Global Development

MSG doesn't just provide solutions—we scale them globally. With operations in more than 30 countries across our core sectors, we help governments and communities strengthen health systems, improve education, expand access to clean energy, and modernize infrastructure. By combining global expertise with local insight, we design initiatives that are sustainable, inclusive, and tailored to the unique needs of each community.

We design and implement programs to transform lives through measurable, verifiable, and bankable development outcomes. By aligning macroeconomic strategy with on-the-ground delivery, we address structural systemic challenges across the sectors we serve.

Core Clients

U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA)
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Department of Commerce
Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
U.S. Departments of Education, Labor, Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Homeland Security, and the Interior

Contact

Arshad Sayed, President and Sr. Partner

By the Numbers

Our Sectors

MSG's international projects span ten core sectors, plus workforce development. Each sector draws on federal program experience and on-the-ground local networks to deliver evidence-based, locally led solutions.

Health & Health Systems

MSG strengthens health systems and expands equitable access to quality healthcare around the world. Our team brings experience in global health security, infectious disease outbreaks and response, maternal, newborn, and child health, and health workforce development for community health workers, nursing, and allied health. We have led health sector initiatives and assessments across China, Jordan, Malaysia, Türkiye, Pakistan, and Southeast Asia. MSG works to bring innovative solutions to strengthen health systems, expand healthcare access to underserved communities, and convene health leaders to advance policy dialogue, including through the 2024 Health Systems Strengthening Conference in Islamabad.
Education

MSG improves education outcomes through teacher training, curriculum reform, and youth empowerment. MSG’s projects with the U.S. Department of Education include the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Palau, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands. With The Citizens Foundation (TCF), we established the TCF Manhattan Campus in Karachi, Pakistan, providing free, high-quality education to roughly 400 disadvantaged children in grades 6–10 with a focus on girls.
Workforce Development

MSG supports workforce development initiatives both domestically and internationally by helping organizations strengthen workforce systems, expand career pathways, and align education and training programs with labor market needs. Through data-driven analysis, technical assistance, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement, MSG works with government agencies, educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to improve workforce readiness, increase access to high-quality employment opportunities, and promote economic mobility. Drawing on deep expertise in workforce development, career and technical education, labor market analysis, and systems transformation, MSG helps clients develop sustainable solutions that prepare individuals for success in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

MSG’s MEL work spans diverse country contexts across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where we design results frameworks, conduct evaluations and assessments, and support adaptive management. We implement large-scale third-party monitoring using standardized tools, field-based verification, and data systems that capture insights directly from local communities.
Trade & Private Sector Growth

MSG advances trade and private sector growth by strengthening investment pipelines, supporting market access, and aligning public and private sector priorities. Our experienced staff have structured over $5 billion in public-private partnerships and scaling investment portfolios.
Data & Technology

Data and technology are the backbone of effective programs. MSG designs digitized monitoring and evaluation systems, real-time data platforms, and knowledge management tools, including a Salesforce GovCloud system that routes 500 third-party monitors across all 50 states and U.S. territories to conduct 40,000 site visits for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Our services span application and CRM development, cloud hosting, Section 508 accessibility, and database design, with project experience across Brazil, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Türkiye.
Energy Access & Transition

MSG expands access to clean, reliable energy. Our energy work spans Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Morocco, Pakistan, the Philippines, Romania, Tonga, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
Economic Development

MSG supports economic development through its global development work, helping governments, communities, and private sector partners strengthen economies, expand investment opportunities, and foster sustainable growth. Operating in more than 30 countries, MSG advances trade and private sector development by strengthening investment pipelines, improving market access, supporting public-private partnerships, and aligning public and private sector priorities. By combining global expertise with local knowledge, MSG designs inclusive, evidence-based solutions that promote economic resilience, infrastructure modernization, workforce advancement, and long-term prosperity for communities around the world.
Minerals & Supply Chain Security

