The DCED, together with the BEAM Exchange – its knowledge platform on market systems development (MSD), has a track record in running Global Seminars to learn about effective practice in private-sector development (PSD).
The DCED’s 2026 Global Seminar will bring together DCED Members with the wider community of private sector development (PSD) funders and practitioners, to examine implications of the evolving global aid landscape for PSD for different types of participants:
Since our last Global Seminar in 2024, there have been seismic shifts in the world of PSD. Bilateral aid budgets have been cut or eliminated; there is increased political pressure to align PSD with domestic trade benefits for donor countries; and donor countries are increasingly turning to Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and other sources of finance to drive development outcomes. This is set against the backdrop of rising fragility and climate shocks, which demand more integrated responses that align prevention, recovery and adaptation with more systemic approaches. In all these responses, inclusion principles are under considerable strain yet remain essential for sustainable growth.
See the event flyer for more details on seminar content and logistics. Click here to view the full programme.
Applications are reviewed monthly, starting in January 2026. Participants will be selected based on relevant experience and early application is recommended. Note that DCED Annual Meeting components also visible in the application form (Monday, 15 June and Friday, 19 June) are open to DCED members and potential member agencies only. For any questions, please contact seminar@enterprise-development.org.
Discussions at the Seminar will be organised around eight thematic strands,. outlined below. Seminar sessions will prioritise practical lessons emerging from PSD experience, evidence of what is working well, and analysis of the pitfalls.
The PSD funding landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. Bilateral aid budgets have been cut or redirected, multilaterals face distinct pressures from reduced contributions and restrictions to national implementers, and foundations and DFIs are being positioned as alternative channels for systemic approaches. This stream will provide a frank assessment of the scale and differentiated nature of these shifts, while spotlighting where adaptation and innovation are already underway.
Bilateral donors face growing political pressures to reconcile domestic interests – such as trade, market and resource access – with (private sector) development objectives abroad. One vehicle for this agenda is private sector engagement (PSE) programmes that involve donor country businesses in development.
There is a need to create systems through which finance can reach SMEs, and in which SMEs can develop to attract finance. The 2024 Global Seminar demonstrated that access to finance for dynamic SMEs in emerging markets requires collaboration between PSD and finance specialists.
As a flagship systemic approach in PSD, MSD remains a key choice for donors and implementers alike. Significant updates to core guidance are in progress, and these should be examined and debated by the community.
In the past two years, a Just Transition has become a central topic on the agendas of many funding agencies. Yet, examples beyond climate adaptation in agriculture remain sparse. What are the limits of tweaking existing portfolios, projects and interventions? In a time of shifting funding priorities, how will new projects be conceptualised and designed differently?
Against the backdrop of a humanitarian funding collapse, more people than ever before are faced with protracted crises and displacement. Populations that have depended on prolonged humanitarian assistance are coping with dwindling food assistance and other support for their basic needs.
Communicating credible evidence on effective PSD remains important to mobilise conventional and new funders. But while aid budgets are shrinking, the goalposts of results measurement in PSD keep shifting to capture diverse outcomes: green ambitions, trade effectiveness, systemic change, gender, youth and vulnerable groups inclusion.
Inclusion can be mainstreamed within systemic development programming, supported by years of evidence showing that programmes and private investments are more successful and sustainable when designed through an inclusion lens. Yet, in some circles, the entire premise is being challenged.
Side events from external providers will take place on Friday 19 June 2026 in Nairobi. Information on side events is being added below as it becomes available – please check back for more details.
Advanced Market Systems Development Training: DevLearn is bringing its Advanced Market Systems Development Training to Nairobi for a one-day intensive on Friday 19th June. Designed for practitioners working in complex environments, this immersive, scenario-based session focuses on strengthening your ability to design and implement MSD programmes. During the day, you will take on the role of an MSD team leader. You will design and stress-test business models, manage a portfolio of interventions, and respond to unexpected shocks. This workshop is ideal for practitioners looking for a high-quality, practice-focused way to build skills, as well as those considering taking the next full in-person Advanced Course in September. The cost is $300 per person, and the course runs at the venue of the DCED Global Seminar in Nairobi.
For more information contact adam@devlearn.co.uk, or visit the DevLearn website.
