Professional Diploma in Market System Development

COURSE OVERVIEW

The Professional Diploma in Market Systems Development is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to foster inclusive economic growth by applying the Making Markets Work for the Poor (M4P) and Inclusive Systems Approach. This program is ideal for development professionals, program managers, and policy makers who aim to create systemic changes that enhance the livelihoods of marginalized communities. The curriculum focuses on practical tools and frameworks that can be implemented in real-world settings to drive sustainable development outcomes.

In Africa, the efficiency and sustainability of market systems are vital for economic growth and development. Without a comprehensive understanding of MSD principles, projects risk falling short of their potential, leading to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. The Professional Diploma in Market Systems Development is tailored to bridge that gap, providing you with the expertise to implement MSD strategies that drive systemic change and foster economic resilience.

What You Will Gain from the Program

  1. Master Market Systems Development Strategies
    Learn how to design and implement effective MSD strategies that address systemic constraints and leverage market opportunities. Understand the core principles of MSD and how to apply them to create more inclusive and resilient market systems.
  2. Excel in Market Analysis and Facilitation
    Develop skills in market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation techniques. Gain insights into identifying market failures and designing interventions that promote sustainable market development. Learn how to facilitate partnerships and collaboration among market actors to drive systemic change.
  3. Harness Practical MSD Toolsand Frameworks
    Engage in over 200 hours of practical experience through real-world case studies and projects. Apply advanced MSD tools and methodologies to real challenges, such as value chain analysis, market mapping, and performance measurement. Learn how to design and implement effective monitoring and evaluation frameworks to track the impact of MSD interventions.Some of the frameworks you will study include: 

a) Market System Mapping
b) The Donor Committee for Enterprise Development (DCED) Standards
c) Value Chain Analysis
d) System Constraint Analysis
e) Problem Tree Analysis

  1. Become a Certified MSD Professional
    Earn a prestigious certification from the Nigerian College of Agribusiness, recognized for its excellence in MSD education. This certification not only validates your expertise but also enhances your career prospects in the competitive development and commercial sectors.

PROGRAMME SUMMARY

  • COURSE START DATE
    Admission is Ongoing
  • COURSE DURATION
    3 Months
  • CERTIFICATION
    Professional Diploma in Market System Development
  • MODE OF STUDY
    Live Classes Online
  • TUITION FEE
    Nigeria: N300,000
    International: $400
  • APPLY NOW

PROGRAM CURRICULUM

Module 1: Fundamentals of Market Systems Development

In this module:  

  1. You will gain a solid foundation in the core principles and concepts of Market Systems Development (MSD), with a focus on applying these principles to both the development and commercial sectors.
  2. Youwill explore how M4P and the Inclusive Systems Approach can be leveraged to create impactful and sustainable market interventions.

Practical Application: Participants will engage in real-world case studies and mapping exercises to understand successful MSD projects and their impact.

Key Tools: Market System Mapping, Theory of Change (ToC).

Module 2: Market Analysis and Value Chain Development

In this module:

  1. You will learn to conduct comprehensive market analyses that identify systemic constraints and opportunities within value chains, enhancing market efficiency and inclusiveness.
  2. You will master value chain mapping techniques and develop strategies to create more robust and inclusive markets.

Practical Application:  Participants will conduct a hands-on market research project, analysing a specific value chain to identify key leverage points for intervention.

Key Tools: Value Chain Mapping, Systemic Constraint Analysis, Participatory Market Research.

Module 3: Stakeholder Engagement and Facilitation

In this module:

  1. You will develop essential skills to effectively engage and facilitate collaboration among diverse market actors, crucial for driving systemic change in market systems.
  2. Youwill learn techniques for conflict resolution, negotiation, and building lasting partnerships that strengthen market systems.

Practical Application: Participants will engage in role-playing scenarios to practice stakeholder engagement and conflict resolution in complex market systems.

Key Tools: Stakeholder Mapping, Facilitation Techniques, Conflict Resolution Frameworks.

Module 4: Design and Implementation of MSD Interventions

In this module:

  1. You will learn to design and implement impactful MSD interventions that address systemic market constraints, driving sustainable and scalable change.
  2. Youwill explore innovative implementation strategies, leveraging technology to enhance the effectiveness of your interventions.

Practical Application: Each participant will design a complete MSD intervention, from initial concept to implementation, using a case study from a sector of interest.

Key Tools: Intervention Design Frameworks, Project Life Cycle Management, Innovation in MSD.

Module 5: Monitoring and Evaluation within MSD Project Life Cycle.

In this module,

  1. You will develop robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks tailored to MSD, enabling you to track and enhance the impact of your interventions.
  2. Youwill learn how to use data-driven insights for adaptive management and continuous learning within the MSD Project Life Cycle.

Practical Application: Participants will create an M&E plan for a case-based MSD project, focusing on adaptive learning and real-time impact assessment.

