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Eastern Cape Agriculture seeks irrigation scheme development partners

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The Eastern Cape Provincial Government Department of Agriculture invites qualified development partners to submit Expressions of Interest for the commercialisation of irrigation schemes and associated value chains. This Request for Proposal (CIS2026/27-2030/1) targets established agricultural enterprises capable of partnering with black smallholder producers to drive sustainable growth, job creation, and food security across the province’s priority irrigation schemes.

Priority Commodity Value Chains

Applicants must select one or two irrigation schemes within a single district from the following priority commodity categories:

  • Irrigated field crops: maize, soybean, sunflower, sorghum, wheat, canola
  • Vegetables: cabbage, beetroot, potatoes, spinach, green beans, carrots
  • Fodder: lucerne, cowpeas, oats, ryegrass, pearl millet for grazing or silage
  • High-value crops: herbs, essential oils, berries, nuts, pomegranate

Proposals must demonstrate integration across input supply, primary production, value addition, logistics, and secure off-take agreements.

Mandatory Eligibility Conditions

To qualify, development partners must meet the following non-negotiable criteria:

  • Minimum 60% black ownership with preference for military veterans, youth, women, and persons with disabilities
  • Proof of financial investment of at least R1 million into the enterprise value chain
  • Valid Water Use Rights and Land Rights documentation
  • Signed partnership agreements with local farmers or landowners
  • Proof of social facilitation engagement (agendas, minutes, attendance registers)

Compulsory Briefing Session Details

Attendance at one district briefing session is mandatory. Bidders who fail to attend will be disqualified.

  • 23 April 2026, 11:00: Chris Hani Boardroom, Batandwa Ndondo Building, Komani
  • 24 April 2026, 11:00: Amatole Boardroom, 64 Fitzpatrick Road, kuGompo
  • 29 April 2026, 11:00: Tardi Boardroom, College Drive, Tsolo

Evaluation Criteria and Scoring

Proposals undergo functional evaluation against key criteria including project vision, value chain model, infrastructure and technology plans, operational framework, and financial investment strategy. A minimum qualifying score of 70% applies across all commodity categories. Successful applicants will be included in the Departmental Irrigation Scheme Partnership Database for contractual engagement over one to three-year periods.

Related opportunity: Eastern Cape Agriculture seeks fencing material suppliers

Document Access and Submission

Tender Documents Links

Submission Addresses Completed applications must be delivered in sealed envelopes to any of the following Department of Agriculture bid boxes:

  • Themba Kojana Building, N6, Maleswai
  • Batandwa Ndondo Building, Komani
  • Old Mutual Building, 64 Govan Mbeki, Gqeberha
  • 94 Fitzpatrick Road, kuGompo
  • 206 Magistrate Street, Maluti
  • Tardi College, College Drive, Tsolo

For administrative enquiries, contact Nomapha Mfunda at Nomapha.Mfunda@ecagriculture.gov.za or 071-331-8622. Technical enquiries: Dr. Mongezi Mbangcolo at Mongezi.Mbangcolo@ecagriculture.gov.za. Closing date: 01 June 2026 at 11:00. Late submissions will not be accepted.

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