Dakar recently hosted the second edition of the African Social and Solidarity Economy Forum (FORA’ESS Dakar 2026), where Morocco’s extensive experience in the Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS) was prominently featured.

During a workshop focused on “Citizen and Social Transition: Performance and Impact Measurement,” Khadija Douiri, a distinguished researcher and faculty member at the Faculty of Economic, Legal, and Social Sciences of Mohammed Premier University in Oujda, emphasized the critical importance of the social and solidarity economy. She highlighted that ESS is now recognized as a top development priority, not only within Morocco but across various African nations.

Douiri, participating as a member of the forum’s scientific committee, underscored that ESS transcends being merely an alternative; it represents a robust sector capable of driving significant development. She elaborated on its potential to boost economic actors’ contributions and substantially increase their share in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The Moroccan academic specifically showcased the Kingdom’s achievements in this domain, noting Morocco’s vibrant network of cooperatives. These cooperatives are instrumental in generating employment and wealth, particularly thriving in the Oriental region. She stressed the ongoing need to cultivate the ESS ecosystem further through the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved.

Furthermore, Douiri commended the dedicated initiatives undertaken by the Kingdom to advance this sector. These efforts are spearheaded by the department responsible for the Social and Solidarity Economy, working in close collaboration with key economic and financial partners.

Morocco’s delegation to this significant gathering also included Issam Bousalam and Raouf El Yagoubi, both fellow researcher-professors from Mohammed Premier University in Oujda.

The FORA’ESS Dakar event brought together approximately 250 participants from 33 countries across Africa and beyond. The forum’s central theme, “Social and Solidarity Economy: engine of transition, inclusion, and convergence for Africa,” guided discussions throughout the proceedings.

Key plenary sessions at this edition delved into crucial topics such as the African Union’s ten-year strategy for the social and solidarity economy, the pivotal role of local authorities in fostering this sector’s growth, and effective mechanisms to support its comprehensive implementation.