AFDB1JP00000802

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Under the supervision of a dedicated task manager and reporting to the Division Manager, ECNR, the selected candidate will support the generation of this study.

Analysing the current state of play for Bio-credits, ABM, Benefit-Sharing and Nature Finance in the DSI Era - aims to propose an African-led paradigm for fair and equitable benefit-sharing in a shrinking investments space for nature while exploring the emerging Digital Sequence Information (DSI) economy to help channel funds to communities and projects. Exploring the difference between market and non-market approaches to different biodiversity projects. While viable markets for bio-credits do exist, non-market approaches like the ABM can ensure investment in biodiversity utilization in Africa while ensuring genuine biodiversity outcomes. These objectives will encourage developed and wealthy countries to use non-market approaches to contribute to the costs of adaptation / biodiversity through generating a pipeline of bio-credit investible projects in select RMCs.
The study will identify the key factors mitigating the establishment of a strong technical, financial, and legal framework, and recommend solutions with clear criteria for use of bio credits with independent verification, ensuring projects generate quantifiable and lasting benefits for both biodiversity and local communities through equitable benefit-sharing and Just Transition principles, particularly for land-dependent African livelihoods.

Methodology and Scope
This study will utilize a quantitative research design to assess the feasibility of the use of bio-credits, the Adaptation Benefit Mechanism and Digital Sequencing Information in Africa. The target population will cover the entire continent of Africa with specific Country case studies from ongoing work of the Bank and Partners. The methodology will include desktop reviews blended with a structured online survey questionnaire using a Likert scale (1-5) to measure perceived effectiveness and use of these financing mechanisms. The detailed methodology (e.g., what kind of biodiversity projects - agro biodiversity, bioprospecting, conservation finance, and criteria for investibility) will be presented in an Inception Report (4 weeks) after commencement of the study.

Expert judgement and Expertise will be highly applied. The report will focus on the following proposed topics and subtopics:
1. Stock take of the state of play regarding market and non-market financing instruments in Africa:
• Provide status of their implementation in Africa
• Assess their relevance to the continent (such as capital mobilization potential, risks and gaps, and country case studies for fact-based assessment). Based on this analysis,
• Shed light on bio-credits, the ABM and DSI as a means to improve biodiversity monitoring, financing among other things to ensure the effectiveness of restoration and conservation measures.
• Connect the study with the Bank operations by exploring how the three mechanisms can support implementation of the Bank Environmental and Social Operational Safeguards, particularly on “Habitat and Biodiversity Conservation, and Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources”
• Propose how these will be applied, measured, and enforced in practice, so the results are usable in real projects.

2. Assess key challenges and investment opportunities:
• Evaluate Africa's biodiversity and the specific threats it faces, such as habitat loss, climate change, and socio-economic pressures.
• Identify key challenges, investment risks and mitigation measures.
• Identify opportunities for investing in sustainable utilization of Africa’s biodiversity.
• Assess the policy and governance challenges in biodiversity use and beneficiation in the region.

3. Assess policy frameworks for a Digital Sequence Information (DSI) economy in Africa.
• Identify key challenges and opportunities available for designing an African-led paradigm for fair and

The study will help develop a set of key policy considerations in advancing the use of biodiversity credit, the ABM and DSI financing in Africa reviewing available frameworks globally and how they are being applied in Africa.
Three key deliverables are envisaged:
1. Inception Report detailing the methodology and timeline.
2. Draft Report with key recommendations to advance use of market and non-market mechanisms such as biodiversity credit, the ABM and DSI-enabled financing in Africa.
3. A policy brief aimed at high‑level policymakers and financiers.

a) The Consultant will be hired for six (6) months from 16th March to 15th September 2026.
b) Payments are based on the approval of deliverables.
c) The Consultant is responsible for his/her own health insurance.

As part of ECNR’s 2026 Knowledge Work Plan with technical input by the WWF and other partners, this assignment will carry out a deep dive study into making additional cases for Measuring the Green Wealth of Nations in Africa. The Bank has done pioneering work exploring the difference between market and non-market approaches through the ABM, published a policy paper in 2024 titled Measuring the Green Wealth of Nations: Natural Capital and Economic Productivity. The institutional arrangement for the study will involve receiving draft reports from the Consultant and the Bank will provide technical review and facilitate communication with key stakeholders required to be engaged by the Consultants. Interested Consultants shall provide information on their qualifications and experience demonstrating their ability to undertake this Assignment (documents, reference to similar services, experience in similar assignments, etc.).

The Consultant shall be Home-based.
The Consultant may be required to travel for missions and work-related engagements as needed. The Bank will cover full costs of any required trip/missions if needed and provide per-diem in accordance with rules governing consultant mission travel.