Market systems development
Market Systems Development (MSD) – also known as Making Market Work for the Poor (M4P) or Inclusive Systems Approach – is an overarching approach being used mostly in private and financial sector development as well as labour markets including vocational skills development.
As one of its pioneers SDC has promoted MSD for many years
Market Systems Development (MSD) addresses the underlying causes why markets are not performing for people living in poverty and unemployment. Removing so called bottlenecks then translates into lasting changes that have a large-scale impact. The adaptive and facilitative way of intervening that is typical for MSD makes planning, approving and managing these projects different from projects following other approaches. This page provides you with the necessary background information, guidance and links to specialized webpages.
The following introduction video to MSD provides a short, jargon-free explanation what the market systems approach is all about: how it differs from conventional aid, and how it can be used to help create widespread and lasting improvements in incomes, access to jobs, products and services for millions of people living in poverty.
The PSD platforms we are active on and MSD partners we work with
DCED
DCED is the leading forum for learning about the most effective ways to create economic opportunities for the poor, in line with the SDGs, and based on practical experience in PSD.
BEAM Exchange
A DCED specialist platform for knowledge exchange on MSD approaches. BEAM supports good practice, by providing a gateway to know-how for professionals.
Partnerships
The E+E works with a range of strategic partnerships at the international, regional and national levels to strengthen the international policy dialogue.
Key documents
SDC Guidance Managing MSD Projects
SDC Guidance - Brief on Market System Development for Decision Makers
SDC Operational Guide for the M4P Approach
SDC Guidance FSD Forming partnerships with the Private Sector
This document aims to capture some lessons and tips on how to form and manage partnerships with private sector actors.
Independent Evaluation of SDC’s Performance in Market System Development in Agriculture 2013 - 2019
Working aids
MSD projects
Swisscontact - Katalyst
Katalyst is considered to be one of the most successful market development projects in the world, and the largest in South Asia.
ALCP - Alliances Caucasus Programme
DCED audited market development programme working in accordance with the M4P Approach
Springfield Centre
A leader in the market systems approach to development in low and middle-income economies .
Related topics
Results measurement
To monitor the implementation of Switzerland's international cooperation strategy 2025 – 2028, SDC has a set of binding results indicators according to the 10 sub-objectives of the strategy. Results indicators allow to assess outcomes and outputs achieved with SDC support.
Local economic development LED
Local Economic Development (LED) promotes local economies to reduce poverty by linking economic and governance approaches in specific territories.