Lesotho Awards $544K Consultancy Contract for Entrepreneurship Hub Under World Bank Project

Introduction

The World Bank-backed Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project (P175783) has advanced with the award of a key consultancy contract aimed at boosting entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. The contract has been awarded to Asigma Capital Advisory Services Limited following a competitive Quality and Cost-Based Selection (QCBS) process.

Contract Details and Scope

The contract (Ref: LS-MTI-498529-CS-QCBS) is valued at USD 544,010 and was officially awarded on March 26, 2026. Funded under IDA-71690, the project focuses on strengthening Lesotho’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The scope involves establishing, managing, and providing capacity building for the Lesotho Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility (LEHSFF). The selected consultancy firm will also deliver ongoing operational support over a 24-month period, ensuring sustainable development and long-term impact.

Entities Involved

The project is implemented by Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, with financial support from the World Bank. The winning firm, Asigma Capital Advisory Services Limited, is headquartered in Uganda and specializes in advisory services, investment facilitation, and enterprise development.

The evaluation process included multiple international bidders. Reitzcorp and Landell Consortium were shortlisted but ranked lower due to higher financial proposals. Meanwhile, AWIEF and Crestage JV Civitta were disqualified for failing to meet the minimum technical score requirement of 70.

Evaluation and Selection Insights

The QCBS procurement method placed strong emphasis on both technical quality and financial competitiveness. Asigma Capital achieved a combined score of 84.8, with a technical score of 81.66 and a perfect financial score of 100, securing the top rank.

The firm’s proposal demonstrated a strong methodology and qualified key personnel, meeting the project’s requirements for establishing a high-impact entrepreneurship platform.

Strategic and Economic Impact

This contract award is a critical step toward enhancing financial inclusion and small business development in Lesotho. The LEHSFF initiative is expected to:

• Support startups and SMEs through seed financing

• Provide training, mentorship, and incubation services

• Strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem

• Promote job creation and economic diversification

Such government contracts and awarded tenders are vital in addressing structural economic challenges and fostering inclusive growth in developing economies.

About the Winning Firm

Asigma Capital Advisory Services Limited has a proven track record in delivering advisory and capacity-building services across Africa. Its expertise in entrepreneurship development and investment facilitation positions it well to successfully implement the LEHSFF initiative.

Conclusion

The award of this consultancy contract marks a significant milestone in Lesotho’s procurement news and economic development agenda. As the project moves into implementation, it is expected to empower entrepreneurs, improve access to finance, and drive sustainable growth.

This awarded tender highlights the importance of transparent procurement processes and strategic partnerships in achieving impactful development outcomes across Africa.

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