diff --git a/pkgs/development/libraries/sdbus-cpp/default.nix b/pkgs/development/libraries/sdbus-cpp/default.nix
index 5c1bb3a1e9eb..54279d7c1690 100644
--- a/pkgs/development/libraries/sdbus-cpp/default.nix
+++ b/pkgs/development/libraries/sdbus-cpp/default.nix
@@ -31,6 +31,9 @@ let
 
       buildInputs = [
         expat
+      ];
+
+      propagatedBuildInputs = [
         systemdLibs
       ];