Morocco’s Social Economy and Solidarity Experience Takes Center Stage at Dakar Forum

The experience of Morocco in social economy and solidarity (ESS) was highlighted, Tuesday, at the opening of the second edition of the African Social Economy and Solidarity Forum (FORA’ESS Dakar 2026).

Intervenant during an atelier on the theme ‘Citizen-led Transition and Social Performance: Measurement of Impact’, University Mohammed Premier d’Oujda teacher-researcher Khadija Douiri emphasized that social economy and solidarity has become a priority for development, not only in Morocco but also across African countries.

Khadija Douiri, who participates to the Forum as a member of the scientific committee, pointed out that ESS is not an alternative, but a sector on which it’s possible to rely to stimulate development, strengthen economic actors’ contribution and increase their participation in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

She also highlighted Morocco’s experience in this field, pointing out that the country has a significant network of cooperatives that contribute to job creation and wealth generation, particularly in the Oriental region. She stressed the need to continue developing ESS ecosystem through mobilization of all stakeholders.

The Moroccan expert also saluted efforts made by the Kingdom to promote this sector, through actions conducted by the Economic Social Solidarity Department, in cooperation with economic and financial actors.

The Kingdom is represented at this meeting by a delegation also composed of Issam Bousalam and Raouf El Yagoubi, University Mohammed Premier d’Oujda teachers-researchers.

The second edition of FORA’ESS Dakar brings together 250 participants from 33 African countries and elsewhere around the theme ‘Social Economy and Solidarity: Engine for Transition, Inclusion and Convergence in Africa’.

This edition includes plenary sessions dedicated to the Union African Strategy for Social Economy and Solidarity, the role of local authorities in developing this sector and mechanisms supporting its implementation.