This document provides a comprehensive Q&A regarding the USAID solicitation for a fund aimed at supporting technology startups and tech-enabled companies in Zambia. Key clarifications include that only investments flowing through the fund will count towards deliverables, and payments will be tied to achieving specified milestones rather than set timelines. Definitions for technology companies and deliverables are detailed in an attached document, emphasizing that first-time fund managers can apply but must demonstrate institutional capacity. The fund may raise over five million dollars but will recognize only the initial five million per investment as contributing to deliverables. The RFP is non-sector-specific but has hard exclusions and soft priorities, and the successful offeror must primarily be a local entity authorized by the Zambian SEC. The document also addresses concerns such as the timeline for fund authorization, criteria for evaluating proposals, and the implications of unmet deliverables. Overall, it aims to guide bidders in aligning with USAID's expectations in fostering the growth of Zambian tech enterprises while ensuring proper investment mechanisms are in place.

The document outlines definitions relevant to a government initiative supporting technology companies in Zambia. It distinguishes between established for-profit technology firms, nascent technology startups, and tech-enabled firms, emphasizing their operational criteria and goals for supporting Zambian employment and markets. The text defines key terms such as "full-time equivalent employees" and "startup company revenues," which pertain to measuring organizational size and financial performance. The role of private sector investors, excluding governmental and non-profit entities, is also clarified in terms of financial contributions toward the growth of these tech companies. Furthermore, the document highlights the importance of rights-respecting technology solutions and outlines the characteristics of an inclusive, secure, and reliable digital ecosystem. Finally, it discusses essential components of ICT infrastructure that underpin these technology initiatives. The purpose of this amendment is to establish clear definitions and support mechanisms for technology development in Zambia in alignment with government RFPs and grants.

The document is a Request for Proposals (RFP) by USAID for the Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI Zambia). This initiative seeks qualified entities to provide commercial services aimed at fostering economic growth and investment opportunities in digital technology sectors in Zambia over a maximum contract period of four years. Key deliverables include supporting twenty tech startups to reach significant revenue and employee milestones and mobilizing at least $40 million in investments into tech-enabled companies. The RFP outlines critical dates for submission, evaluation criteria, and requirements for a pre-proposal conference. It emphasizes the importance of gender equity and democratic development in its scope and requires adherence to specific investment criteria, excluding organizations linked to authoritarian regimes. The selected contractor will be expected to produce a series of reports documenting performance against set milestones, including annual and quarterly evaluations. This contract aims not only to strengthen Zambia's digital economy but also to demonstrate the effectiveness of democratic systems in stimulating growth aligned with USAID's goals.

The document provides definitions and context for technology-related entities and concepts relevant to government Request for Proposals (RFPs) and funding initiatives in Zambia. It outlines key definitions, including 'technology company,' 'technology startup,' and 'private sector investor,' emphasizing the need for Zambian incorporation and local employment for qualification. Additionally, it introduces terms like 'full-time equivalent employees' and 'startup company revenues,' clarifying financial metrics for evaluation. Particularly notable is the emphasis on developing tech-enabled firms and rights-respecting technology solutions that contribute to open, secure, reliable, and inclusive digital ecosystems. The document outlines critical infrastructure components necessary for technological advancement and describes the 'Lobito corridor' as an important developmental project. Overall, the purpose of the document is to establish a common understanding of terms and criteria that will guide federal grants and RFPs, targeting the growth and inclusion of technology sectors in Zambia while adhering to principles that support human rights and digital democracy.

The Determination of Categorical Exclusion (DCE) document pertains to the Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative in Zambia (DIGI), aimed at promoting private sector investments in technology and tech-enabled businesses. It asserts that the activities fall under classes eligible for Categorical Exclusions, indicating no significant foreseeable environmental impacts. The project, which spans from September 30, 2024, to September 30, 2028, envisions two primary activities: catalyzing investments to enhance economic growth and accelerating technology startups to reach operational milestones. Key aspects include investment matching for tech companies and capacity building for startups, with no construction activities planned, hence qualifying for Categorical Exclusion. The environmental review confirmed no impact on threatened species or critical habitats and identified low climate risks related to increased carbon emissions and electronic waste. Recommendations include fostering environmentally responsible practices and integrating climate mitigation training for tech firms. The document encapsulates USAID's commitment to ensure that activities align with environmental compliance requirements, emphasizing the importance of monitoring changes and corrective actions where necessary to uphold environmental standards throughout the project's lifespan.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Zambia is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its Digital Innovation and Growth Initiative (DIGI Zambia). This initiative aims to bolster economic growth and investment in technology and tech-enabled businesses in Zambia over a four-year period, contingent upon funding availability. Interested entities must submit proposals by September 20, 2024, with a maximum contract price yet to be determined. The project seeks to accelerate 20 technology startups to viable operational status and mobilize $40 million in investments into relevant businesses. The contractor will be responsible for mentoring startups, facilitating investments, and ensuring compliance with social and environmental standards. A pre-proposal conference will take place on August 15, 2024, to address participant inquiries. Key deliverables include creating an investment fund authorized by the Zambian Securities and Exchange Commission and meeting specified performance indicators. Emphasis on gender equity and collaboration with local partners is paramount. The scope of work includes regular reporting and adherence to branding and environmental compliance protocols throughout the project's lifecycle.