1. Introduction

The National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust is an independent and autonomous public institution governed by its own Board of Trustees. It was registered as a Public Trust under the Trustees Incorporation Act on 14th March 2012.

NICE Trust exists to promote the consolidation of democracy and good governance in Malawi through the provision of high-quality civic and voter education. The Trust operates in a professional, Impartial, coordinated and non-partisan manner across all districts of the country.

2. Background and Justification

In line with its mandate, NICE Trust is intended to remain a permanent public institution that strengthens democratic culture and civic participation in Malawi. To enhance institutional sustainability and operational efficiency, the Trust seeks to acquire its own office premises in Mchinji, Mangochi, Mzimba and Nsanje Districts.

With funding from the Government of Malawi through the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP), NICE Trust intends to procure existing office buildings as part of this long-term institutional development strategy.

3. Overall Objective

To enhance the institutional sustainability of NICE Trust in the short, medium, and long term through the acquisition of permanent office premises.

4. Specific Objective of the Assignment

To procure an existing building structure with adequate space and potential for refurbishment to accommodate functional office operations.

In view of this objective, NICE Trust invites Expressions of Interest (EoIs) from bona fide property owners with valid proof of ownership who wish to sell their properties to NICE Trust. Interested parties should take note of the following key specifications:

4.1 Required Building Specifications

NICE Trust seeks an already constructed structure that can be renovated or modified into a functional office space with capacity to include additional institutional facilities such as a resource centre.

4.1.1 Plot and Building Size

The plot should measure between 0.1 and 0.2 hectares, providing adequate space for potential structural modifications or extensions.

The building should:

• Have at least 120 square metres of floor space.
• Ideally contain a minimum of five (5) rooms, with one room big enough to be a resource centre and conference room
• Feature permanent internal partitions, proper ventilation (adequate windows), and a durable metal or steel roof, strong and durable wall structure
• Include properly designed sanitation facilities (toilets, bathrooms, septic tank, and soakaway).
• Have a functioning and well-designed drainage system around the premises.

4.1.2 Parking Space

The property should accommodate not fewer than five (5) vehicles.

4.1.3 Location

• The building must be located within the central business area of each district (Mangochi, Mchinji, Mzimba and Nsanje), accordingly.
• The property must be easily accessible by road, preferably situated along or near a major street, and within close proximity to essential public utilities and commercial establishments.

4.1.4 Age and Structural Condition

• The age of the building must be disclosed.
• The structure should be of sound construction, capable of withstanding refurbishment and renovation works.

5. Additional Requirements

5.1 Technical Assessment

All shortlisted properties will undergo a comprehensive technical evaluation by a panel of experts to assess structural integrity, renovation requirements, cost implications, and overall suitability.

5.2 Bid Opening Process

The bid opening will be conducted in an open and transparent manner. All applicants or their duly appointed representatives are encouraged to attend the opening session at their own cost.

6. Submission Details and Deadline

Interested property owners may obtain additional information from the NICE Trust Offices located in Area 47, Sector 5, Plot No. 5/109.

Completed Expressions of Interest, enclosed in sealed envelopes clearly marked: "Expression of Interest for a Plot with an Existing House or Office Structure" should be delivered to:

The Chairperson
Internal Procurement Committee
National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Trust
Off Kaunda Road, Opposite ABC College Main Gate, Plot #47/5/109, P.O. Box 1046,
Lilongwe, Malawi

Submission Deadline: 14:00 hours on 15 April 2026

Bid opening will take place immediately after the submission deadline at the NICE Trust Secretariat. NICE Trust is under no obligation to accept any submission.