Building market systems that are inclusive and resilient.
Across Africa, millions of entrepreneurs, farmers and small businesses are building livelihoods in markets that are changing faster than ever. Climate shocks, shifting trade patterns and new technologies are reshaping how value is created and who benefits from it. Strengthening the market systems these enterprises depend on is no longer a development option; it is an economic necessity.
This is the purpose of the Business Development Services (BDS) Donor Coordination Group (BDCG). We bring together government, development partners, the private sector, financial institutions and academia to share what works, coordinate our efforts and turn evidence into practical solutions. No single institution can transform a market system alone. Real change happens when we align our resources, learn from one another and act together.
Over the past years, the BDCG has grown into a trusted platform for this collaboration. Our past annual convenings brought together practitioners, policymakers and investors from across the region. This year, our pre-conference webinar series has kept the conversation going throughout the year, tackling questions such as how to unlock finance, enterprise growth and investment for inclusive market transformation.
I invite you to join us at the BDCG 2026 Annual Conference, 25–27 November 2026, in Mombasa, under the theme “Transforming African Market Systems: Innovating Local Solutions, Inclusive Finance, and Climate Resilience.” Together, we will explore three areas:
- Productive and resilient market systems
- Finance, enterprise and markets
- Governance, inclusion and scale
My hope is that this conference will go beyond dialogue. I want us to leave Mombasa with new partnerships, shared commitments and practical ideas that reach the enterprises and communities at the heart of our work.
I thank our members, partners and the Secretariat, hosted by MESPT, for their continued commitment to this network. I look forward to welcoming you to Mombasa and to working with you to build market systems that are inclusive, resilient and ready for the future.
Victor Ndiege
Chair, BDS Donor Coordination Group (BDCG)
Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Climate Ventures