Morocco’s thriving social and solidarity economy (ESS) experience garnered significant attention in Dakar on Tuesday, marking the opening of the second African Social and Solidarity Economy Forum (FORA’ESS Dakar 2026).

During a workshop centered on “Citizen and Social Transition: Performance and Impact Measurement,” Khadija Douiri, a distinguished research professor at the Faculty of Economic, Legal, and Social Sciences of Mohammed Premier University in Oujda, emphasized the critical role of the social and solidarity economy. She highlighted that ESS stands as a paramount development priority, not only for Morocco but also for numerous other African nations.

Professor Douiri, participating in the Forum as a valued member of its scientific committee, asserted that ESS transcends the notion of a mere alternative. Instead, she described it as a robust and standalone sector, capable of driving substantial development, enhancing the contributions of economic actors, and significantly boosting their participation in the gross domestic product (GDP).

She further spotlighted Morocco’s exemplary journey in this domain, noting the Kingdom’s extensive network of cooperatives. These cooperatives are pivotal in generating employment and wealth, particularly within the Oriental region. Professor Douiri underscored the ongoing imperative to cultivate and expand the ESS ecosystem through the collective engagement of all relevant stakeholders.

The Moroccan academic also commended the Kingdom’s dedicated efforts to champion this sector. These initiatives are spearheaded by the department responsible for the Social and Solidarity Economy, working in close collaboration with diverse economic and financial partners.

The Moroccan delegation at this influential gathering also includes Issam Bousalam and Raouf El Yagoubi, both esteemed research professors from Mohammed Premier University in Oujda.

The second edition of FORA’ESS Dakar brings together approximately 250 participants from 33 countries across Africa and beyond. The forum is united under the overarching theme: “Social and Solidarity Economy: engine of transition, inclusion and convergence of Africa.”

This year’s agenda features comprehensive plenary sessions. Key discussions are set to cover the African Union’s ten-year strategy for the social and solidarity economy, the vital role of local authorities in nurturing this sector’s growth, and crucial mechanisms designed to support its effective implementation.