Private Sector Development Toolkit (PSD Toolkit)

Would you also like to contribute to local private sector development? And do you represent a Dutch company, NGO or knowledge institute? If so, we invite you to explore the opportunities for cooperation by joining the Private Sector Development Toolkit (PSD Toolkit) programme.

What is the PSD Toolkit programme?

The PSD Toolkit programme is designed to facilitate the sustainable development of private sectors in approximately 40 low and middle-income countries. In these countries, embassies of the Netherlands and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) work together to strengthen  selected sectors through strategic and complementary projects.

Within the PSD Toolkit programme, we develop projects tailored to address local challenges and serve the local context. We connect Dutch knowledge and expertise with the needs of particular sectors and the local community. This collaboration enables Dutch organisations and local partners to help individual sectors make sustainable progress. Our focus is on what is possible and desirable.

The PSD Toolkit uses a programme-based strategy to enhance international cooperation by encouraging stronger connections between PSD programmes. This approach ensures that solutions are better aligned with local needs. The essential method we use is the Programmatic Approach to Developing Economic Opportunities (PADEO).

We emphasise the position of women and young people in every project in particular. Through the Orange Corners programme and its associated investment fund, we support young entrepreneurs in scaling up their impact businesses, enabling them to create economic opportunities for their peers. 

For whom?

The PSD Toolkit is for Dutch companies, knowledge institutes and NGOs that seek to sustainably strengthen one of the promising, selected sectors in another country, together with their partners. They can achieve this by leveraging knowledge, financing or innovative products, among others.

International organisations, partners and entrepreneurs  are welcome to participate. The local embassy of the Netherlands plays a crucial role by bringing together these parties, local organisations and public authorities in a PSD Toolkit project.

PSD coach and embassies of the Netherlands

Every PSD country has a dedicated PSD coach available through RVO. These coaches help you in developing your project that promote sustainable growth and create new jobs. Each project must focus on a specific country, sector and theme that RVO prioritises. PSD Toolkit programmes are carried out locally.

The PSD coach will initiate the project if

• your idea matches a local need, and
• the local embassy of the Netherlands identifies opportunities for you, and
• your idea aligns with the strategic PSD objectives.

This process always takes place under the guidance of the local embassy. The PSD coach also ensures that the project aligns with other ongoing PSD programmes and themes in the country.  This approach brings coherence and unity to the efforts undertaken by and on behalf of the Netherlands,  strengthening the impact of other programmes. PSD fosters strong collaboration among all partners involved in various projects, resulting in enhanced activities within a country. Together, we can achieve more social impact.

If you would like to explore the opportunities for your organisation within the selected sectors and themes, please contact the relevant embassy. If opportunities are available, the embassy will connect you with the appropriate PSD coach.

Overview of embassies and consulates

Opportunities for Dutch companies

We encourage Dutch entrepreneurs to explore collaboration opportunities in selected sectors, countries and themes. PSD Toolkit can provide valuable business opportunities for your company, enabling you to:

• contribute to an improved business climate that benefits your company and local entrepreneurs;
• enter the local market early by leveraging your expertise or products with minimum investment risk;
• receive targeted market information through studies on promising market-sector combinations;
• invest in robust, responsible and sustainable private sectors abroad in partnership with (trade) partners who uphold standards of responsible business conduct;
• participate in combi-track projects (in Dutch) supported by RVO. This involvement will allow you to contribute to solutions for greening and digitalisation while maximising business opportunities.

PSD countries, themes and sectors

In collaboration with embassies, RVO has identified strategic sectors for each eligible country. See the document below for an overview of the countries, themes and sectors.

PSD Toolkit in practice

Our Development Cooperation Project database features examples of projects and case studies of PSD Toolkit programmes. This database lists the countries where PSD Toolkit is in use. Find out where you can join new or existing projects.

PSD case studies

See our case studies to learn more about PSD Toolkit results.

Studies and reports on PSD countries

The studies and reports are valuable resources, providing insights into PSD countries and sectors. You will find these studies and reports on the individual country pages.

Want to learn more?

If you would like to discuss opportunities for cooperation in one of our PSD countries or sectors, please contact the relevant embassy.

For more information about PSD Toolkit or to explore cooperation opportunities in our PSD countries or sectors, please use our contact form below.

We are happy to assist you with general questions or provide more information about business opportunities.