Malawi to launch RFP for 350 MW Mpatamanga hydropower project

The Government of Malawi is set to launch a request for proposal (RFP) for the development of a 350 MW Mpatamanga hydroelectric power project on the Shire River at the Mpatamanga Gorge under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) finance development model. 

The Government has partnered with International Finance Corporation (IFC) as co-developer in the early-stage development activities for the Project, including the preparation of Project documents, technical reports, and environmental & social studies.

The Government intends to identify a Strategic Sponsor for the development, financing, construction, operation, and maintenance of the Project. The Strategic Sponsor will be selected through a competitive tender process managed by Malawi’s Public-Private Partnership Commission (PPPC) in accordance with the PPP Act.

One or more engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors will be selected under a subsequent and separate tender process, which will follow the World Bank procurement regulations. Any proposal from a company that includes the name of a contractor for any downstream work will be unacceptable. Companies that participate in the winning Strategic Sponsor’s proposal or any of their affiliates, associates or subsidiaries, or any firms controlled directly or indirectly by such companies shall not be permitted to participate as a bidder in the tender process for the role of EPC contractor.

The Strategic Sponsor RFP, which will include an initial qualification phase, will be made available to prospective bidders starting on or around February 11, 2020. A certification letter and relevant fee will be required before prospective bidders can gain access to the RFP via an electronic data room. Instructions for interested parties to request access to the RFP can be found by visiting the Project website. Additional details will be provided during two webinars to be held on January 31, and February 4, 2020. The webinar registration information will be posted to the Project website. In April 2020, the Government will host a site visit preceded by a pre-bid conference in Blantyre, where bidders will be accorded the opportunity to ask questions to the Government and its advisors.