One of the main challenges that consultancy companies like Abdulahi Consulting face are dry spells, these are when you are not implementing a programme and there are only things on the pipeline which you are not sure if you will get or not.
In these funding crisis, this is common than you think. Many potential partners are looking inhouse, projects have been suspended or altered to ensure survivial of the contracting entity. the very few opportunities in the sector has become extremely competitive as many folks in the industry are struggling to stay afloat due to USAID funding cuts and the general reduction in the Official development Assistance(ODA) of the donor countries https://www.oecd.org/en/data/insights/data-explainers/2026/04/a-historic-decline-in-foreign-aid-preliminary-2025-oda-data.html
Dry spells are also very busy times as it means more applications, strategizing and ensuring ways to increase win rate, bidding is not an easy task, it requires extensive work despite not knowing if you will get the contract. Its like aiming while not sure if you hit the target and not knowing the opponent
I work with many friends in this sector, i always encourage them to never lose hope and to think outside the box, here are some practical tips that you may not hear from anywhere else.
Recommendations
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Dry spells are times to regroup, rethink and review the projects that you have done. It’s also time to set the record straight, use this time to reconnect with former clients and to network. Improve your offerings and ensure you are ready when the next cycle starts.
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Your consultancy work needs to be visible; Clearly document what you do and promote it. If you don’t promote, who else will promote your work. I can’t emphasise the importance of a website in this day and age, this was an actual advice I gave to some of my colleagues. You need to be visible!
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You need to niche down. I know this could be a challenge as opportunities are limited, but it will be your saviour. you need to curve your own niche and specify in one thing like EiE, once you master that thing and establish an authority you can easily add more areas.
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Collaborate with others rather than compete, I know many colleagues in this industry prefer to work alone but working with others is the way to go, it will help you expand your horizons and increase your chance of winning unless you are an expert in your chosen field.
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Reach out and ask questions, do not afraid to seek advise and clarity. Ask feedback, ask questions and get engaged. By engaging, you may unblock closed doors.
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Think of ways to improve your offerings, for instance instead of being the lead, you should be comfortable with not leading and playing supportive role
Concluding thoughts
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