Tender for Hiring a Consultant/firm to Revise the National Early Childhood Development (ECD) Policy for Rwanda

Tender Information

• Tender Reference Number: CRS-Rwanda 006- FY26-TN/2026
• Procurement Method: Open Tender
• Date of Issue: February 18, 2026
• Submission Deadline: March 3, 2026

Background and Context

Early childhood development (ECD) in the first few years of life lays the foundation for a child's future health, education, labor market productivity, and well-being. According to recent estimates, 250 million (or 43%) of children under five in low- and middle-income countries risk not reaching their development potential because of extreme poverty, malnutrition, and violence.

The benefits of investing in ECD are significant. For every 1 RWF invested in early childhood, an estimated 56 RWF returns to the economy in the form of socio-economic benefits. Potential benefits include better health, improved cognitive development and schooling outcomes, and eventually increased wages and productivity. ECD investment also has the potential to stop the inter-generational transmission of poverty and malnutrition.

Current Situation

The Government of Rwanda has made significant progress in advancing Early Childhood Development (ECD) over the past decade, guided by the 2016 National ECD Policy. Since then, major institutional, demographic, and sectoral changes have taken place, including:

• The establishment and operationalization of the National Child Development Agency (NCDA) as the lead institution for ECD coordination
• Expansion of ECD service delivery models such as ECD facilities, home visiting programs, and integrated MIYCN–ECD platforms across districts
• Growing national emphasis on ECD facilities