Programme Background
The Malawi Value Chains (MVC) project, implemented by Adam Smith International (ASI) under the Malawi Trade and Investment Programme (MTIP), is a five-year initiative funded by FCDO. Its objective is to stimulate Malawi's economic growth by boosting exports. Specifically, MVC aims to enhance the productivity, quality, production, and export performance of the macadamia and mango value chains, while also supporting increased mining investment and exports. Other MTIP components focus on improving access to patient capital and streamlining trade and logistics, with the latter managed by TradeMark Africa (TMA).
ASI, on behalf of FCDO, is piloting the Matching Grant Facility (MGF) with a focus on macadamia and mango value chains. Launched in early 2025, the MGF involved a call for concept notes, followed by a full proposal stage and due diligence for selected applicants. The facility targets:
- Macadamia and Mango Mid-Sized Farms (MSF): Farms ranging from 3 to 40 hectares with existing or planned export partnerships through off-takers.
- Smallholder Farmer (SHF) Cooperative Organisations: Cooperatives involved in macadamia and mango production with existing or planned export partnerships via off-takers.
Illustrative interventions supported by the MGF include:
- Investments in irrigation infrastructure (e.g., boreholes, drip/sprinkler systems) and post-harvest handling equipment to improve productivity and exports for mango and macadamia farms.
- Investments in macadamia processing equipment (e.g., enhanced building design, drying, dehusking, grading) to elevate quality and expand exports.
- Construction of processing and storage facilities.
- Provision of advisory services, including support for farm business plans, business models, financial readiness assessments, financial projections, and agro-economic/technical advice.
Scope
This Request for Proposals (RfP) seeks qualified technical experts, firms, or institutions with proven experience in the installation and commissioning of macadamia post-harvest processing equipment. The selected service provider will be responsible for the supply support, installation, testing, and commissioning of critical post-harvest infrastructure to ensure optimal functionality, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards. The assignment specifically covers the installation of the following equipment, which has been procured and will be delivered to the farms:
Equipment (Units)
- Dehusking units (7)
- Industrial ventilation fans (4)
- Nut grading equipment (1)
- Dryer (1 x 50kw)
- Cold room (1)
The farms and their specific equipment requirements are detailed below:
- Phinner Macs Limited, Mzimba Enukweni
- Dehusking unit specifications: Model-WM-XGPQ1000, Voltage 380V/50HZ, Power 3Kw, Machine gross weight 320kg, net weight 280kg, Machine Dimension 2350x630x1130mm
- Fan specifications: Ø400.15.B.8 c/w 1.1kW 2P 380v Motors
- Chipunga, Nkhatabay
- Dehusking unit specifications: Model-WM-XGPQ1000, Voltage 380V/50HZ, Power 3Kw, Machine gross weight 320kg, net weight 280kg, Machine Dimension 2350x630x1130mm
- Fan specifications: Ø400.15.B.8 c/w 1.1kW 2P 380v Motors
- Nut Grader specifications: Conveyor incline 300x2400 with leg, hopper accessory conveyor incline 300x2480, 704/mass 116kg, grader dispenser and bagging unit. NIS 1st screen 20mm, 2nd screen 22mm, 3rd screen 25mm, and over 25mm. (47 screens, 76/mass 360kg)
- Chimvu Cooperative, Thyolo
- Dehusking unit specifications: Model-WM-XGPQ1000, Voltage 380V/50HZ, Power 3Kw, Machine gross weight 320kg, net weight 280kg, Machine Dimension 2350x630x1130mm
- Fan specifications: Ø400.15.B.8 c/w 1.1kW 2P 380v Motors
- Himacul Cooperative, Ntchisi
- Dehusking unit specifications: Model-WM-XGPQ1000, Voltage 380V/50HZ, Power 3Kw, Machine gross weight 320kg, net weight 280kg, Machine Dimension 2350x630x1130mm
- Fan specifications: Ø400.15.B.8 c/w 1.1kW 2P 380v Motors
- Cale Farms, Lilongwe
- Cold room specifications: Heat pump drying machine, Model: JDZN-XC-C-20, Size: 8500×3200×2700mm(H), Heat pump unit: 20P, Material: 75mm PU insulation material covered with Stainless steel 304 on both sides, Voltage: 380V, 50Hz, 3ph. (1 set @ 20,790.00 each) Trolley=trays 1300✕920✕1850mm, Material: SUS304; Layer: 14 (12 suites @ 320.00 each) Silicone pad Size:1270✕890mm; Material: Silicone, Mesh hole: 11mm
- Dryer specifications: Heat pump drying machine, Model: JDZN-XC-C-20, Size: 8500×3200×2700mm(H), Heat pump unit: 20P, Material: 75mm PU insulation material covered with Stainless steel 304 on both sides, Voltage: 380V, 50Hz, 3ph. Silicone pad Size:1270✕890mm; Material: Silicone, Mesh hole: 11m. Trolley=trays 1300✕920✕1850mm, Material: SUS304; Layer: 14
Assignment Objectives
The primary objectives of this assignment are to:
- Install and correctly configure all equipment according to manufacturer specifications.
- Integrate systems to ensure seamless operational flow.
- Conduct testing and commissioning of equipment to verify performance and safety compliance.
- Provide basic operational training to designated personnel.
- Address and resolve any technical issues that arise post-installation within an agreed timeframe.
- Document installation processes and submit comprehensive completion reports.
The selected service provider will be required to offer aftercare support for 30 days following installation and commissioning. During this period, any faults, defects, or installation-related issues identified will be rectified at no additional cost to the client, within a timeframe mutually agreed upon by both parties.
Timeline and Deliverables
Applicants must provide a detailed breakdown of the estimated days required from the contract signing date.
Qualifications
Interested individual consultants or institutions must meet the following minimum qualifications:
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in the installation of macadamia or similar nut/agriculture value-chain post-harvest processing equipment.
- Demonstrated experience in deploying and strengthening post-harvest operations and systems, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and quality assurance frameworks within agricultural processing facilities.
- Possession of valid insurance coverage for all field operations.
- Certification in a Quality Management System.
- Environmental management certification is preferred.
Ready to Apply?
The deadline for applications is 5th June 2026, by 17:00 Hours.
For clarifications and final submissions, please email: MalawiMGF@adamsmithinternational.com.
Interested parties are invited to submit a comprehensive proposal including:
- A detailed timeline for assignment completion.
- A financial proposal with a comprehensive breakdown of expenses.
- Proposed Payment Terms & Schedule.
Payment will be disbursed upon successful completion of assigned tasks or as otherwise agreed by both parties.