Market systems development (MSD) is a widely applicable approach to international development co-operation that aims to achieve effective, enduring and widespread results. It focuses on tackling the underlying causes of poor performance in the networks of public and private institutions that make up modern economic systems. Evidence suggests that, when applied skilfully, the MSD approach can improve access to income, jobs and services for people living in poverty; bolster resilience to the climate crisis; and ensure that the benefits of private sector development are more inclusive.
The MSD Working Group’s long-term vision is that the MSD approach is used by all donors wherever appropriate, and that it becomes widely understood and used by practitioners and implementers in the field. This would lead to more effective and sustainable results from development co-operation.
In working towards this vision, the MSD WG collects, shares and elaborates on knowledge about the MSD approach, its use and its achievements, and to develop products, services and support for donors and implementers who are already using or willing to use the MSD approach.
The Working Group is chaired by Gatsby Africa.
The Working Group’s activities are strongly aligned with DCED members’ wider current learning agenda, with a growing number of members interested in gathering evidence on what works in systemic PSD, and in learning how to apply systems approaches to achieve diverse objectives, including job creation, environmental and climate-related objectives as well as women’s economic empowerment. Specific current activities include
