Consultant – Chapter Consultant for the 12th Edition of Assessing Regional Integration In Africa
AFDB1JP00001681
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Posted On
2026-11-04
Period
2026-11-23 to 2027-02-22
Job Type
Temporary Full Time
Location
Abidjan 01CIV
Category
Business Professional
Description
The Regional Integration Coordination Office (RDRI) of the African Development Bank Group, in partnership with the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC), is contributing to the preparation of the Twelfth Edition of the joint flagship report, Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA XII), themed “Advancing Africa’s Industrialization through AfCFTA-Anchored Regional Value Chains in Critical Minerals, Agro-Processing and Textiles”.
To this end, RDRI seeks an Individual Consultant to undertake research and prepare an assigned chapter of ARIA XII, including analytical work on regional integration, industrialization, AfCFTA-anchored regional value chains, financing and implementation mechanisms, and actionable policy recommendations, in accordance with the scope and deliverables set out in these Terms of Reference
Application Close Date
2026-11-17
Engagement Type
Individual Consultant
Job Family
12.Capacity Development, Governance, Natural Resource and Knowledge Management
A. Background Objectives
The African Development Bank hereby invites Individual Consultants to express their interest in the assignment of Chapter Consultant for the Twelfth Edition of Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA XII). ARIA XII is a joint flagship report being prepared by ECA, AUC and AfDB under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Industrialization through AfCFTA-Anchored Regional Value Chains in Critical Minerals, Agro-Processing and Textiles”. The report examines the conditions under which institutional integration can translate into productive integration through interconnected regional production systems capable of driving industrialization, productivity growth, employment and structural transformation within the African market. The report focuses on three strategically important sectors—critical minerals, agro-processing, and textiles and apparel—and will build on continental and regional initiatives on AfCFTA implementation, regional value chains, investment facilitation, industrial development and competition policy. It is aligned with Agenda 2063, the Action Plan for Accelerated Industrial Development of Africa (AIDA), the Boosting Intra-African Trade (BIAT) Action Plan and the Fourth Industrial Development Decade for Africa (IDDA IV, 2026–2035). The overall objective of ARIA XII is to assess the state of regional integration and industrialization in Africa; examine how AfCFTA-anchored regional value chains in critical minerals, agro-processing and textiles can be strategically leveraged, coordinated and financed into integrated regional production networks; and provide evidence-based recommendations to accelerate African industrialization. The report is envisaged to comprise seven substantive chapters: (1) Status of Africa’s Regional Integration; (2) Africa’s Industrialization Landscape and AfCFTA-Anchored Regional Value Chains; (3) Critical Minerals and Africa’s Green Industrial Future; (4) Agro-Processing and Food System Industrialization; (5) Textiles, Apparel and Africa’s Inclusive Industrialization Pathway; (6) Financing Regional Industrial Transformation; and (7) Policy Recommendations. RDRI is launching this consultancy to support preparation of an assigned chapter and contribute to the analytical and policy work required for the report.
B. Scope of work
▪ Undertake a desk review of relevant literature, data, policy and institutional frameworks at continental, regional and national levels relating to regional integration, industrialization, regional value chains, sector development and AfCFTA implementation. ▪ Assess the current state of the assigned sector, including productive capacities, value addition, regional integration and participation in regional and global value chains, and identify key gaps, constraints and opportunities. ▪ Assess the conditions and opportunities for developing and strengthening AfCFTA-anchored regional value chains in the assigned sector. ▪ Examine existing and emerging regional value-chain, sectoral and investment models and identify lessons and opportunities for replication, adaptation or scaling across Africa. ▪ Examine the relevance of AfCFTA policy instruments, including Rules of Origin and relevant protocols on investment, intellectual property, competition policy, e-commerce, women and youth, and industrial policy, for facilitating regional production, investment, technology transfer, regional sourcing, productive integration and value retention. ▪ Assess institutional, financing and implementation mechanisms for advancing regional value-chain development, including the respective roles of Member States, Regional Economic Communities, continental institutions, development finance institutions and the private sector. ▪ Undertake quantitative analysis, including econometric analysis where relevant, using appropriate international, continental and national data sources, and complement the analysis with selected case studies. ▪ Propose actionable recommendations on how AfCFTA-anchored regional value chains in the assigned sector can be leveraged to drive Africa’s industrialization and structural transformation. ▪ Participate in technical consultations, internal reviews and an Expert Group Meeting, as required, and revise the chapter in response to consolidated comments and guidance.
