Transitioning from Public Private Development Partnerships (PPDP) to Market System Development (MSD) for inclusive development

The Public-Private Development Partnership, as we know it, is transitioning to PPDP for Inclusive Decent Employment and Productive Livelihoods—A Market Systems Development (MSD) Approach to Sustainable Socio-economic Development.

The Public-Private Development Partnerships (PPDP) project has been pivotal in our efforts to address social and economic challenges. Over the last six years, it has tackled market failures, improved infrastructure, and promoted skills development within the energy sector. However, as the global landscape shifts, so must our strategies. The transition to MSD is a natural evolution of our approach.

We are changing our approach and way of working to:  

1. Foster more systemic change: While PPDPs have modelled an approach based on specific target projects, MSD will emphasize understanding and reshaping the broader systems that enable or hinder inclusive growth.
2. Promote a more inclusive model for inclusive growth: By integrating a Rights-Based Approach (RBA) into MSD, we aim to ensure participation, equity, and non-discrimination. For instance, we will prioritise workers' rights in the supply chain and ensure fair treatment. This aligns with creating inclusive, decent employment opportunities.
3. Embrace scalability and resilience: Having piloted PPDP that relied on continued external input, the MSD will provide an approach for scaling up aims to foster systemic resilience by enabling markets to adapt and thrive, even amidst external shocks.
4. Better empower local actors: Through the PPDP, we have learned the value of leveraging external partnerships. The transition to MSD is not just a change but a learning process that we are all part of. It will empower local stakeholders—producers, workers, and businesses—to lead the change, fostering engagement and ownership within the system.

The transition from PPDP to MSD is not a departure from our principles but a progression. We are building on the strong foundation laid by PPDP to achieve an even more significant systemic impact, offering a promising future for inclusive development.

• Leverage partnerships: PPDPs offered us lessons in collaboration; we will use this to engage market actors in co-creating solutions under the MSD approach.
• Ensure participation: Apply Rights-Based Approach (RBA) principles and involve all stakeholders, especially marginalized communities, in decision-making processes.
• Focus on sustainability: Shift from short-term interventions to creating market incentives that drive long-term, inclusive growth.

Figure 1: How we anticipate the integration of RBA and MSD in the design of interventions

At ForumCiv, we believe that inclusive markets are resilient markets. Transitioning from PPDP to MSD means embedding transparency, accountability, and human rights at every stage of market system transformation. Our unwavering commitment to a participatory and sustainable approach ensures no one is left behind. Our partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) will enhance the integration of RBA into MSD, further strengthening our commitment to inclusivity and sustainability.