — typically a government ministry or Project Implementation Unit (PIU). The AfDB sets procurement rules, reviews compliance, and provides no-objection for high-value contracts. The Bank does directly procure goods and services for its own headquarters operations in Abidjan and regional offices through its EPROCURE system, but this represents a small fraction of overall procurement.

Which countries' firms are eligible to bid on AfDB contracts?

Firms from all AfDB member countries are eligible. This includes 54 African Regional Member Countries (RMCs) and 28 non-regional member countries (including the US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, China, India, and others). Firms from non-member countries are ineligible. Some contracts under national competitive bidding may apply a domestic preference margin of up to 15% for local firms on works and goods.

What languages are used in AfDB procurement?

The AfDB's working languages are English and French. Procurement notices and solicitation documents are published in the official language of the borrowing country, which is typically English or French depending on the region. In practice, most international competitive bidding documents are available in English or French. Proposals are usually accepted in either language. Some North African procurements may also use Arabic.

How does AfDB procurement differ from World Bank procurement?

The two frameworks are broadly similar — both are principles-based, use standard procurement documents, and require borrower execution. Key differences include: AfDB may apply domestic preference margins for African firms, AfDB uses its own Standard Solicitation Documents (not World Bank SPDs), thresholds and prior review limits differ by country, and AfDB has sector-specific strategies (High 5 priorities) that influence project selection. Experience with one MDB translates well to the other.

What is the AfDB's cross-debarment policy?

The AfDB participates in the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions with four other multilateral development banks: the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Inter-American Development Bank. A firm debarred by any one of these institutions for fraud, corruption, collusion, coercion, or obstruction is automatically cross-debarred from procurement financed by all five institutions. This makes maintaining a clean compliance record essential.

How to Find AfDB Funded Tenders

Procurement Landscape

Legal Framework

Official Procurement Portals

AfDB Procurement Notices

AfDB Project Portal

EPROCURE — AfDB e-Procurement System

UN Development Business (UNDB)

AfDB Standard Solicitation Documents

Key Sectors & Opportunities

Tips for Suppliers

Monitor the AfDB Project Pipeline

Register and Set Up Procurement Alerts

Understand the African Operating Context

Consider Partnerships with African Firms

Maintain Impeccable Compliance Standards

Use Standard Solicitation Documents as Your Template

Frequently Asked Questions

Automate your tender search

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How to Find Government Tenders in South Africa

How to Find UN Procurement Opportunities

How to Find World Bank Funded Tenders

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