MSG supports minerals and supply chain security initiatives by helping governments, industry partners, and communities strengthen critical supply chains, expand investment opportunities, and build resilient systems that support long-term economic growth. Through its global development practice, MSG advances trade, private sector development, infrastructure modernization, and public-private partnerships that enhance access to critical resources and improve supply chain reliability. Leveraging experience across more than 30 countries, MSG combines strategic analysis, stakeholder engagement, and locally driven solutions to help clients strengthen supply chain resilience, promote sustainable resource development, and support secure, diversified economic and industrial ecosystems.
Food Security & Nutrition

MSG supports food security and nutrition initiatives by helping governments, international partners, and communities strengthen systems that improve access to nutritious food and advance public health outcomes. Through its expertise in health and human services, global development, monitoring and evaluation, and program management, MSG supports evidence-based programs that address food insecurity, strengthen nutrition-related services, and improve the effectiveness of food assistance initiatives. By combining rigorous data analysis, stakeholder engagement, capacity building, and locally driven solutions, MSG helps clients develop sustainable approaches that enhance food security, promote community resilience, and improve the well-being of vulnerable populations around the world.

Manhattan Strategy Group launched its presence in Pakistan with a two-day conference in Islamabad focusing on health and education. Hosted in October 2024, the conference drew more than 200 global and local experts and was covered by dozens of local media outlets.

Partnering for Impact

MSG's success lies in strong, sustained collaboration with local organizations. By working alongside trusted partners, we ensure that solutions are not only effective but also sustainable and rooted in the communities we serve.

Relief International: A global humanitarian and development organization that delivers health, education, livelihoods, and resilience programs in some of the world's most vulnerable communities.
Aga Khan University: A global health research university with health systems, campuses, and programs operating across six countries — Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and Afghanistan.
KEMRI-Wellcome Trust: A globally renowned health research center based in Kenya, as a collaborative partnership between the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), the University of Oxford, and the Wellcome Trust.
Scaling Community of Practice: A network that brings together a global consortium of practitioners, researchers, and organizations committed to scaling evidence-based development solutions. Through shared learning and collaboration, the network helps increase the reach and long-term impact of successful programs.

Our Global Team

MSG's global team combines expertise in international development, public policy, business strategy, and social impact. Together, we work with governments, donors, nonprofits, and private sector partners to design and scale solutions that strengthen communities around the world.

Shezad Habib

Founder, President, and Managing Director

Shezad Habib founded Manhattan Strategy Group and leads its strategy, growth and external relationships. With more than 20 years of consulting and advisory experience across 30 countries, he has assembled large multidisciplinary teams and advised government agencies, major companies and nonprofits in economic development, education, health and technology.

Arshad Sayed

President & Senior Partner, Manhattan Strategy International

Arshad Sayed is a global executive and development leader with more than 25 years of experience spanning international development, technology, health systems, critical minerals, energy, and private sector growth. During a 13-year career at the World Bank, he served as Country Manager for Mongolia, was lead strategist for an annual portfolio of $3-4 billion annually spanning over 28 countries, and led the Development Marketplace, recognized by Harvard Business Review for identifying and scaling social innovations. He is also Chairperson of the Scaling Community of Practice.

Ajay Chibber

Economic Development, Economic Reform, Governance, Fiscal Policy Expert

Ajay Chibber is global world-renowned expert on economic development, fiscal policy, private & public investment, who served as the first Director General, Independent Evaluation Office, India (Minister of State) and served as Assistant Secretary General, UN and Assistant Administrator, UNDP from 2008-2013, Member, G20 Advisory Group, Ministry of Finance, India. He is currently Distinguished Visiting Scholar, Institute for International Economic Policy (IIEP), George Washington University, Washington D.C. His recent book " Unshackling India" Harper-Collins India 2021 was Financial Times's Best New Book in Economics 2022.

