Need, demand & relevance
Assess the problem, intended users, service gaps, demand, alternatives and the evidence supporting the proposed intervention or investment concept.
Feasibility studies and technical advisory
Feasibility studies that test whether an idea can work before major resources are committed.
Gesem supports organisations that need a structured assessment of whether a proposed programme, service, institutional initiative or investment concept is needed, workable and implementable in Ethiopia. We combine evidence review, stakeholder consultation, field research and operational analysis to help clients compare options, identify risks and make better-informed decisions.
Scope of support
Six questions a feasibility study should answer clearly.
A useful feasibility study should move beyond describing a problem. It should test demand, delivery conditions, institutional readiness, costs, risks and realistic implementation choices.
Operational feasibility
Examine geography, delivery channels, logistics, staffing, infrastructure, access, sequencing and implementation conditions that determine whether the concept can work in practice.
Institutional feasibility
Review mandates, governance, organisational capacity, roles, coordination arrangements and systems needed to implement and sustain the proposed initiative.
Market & economic considerations
Assess market structure, demand, affordability, value-chain conditions, cost drivers and economic implications at a level appropriate to the assignment.
Risk, safeguards & compliance
Identify material operational, social, environmental, ethical, regulatory and contextual risks and define practical mitigation measures.
Options & implementation pathway
Compare realistic alternatives and translate the evidence into a recommended option, implementation roadmap, assumptions and decision points.
How we work
A feasibility process that stays connected to the decision.
Frame the decision
Clarify the proposed concept, decision to be made, alternative options, target groups, decision criteria and technical boundaries.
Review evidence and context
Analyse relevant documents, policy and regulatory context, existing studies, market or service data and implementation experience.
Generate primary evidence
Use interviews, surveys, focus groups, observation, market checks or institutional assessment where primary evidence is needed.
Test feasibility dimensions
Assess operational, institutional, market, financial/economic, social, environmental and risk dimensions appropriate to the scope.
Compare options
Make trade-offs visible, identify assumptions and constraints, and compare feasible implementation pathways rather than presenting one predetermined solution.
Recommend and sequence
Present a clear recommendation, implementation conditions, mitigation measures, indicative roadmap and issues requiring further specialist analysis.
Methods and evidence sources
Methods may include
Typical outputs
Deliverables shaped for use
Technical advisory without overstating specialist disciplines.
Some feasibility assignments require engineering design, hydrology, architecture, specialist environmental modelling, legal opinions, actuarial analysis or investment-grade financial modelling. Gesem does not present these as in-house capabilities unless the required qualified specialists are explicitly included in the team. We define the technical boundary during inception and bring in appropriate expertise where the TOR requires it.
Questions clients ask
Frequently asked questions.
Can Gesem conduct feasibility studies for development programmes?
Yes. Gesem can assess need, demand, implementation conditions, institutional readiness, stakeholder perspectives, risks, options and practical delivery pathways for development and institutional initiatives.
Can the study include market and financial analysis?
Yes, at a level appropriate to the assignment. Where the TOR requires specialist investment modelling, valuation or regulated financial advice, suitably qualified specialists are included in the team.
Does Gesem conduct engineering feasibility studies?
Gesem can lead the wider research, institutional, socioeconomic, market and implementation components, but engineering design or certification is undertaken only with appropriately qualified technical professionals.
Can a feasibility study lead directly into programme design or strategy?
Yes. The findings can be translated into implementation options, results frameworks, risk mitigation, sequencing, resource assumptions and a subsequent programme or strategic-planning process.
Have a TOR or concept?
Discuss a Feasibility Study Share the decision, scope, locations and deadline.
Gesem can review the assignment and propose an appropriate Ethiopia methodology, team, work plan and commercial response.