MCL in association with the Mazi Group, is offering a one day workshop on Assessing System Change in conjunction with the DCED Global Seminar. The workshop will be held on 19 June at the same venue as the DCED Global Seminar.
Inspired by “A Pragmatic Approach to Assessing System Change,” and drawing on progress since it was written, this workshop will cover practical methodologies for assessing system changes. You will learn actionable steps that you can take to start or improve assessing system changes and utilizing the information for adaptive management.
During the workshop, you will apply user-friendly tools to real cases and learn about the experiences of other institutions and programs. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and clarify how to apply the tools in your context.
Led by global experts in practical results measurement, Aly Miehlbradt and Phitcha Wanitphon, this dynamic workshop will deepen your understanding of how to design for, and assess system changes to drive impactful systemic initiatives.
For more information, read the program details. To register, fill out the online registration form. If you have questions, email holm@miehlbradt.com
Are you responsible for shaping, commissioning, co-designing or investing in employment and skills programmes? Join us for a practical, evidence-based workshop built specifically for donor representatives. Drawing on a growing body of research and cross-agency programme learning, this workshop will give you the tools to define your vision for impactful transformation, including setting clearer objectives, navigating trade-offs in programme design, evaluating implementer proposals with confidence, and leading effective co-design processes. Sessions will unlock our understanding of labour market demand and supply and the importance of making informed tradeoffs around participant focus, approaches, systems change, scale and value for money — with practical exercises, applied examples and peer discussion throughout. Whether you’re from a bilateral or foundation donor agency, this workshop will help you turn good intentions into well-designed programmes. Tentative timing: 11:30am to 4:30pm, at the same venue as the DCED Global Seminar. No fee but places are limited – register your interest now.
This workshop is led by Rachel Shah – the Director of Youth Employment at Mercy Corps. She is an experienced researcher, trainer and technical leader in Market Systems Development for Employment, co-founder of the global MSD for Employment Community of Practice and supports a diverse range of employment and entrepreneurship projects, using a variety of approaches, globally. If you have any questions about the workshop, feel free to get in touch with Rachel: rshah@mercycorps.org
Global efforts to realise climate goals, digital transformations and energy security are driving growing demand for critical minerals such as copper, lithium and rare earth elements. For this demand to translate into maximum value for both exporting and importing countries, they should align with producer countries’ development ambitions, reflect best practices for protecting human rights and the environment, and engage effectively with the private sector along value chains. The current context of global strategic competition for access to critical minerals is further raising the stakes for producer governments, affected communities and the environment.
The DCED Secretariat and the OECD will jointly host a half-day workshop for donors and practitioners to explore some of the key issues related to critical minerals and (private sector) development, with plenty of opportunities to exchange experiences and current initiatives amongst participants.
Participation will be free of charge. Since places are limited, early registration is advised. Please see the flyer for more information and link to the application form.
Through the Global Gateway, the Netherlands is supporting efforts by TradeMark Africa and its partners to modernise and speed-up how goods move across borders. Digital customs systems and real-time cargo tracking are replacing manual processes, cutting clearance times from days to under 24 hours in some cases.
The benefits extend beyond technical aspects. By speeding up trade and making it more predictable, costs decrease, competitiveness increases, and regional supply chains become sturdier and more dependable. The shift further indicates a broader movement toward comprehensive and rules-based trade frameworks. For the Netherlands and the EU, Global Gateway focuses on both building sustainable, transparent, and interoperable infrastructure and investing in systems that lower uncertainty and connect markets efficiently.
This field visit to the Kenya Revenue Authority headquarters will provide an overview of the customs digitization initiatives supported by TradeMark Africa, including the Integrated Customs Management System (iCMS), Regional Electronic Cargo Tracking System (RECTS), and cargo scanning and image analysis. It will include a demonstration of the RECTS national dashboard and the national scanning management dashboard. These digitization efforts have contributed to significant reductions in the time and cost of trade for both imports and exports, including cargo transported by rail and sea freight.
The field visit is free of charge but please note that it is open only to accepted participants of the DCED Annual Meeting and Global Seminar. For a full agenda and more information on the initiative, see the event flyer. To register, use the sign-up form.
