MSD programs aim to trigger systemic changes in targeted market systems to achieve long-term, sustainable, and scalable impacts. This translates to improved inclusive access to services and commodities for vulnerable target populations. MSD practitioners act as “Facilitators”, not direct implementers. Our role is to catalyze change led by the market actors themselves, not replace any of their functions.
Effective facilitation begins with innovative business models co-designed with market actors to address one or more of the key problems or constraints in the market system, typically identified through a market system analysis. Success hinges on working with the right market actors. Therefore, MSD programs must build and manage effective partnerships with these actors to drive positive change within the system.

This guide provides timely insights on how practitioners can effectively build partnerships. It was developed by The Canopy Lab as part of our support to a U.S. Government (USG)-funded program in Northeast Syria, which concluded in January 2025.

Building Effective Partnerships in Market Systems Development: Partnership Guide