C. Deliverables Expected
▪ A detailed inception report, including an annotated chapter outline, methodological approach, analytical framework, proposed data sources and delivery schedule. ▪ A full first draft of the assigned ARIA XII chapter, developed in accordance with these Terms of Reference and the ARIA XII Concept Note, and suitable for internal and Expert Group Meeting review. ▪ A revised final chapter incorporating consolidated comments, suggestions and recommendations arising from internal review and the Experts Group Meeting.
D. Duration and Timetable for the Assignment
The consultancy will be for three (3) months, including desk review, analysis and report writing, commencing from the date of contract signature. The specific start and end dates will be confirmed at contracting. The Consultant will be responsible for his/her own health insurance and accommodation costs, except where costs arise from Bank-approved missions and are explicitly covered under the applicable Bank rules.
E. Bank Contribution and Institutional Arrangement
The Regional Integration Coordination Office (RDRI) will manage the consultancy and will coordinate, as appropriate, with ECA and AUC counterparts involved in the preparation of ARIA XII. RDRI will facilitate access to relevant Bank documents, analytical products and available data required for the assignment, and will coordinate review and consolidation of comments on the Consultant’s deliverables. The Consultant will be expected to maintain regular coordination with the designated RDRI task manager and relevant partner-institution technical teams throughout the assignment. Any necessary and approved data-collection missions, consultations or participation in an Expert Group Meeting will be undertaken subject to prior approval. Eligible travel costs and daily subsistence allowances will be covered in accordance with the Bank’s applicable rules governing consultant mission travel. Interested Consultants shall provide information on their qualifications and experience demonstrating their ability to undertake the assignment, including references to similar services, relevant publications and comparable assignments.
F. Duty Station
The assignment will be remote.
G. Essential Specialized Skills/Knowledge/Competencies
▪ At least a Master’s degree in International Economics, Development Economics, International Trade, International Trade Policy, Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy or another closely related field. ▪ A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional experience in regional integration, trade policy analysis, industrialization, regional value chains or related economic research and policy work in Africa. ▪ In-depth understanding of regional integration, trade, economic growth, industrialization and Regional Value Chains (RVCs), with sector expertise relevant to the assigned chapter, including critical minerals, agro-processing or textiles and apparel, as applicable. ▪ Demonstrated ability to use quantitative and econometric methods and to analyse large datasets, including international trade statistics and Trade in Value Added statistics, where relevant to the assigned chapter. ▪ Strong understanding of AfCFTA instruments and of regulatory, institutional and policy frameworks affecting regional integration, industrial development, investment and value-chain development in Africa. ▪ Experience in analysing financing and implementation mechanisms for regional industrial transformation, including the roles of governments, RECs, continental institutions, development finance institutions and the private sector. ▪ A strong track record of analytical writing and, preferably, refereed publications, books or book chapters on trade, regional integration, industrialization or related subjects. ▪ Demonstrated capacity to deliver high-quality outputs within tight timelines and to incorporate technical review comments effectively. ▪ Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. ▪ Proficiency in relevant analytical software and Microsoft Office applications. Familiarity with the working environment of multilateral development institutions would be an advantage.
H. Supervisor
The Consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Director, Regional Integration Coordination Office (RDRI), African Development Bank Group, and under the direct technical supervision of the RDRI task manager designated for ARIA XII. The Consultant will work in close technical coordination with the relevant ECA Regional Integration and Trade Division and AUC counterparts involved in the joint preparation of ARIA XII.
Consultancy Input Days
66.00
Qualifications
Qualification
Assessment
Regular Consultant
Less than 32 years old at the time of signing the contract and during contract execution