Key Tools: M&E Frameworks, Data Collection Tools, Adaptive Management Models.

Module 6: Financial Management and Risk Mitigation in MSD

In this module,

  1. You will acquire the skills to manage the financial aspects of MSD projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability in your interventions.
  2. Youwill learn how to identify and mitigate risks associated with MSD initiatives, safeguarding the long-term viability of your projects.

Practical Application: Participants will develop a financial management plan and risk mitigation strategy for an MSD project, ensuring it can withstand financial and operational challenges.

Key Tools: Financial Planning Models, Risk Assessment Tools, Sustainability Frameworks.

Faculty Members

The Nigerian College of Agribusiness has about 60 faculty members—distinguished scholars, industry leaders, and mentors, with more being hired each year as we open new, progressive, and unique programs. But the story is not just in the numbers. Each year, as we launch innovative and unique programs, our faculty continues to grow, bringing in fresh perspectives and expertise. At NCA, you will learn directly from these award-winning faculty members in small classes where you will have easy access to them.

Some of the faculty members on the Professional Diploma in Market System Development are:

Habib Onifade

Al-Habib Onifade

Al-Habib is a distinguished authority in the field of Market Systems Development (MSD) and Value Chain Analysis, with a global reputation for excellence. His expertise extends across various regions, where he has been instrumental in shaping and optimizing market systems for both development and commercial sectors. His commitment to advancing the capacity of MSD professionals in Africa is evident in his work, where he has successfully guided numerous organizations toward MSD compliance, ensuring that their programs are sustainable, inclusive, and impactful.

He currently works as the Technical Director at Swisscontact, Uganda where he leads strategic initiatives that drive systemic change in market development. Prior to that, he has led several Market Systems Development Projects at Mercy Corps Uganda, Adams Smith International Liberia, DT Global Australia, PWC UK, and Palladium’s Make it Possible Project in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho among many others.

Al-Habib has an MSc in Corporate and International Finance from Durham University, UK.

Dr-Olufemi-Ojo (1)

Olufemi Ojo

Olufemi Ojo is a highly accomplished Market Systems Development (MSD) professional with over two decades of experience in supporting and transforming development organizations across Africa across various high-impact projects.

He is currently the Program Manager for Food Health Systems Advisory, a project initiative under the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on Nutrition and Women’s Economic Empowerment. Olufemi had previously worked as a Market Systems Manager at PwC where he was instrumental in designing and implementing strategies that enhanced the effectiveness and efficiency of market systems, ensuring they are inclusive and sustainable. Throughout his works on the various MSD projects, he has consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of the complexities of market dynamics, particularly within the African context.

Why Study at the Nigerian College of Agribusiness?

No other institution in Africa offers such a comprehensive approach to agribusiness and development sector education as the Nigerian College of Agribusiness. We provide a unique blend of academic rigor, practical expertise, and industry connections. Here, you will learn from experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields and deeply engaged with the latest advancements in their industries. We leverage interdisciplinary knowledge and the latest research to enhance our programs, ensuring they are relevant and impactful. At NCA, you will continuously engage with thought leaders who are constantly shaping the dynamics of their industries and after graduation, you will be a life-long member of a vibrant alumni community that continually foster cross-disciplinary learning and networking.

Tuition Fee

Local Students: N300,000

International Students: $400

Course Start Date

Admission is Ongoing

ADMISSION CRITERIA

We seek highly motivated individuals who have demonstrated the potential to excel in a rigorous, integrated program. The admission requirements for the Professional Diploma in Market Systems Development.  are as follows:

  1. University Degree: Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree from an institution recognized by the Nigerian College of Agribusiness.
  2. Interview Assessment: Candidates must demonstrate satisfactory performance in an online interview assessment, showcasing their readiness for the program’s challenges.
  3. English Proficiency: A strong command of the English language is essential, as it is the medium of instruction and communication.
  4. Digital Competency: Applicants should possess solid skills in internet navigation and online learning tools, ensuring they can effectively participate in the program’s online format.

APPLY NOW

Admission is ongoing for the Professional Diploma in Market Systems Development (MSD).

To apply for this program, please complete and submit the application form below.

Contact Us
Nigeria
Head, Mini MBA Programs Nigerian College of Agribusiness 10, Bisi Akande Rd, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan Plot 502, Dalaba Crescent, Zone 5, Abuja
Email: [email protected]
Tel/WhatsApp: 09023789104 (Local) +2349023789104
(International)
South Africa Representative
Destiny Smart
Durban, South Africa
Tel/WhatsApp: +27844117039
Uganda Representative
Mark Andrew
Kampala, Uganda
Tel/WhatsApp: +256 701 9777 11
Zimbabwe Representative
Biriwasha Masimba
Harare, Zimbabwe
Tel/WhatsApp: +256 784 121 347
South Sudan Representative
Cinya Robert Rufino
Juba, South Sudan
Tel/Whatsapp: +256 784 121 347