The Business Development Services (BDS) Donor Coordination Group (BDCG) brings together development actors working to strengthen market systems. Its network connects government, the private sector, academia and development organisations through dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
The Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) hosts the BDCG Secretariat. Beyond the annual gathering, the network supports continued learning and engagement around inclusive and resilient market systems.
The BDCG Conference 2026 brings together people and institutions working to transform African market systems. From 25 to 27 November in Mombasa, connect with practitioners, governments, financial institutions, development partners and private-sector leaders. Researchers, innovators, youth entrepreneurs and policymakers from across Africa and beyond will add their perspectives.
Under the theme "Transforming African Market Systems: Innovating Local Solutions, Inclusive Finance, and Climate Resilience," the conference focuses on practical, scalable and transformative solutions. It creates space for structured dialogue, evidence-based learning, partnership building and investment engagement.
The ambition is clear: translate exchange into meaningful economic, environmental and development outcomes for resilient and inclusive market systems.
Join us in Mombasa, Kenya, from 25 to 27 November 2026. Delegates should plan to arrive on 24 November, ahead of the opening day.
Bring evidence that challenges assumptions. Learn from solutions developed in different markets. Meet potential collaborators and explore investment opportunities. Whether your work shapes policy, supports enterprise or tests new approaches, your perspective can help move the discussion forward.
The conference aims to inform a synthesis report, policy briefs and a post-conference roadmap. These proposed outputs will carry insights into BDCG's continuing engagements and support further learning and collaboration.
2025
Discussions considered resilience, inclusion and sustainability amid a shifting donor landscape. Field visits connected these discussions with local enterprise experience.
2024
Participants examined the role of market systems development in building resilient and inclusive economies.
The conference is planned for 25–27 November 2026, PrideInn Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya.
Delegate registration and abstract submission are separate participation routes. See the registration page for booking information.
Contact bdcgnetwork@mespt.org to discuss your access requirements and the arrangements available.