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.

Country GuidesApril 11, 2026Updated April 11, 202611 min read

How to Find AfDB Funded Tenders

The African Development Bank Group approves $7-10 billion annually in operations across the African continent, funding infrastructure, water and sanitation, agriculture, energy, education, and governance projects. Like other multilateral development banks, AfDB-financed procurement is executed by borrowing countries under Bank rules. This guide covers the AfDB procurement portal, the Bank's procurement policy framework, and strategies for winning contracts on AfDB-financed projects.

Official Procurement Portals

AfDB Procurement Notices

The primary portal for all procurement opportunities on AfDB-financed projects. Lists General Procurement Notices (GPNs), Specific Procurement Notices (SPNs), Requests for Expressions of Interest (REOIs), and contract awards. Searchable by country, sector, and procurement type.

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AfDB Project Portal

Comprehensive database of all AfDB-financed projects including project documents, procurement plans, implementation status, and disbursement data. Essential for identifying upcoming procurement opportunities before formal notices appear.

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EPROCURE — AfDB e-Procurement System

Electronic procurement platform for AfDB corporate procurement (goods and services for the Bank's own operations, not project-financed procurement). Vendors register here for opportunities to supply the Bank's headquarters and regional offices.

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UN Development Business (UNDB)

Aggregates procurement notices from all multilateral development banks including the AfDB. A paid subscription service providing comprehensive coverage and advance notice of upcoming projects.

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AfDB Standard Solicitation Documents

Repository of mandatory Standard Solicitation Documents for goods, works, and consulting services. These templates define evaluation criteria, qualification requirements, and contract conditions for all AfDB-financed procurement.

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Key Sectors & Opportunities

Transport infrastructure is the AfDB's largest lending sector. Contracts include highway construction, bridge building, railway development, port expansion, and airport modernization. Major projects often exceed $100 million and attract international competition.

Critical priority for the Bank. Covers water treatment plants, distribution networks, sewerage systems, and irrigation schemes. Projects span urban and rural contexts across all African regions.

Power generation (solar, wind, hydro, gas), transmission lines, and distribution networks. The Bank's Desert to Power initiative and other programmes are driving massive investment in renewable energy across Africa.

Agricultural value chain development, agro-processing facilities, rural roads, market infrastructure, and agricultural consulting. The Feed Africa strategy drives significant lending in this sector.

School and hospital construction, medical equipment, education system reform consulting, public financial management, and institutional strengthening. Primarily consulting and goods procurement.

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

Related Guides

How to Find World Bank Funded Tenders

How to Find UN Procurement Opportunities

How to Find Government Tenders in Kenya

Guide to Procurement Laws Across Africa

How to Find Government Tenders in Nigeria

How to Find Government Tenders in South Africa

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