CALL FOR COUNTY BASED BDS CHAMPIONS!
Strengthening Kenya’s Local BDS Ecosystem for Agri-MSME Transformation
Africa Turnaround Ltd (ATL) invites Expressions of Interest (EoI) from county-based Business Development Service (BDS) providers, trainers, coaches, and e-facilitators across Kenya to join a high-impact initiative under the IFC-supported Agribusiness Leadership Program (ALP). The certification program is fully funded and supported by IFC.
About ATL
Africa Turnaround Limited (ATL) is a leading Business Development Services (BDS) firm with over 16 years of experience strengthening agribusinesses and farmer organizations across Africa. ATL is not just a BDS provider — it is an ecosystem enabler. We work to build local, sustainable BDS systems by certifying and equipping local firms, trainers, and coaches to deliver standardized, cost-efficient, and scalable services.
ATL offers a shared, licensable blended BDS Platform that includes:
● A mobile-first learning app with offline capability
● A trainer dashboard and coaching toolkit
● Accredited courses and trainer/coach certification
ATL’s solutions are designed for scale, cost-efficiency, and rural inclusion, and are aligned with ISO 18716, a standard for professional farmer organizations.
Project Background
In partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), ATL is implementing a 14-month program to professionalize BDS delivery across Kenyan counties. The project will license and certify:
● County-based BDS firms, and
● Local trainers, coaches, and e-facilitators, who will use ATL’s platform and courses to deliver agribusiness training and coaching to farmer groups, cooperatives, agri-retailers, and other agri-SMEs.
What You’ll Gain
● Certification in ATL’s blended BDS and the globally recognized ALP methodology
● Access to ATL’s tech-enabled BDS platform and digital tools
● Integration into ATL BDS projects subject to available opportunities
● National recognition and ecosystem visibility
● Connection to a growing network of certified blended BDS professionals
Who Can Apply?
BDS Firms
● Kenya-registered, operating at the county level
● At least 5 years of BDS experience with rural MSMEs or agri-groups
● Proven sustainability, local presence, and development impact
● Successful firms must nominate a minimum of five (5) local BDS trainers and coaches who meet the following qualifications:
o At least 3 years of experience in delivering business training or coaching in rural contexts
o Demonstrated familiarity with adult learning principles, coaching methodologies, and/or digital facilitation tools
o County-based professionals who regularly support rural agri-enterprises and producer organizations
What’s Expected
● Sign an agreement of engagement with ATL
● Nominate at least 5 local trainers/coaches to participate in the certification
● Participate in ATL’s blended BDS certification, including ALP methodology.
● Trainees are expected to have access to a computer or tablet and internet connectivity.
● Leverage ATL’s tools and digital platform to deliver blended BDS programs
● Engage actively in ATL’s national BDS knowledge-sharing platform
How to Apply
Deadline: 31st May 2025
Be part of shaping a strong, digitally enabled BDS ecosystem that empowers Kenya’s rural agri-businesses to thrive!