The Moroccan experience in social economy and solidarity (ESS) was highlighted, on Tuesday, at Dakar, as part of the opening of the second edition of the African Forum for Social Economy and Solidarity (FORA’ESS Dakar 2026).
During a session on the theme “Transition Citizenship and Social: Performance and Impact Measurement”, University Professor Khadija Douiri emphasized that ESS has become one of the priorities of development, not only in Morocco but also in other African countries.
Douiri, who is part of the Forum as a member of the scientific committee, stated that ESS is not an alternative, but a sector on which it is possible to rely to stimulate development, strengthen the contribution of economic actors, 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, while emphasizing the need to continue developing the ESS ecosystem through mobilization of all stakeholders.
The Moroccan university professor also saluted the efforts made by the kingdom to promote this sector, through actions undertaken by the Department of Social Economy and Solidarity, in cooperation with economic and financial actors.
The Kingdom is represented at this gathering by a delegation composed of Issam Bousalam and Raouf El Yagoubi, University Professors at Mohammed Premier University.
FORA’ESS Dakar 2026 brings together around 250 participants from 33 African countries and beyond on the theme “Social Economy and Solidarity: Motor of Transition, Inclusion, and Convergence in Africa”.
This edition includes plenary sessions focused on the Union’s Decennial Strategy for Social Economy and Solidarity, the role of local authorities in developing this sector, and mechanisms for its implementation.