Dr. Gregory Koldys

Vice President, Business Development

Dr. Gregory Koldys brings more than 30 years of international development, diplomacy and business-development experience. He has served with USAID, the U.S. Department of State and the OSCE and held senior roles at Social Impact and International Relief and Development, with field experience in Central Asia, Armenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Dr. Furqan B. Irfan

Principal, Health, Education & Environment

Dr. Furqan B. Irfan is a physician, epidemiologist and research leader with experience in global health, infectious disease, health-systems strengthening and medical education. An Associate Professor at Michigan State University, he directs research development, teaches evidence-based medicine and has authored more than 40 peer-reviewed publications.

Adina Keeling

Program Analyst

Adina Keeling supports international research, proposal development and partnership engagement. Her donor-facing work has included opportunities involving the U.S. Department of State, USAID, USDA, the World Bank and UNICEF. A Northwestern-trained journalist, she brings strong research and storytelling skills and works in English, Spanish and German.

Vadi Ranganathan, B.E.

Vice President, Technology, Cloud Migration & Digital Experience

Vadi Ranganathan brings more than 25 years of technology leadership across government, financial-services and commercial environments. An enterprise and systems architect, he has led cloud and application modernization work and previously served in senior technical roles supporting FICO, the Conference of State Bank Supervisors, the FCC and USDA.

Bruce Russell, B.B.A.

Vice President, Enterprise Support Services

Bruce Russell has more than 35 years of experience in contracts, grants, pricing, budgeting, forecasting and cost control across federal, state and commercial markets. He aligns client requirements, capture strategy and financial performance and has managed integrated teams responsible for compliant proposals and project financial oversight.

Hanh Disch-Le

Cross-Border Transactions, Governance & Risk Expert

Hanh Disch-Le brings more than 20 years of international experience advising boards, executives and investors on corporate development, governance, regulatory strategy and cross-border transactions. A former Rio Tinto legal and corporate-development leader, she is Founder and General Counsel of Strategic International Management LLC and has structured complex investments, joint ventures and strategic initiatives.

Wasiq Ismail

Economic Development, Finance & Agribusiness Expert

Wasiq Ismail brings more than 15 years of experience in economic development, financial-sector research, philanthropy and agriculture. He has worked with the World Bank, IFC and United Nations, leads i-Care Fund America on a pro bono basis, and founded a Pakistan agribusiness focused on market linkages, capacity building and technology.

Dr. Graeme Hancock

Senior Mining & Extractives Expert

Dr. Graeme Hancock brings more than 35 years of mining-sector experience across Asia, the Pacific and Africa. A former Papua New Guinea Director of Mines and World Bank senior mining specialist, he later led social performance at Newcrest Mining. His expertise spans mineral policy, sector governance, institutional strengthening and mining-community outcomes.

Todd Kirkbride

Strategy & Global Partnerships Expert

Todd Kirkbride brings more than 25 years of experience designing and leading public-private partnerships across 40+ countries. He has built private-sector engagement platforms for Pact and Land O’Lakes Venture37, led agribusiness partnerships across Africa and Asia, and mobilized more than $110 million for food systems, climate resilience and inclusive growth.

Charlotte Coogan

Evaluation and Learning Consultant

Charlotte Coogan is an evaluation and learning consultant specializing in evidence generation and translation for food security and nutrition programming. She holds a Ph.D. in Nutritional Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and previously led the nutrition and food security research portfolio at the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie).

Partner with MSG

Let’s build locally led, sustainable solutions together.

info@manhattanstrategy.com

O 301.828.1515 • Bethesda, MD • New York, NY • Karachi and Islamabad, Pakistan

Featured Global Development Projects

⚫FEATURED PROJECT

USTDA Independent Program Monitoring and Evaluation

USTDA Independent Program Monitoring and Evaluation

Independent evaluation of a portfolio of 200+ projects, spanning over 50 countries in over a dozen sectors, to assess the outcomes of USTDA funding against key performance measures.
⚫FEATURED PROJECT

BSEE Offshore Inspection Development

BSEE Offshore Inspection Development

Provide support to the Bureau of Safety & Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) on strategies to improve customer satisfaction with the effectiveness of offshore inspection programs for oil and gas facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.