Market-aligned interventions for cleaner production in the textiles industry
SMEP launches the Call for Concepts to identify implementation-focused solutions that are applicable to the commercial value chains of the textiles and clothing sector, and that contribute to reducing or eliminating manufacturing pollution and waste. The call is open from October 12th, 2022 and the deadline for submitting concepts was January 31st, 2023.
Priority will be given to concepts applying to the manufacturing sectors in eight SMEP target countries across sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia namely Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Nepal. However, these are not the only countries that may be targeted, especially where an intervention can be justified by regional considerations and/or opportunities for scaling. Providers may elect to work in more than one country in a (sub-)region.
Applicants shortlisted for the Request for Proposals stage will be informed by May/June 2023.
Under this call, SMEP encourages submission of concepts that address problematic practices in the textiles sector, including but not limited to excessive consumption of raw materials, water and energy and poor management of liquid effluents and solid waste. The SMEP programme is cognisant of a wide range of interventions, collaborations, and research priorities underway in the textiles arena. SMEP aims to invest in research and interventions that complement these where possible.
The SMEP textiles procurement covers four thematic areas, as set out below.
Drawing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion as a strong focus into the above themes is encouraged.
SMEP has developed a voluntary platform to support collaboration opportunities amongst interested parties. This platform is accessible through the Submissions Portal – Voluntary Contact Form. The details provided through this process will be treated with confidentiality. SMEP will only facilitate introductions amongst interested parties who register their details.
Please contact procurement@smepprogramme.org should you wish to share your availability to collaborate with other partners or if you wish to discuss the nature of the collaboration opportunity sought to develop a concept proposal. Note that the collaboration platform is open and visible to all parties who sign up for the platform.
Refer to the Terms of Reference for detailed information on the scope of the procurement, as well as the application guidelines.
A series of webinars was organised to present information on key aspects of this call and facilitate an interactive question-and-answer session. The first webinar was held on 20 October 2022 and the second webinar on 24 November 2022. Please find the recordings of the webinars here and here as well as a copy of the amalgamated Questions and Answers log here.
Contact
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions:
- Faith Gara and Elzette Henshilwood : procurement@smepprogramme.org
Find reference to the market assessment and scoping research reports on these themes below: