Context of the Assignment
Globally, handmade products are a design and market trend offering African producers a ready market. The handicraft industry can be a viable and important driver of economic development in Zambia through the tourism and export markets. For this reason and with the support of a handicraft expert, PEPZ will implement an intervention with a goal to create a strong base of marketable product collections across the Zambian handicraft
landscape. This will be done through design and business training inputs and a rapid link to strong buyers who will commit to purchasing from Zambia and to continue their B2B relationships for many years to come.
PEPZ would therefore like to commission a consultant to develop a Zambian handicrafts exporters guide that will serve as a tool for SMEs and other players in the handicraft sector that plan to get into the export market. The guide will contribute towards a successful handicraft development programme for Zambia that focuses on product
development and market linkages.
Overall responsibilities for the position
Private Enterprise Programme Zambia expects the consultant to edit and produce a detailed Zambia handicraft exporters guide that should cover but should not be limited to the following subsectors; baskets, wood, jewelry, textiles and recycled products. The assignment will involve the engagement of stakeholders such as Zambia Development Agency, Zambia Revenue Authority, Export Board of Zambia, National Arts Council as well as other private sector companies/associations that have actively been involved in the export of handicrafts.
The handicraft exporters guide will specifically cover but should not be limited to the following:
1. Overview of markets such as the North American, European and regional market
2. Pre-export considerations
3. Local and international export rules and regulations in each of the handicrafts subsectors
4. Export procedures and documentation including preparation of products for export, customs considerations, implications of free trade agreements, and freight & logistics
5. Pricing for the export market
6. Developing an export strategy
7. Market Research - products and trends
8. Customer Service
9. Branding
10. Financing options for the companies planning to export handicrafts
11. A directory with all the key organisations involved in the handicraft export such as Zambia Revenue Authority, Zambia Development Agency, Export Board of Zambia, Zambia Environmental Management Agency etc.
For details on deliverables, qualification requirements and the selection process, please review the attached Terms of Reference.
PEPZ background:
The Private Enterprise Programme Zambia (PEPZ), funded by UKaid, works with and through the Zambian private sector at the intersection of profitable business growth and inclusive economic growth. The core of the PEPZ value offer to potential partners is formulated under three headings:
Capital: Our cost-sharing financial intervention mechanisms designed to incentivise business innovation that will benefit Zambian SMEs and micro-enterprises;
Capacity: Our internal expertise and our network of external specialist consultants who can help intervention partners design and implement solutions; and
Connections: Our networks and contacts that allow us to facilitate business connections and transactions.
PEPZ focuses on three target sectors important to the Zambian economy: food and agriculture, mining and mining services and tourism and hospitality.
