Senegal’s capital Dakar will host around 2,500 participants from about 30 countries at a major African social economy forum in July 2026, organisers announced on Monday, highlighting the continent’s growing focus on inclusive and solidarity-based development models.
The African Forum for the Social and Solidarity Economy (FORA’ESS Dakar 2026) is scheduled to take place from July 7 to 9, bringing together policymakers, civil society groups, cooperatives, researchers and private sector actors working in the social and solidarity economy (SSE).
Senegal’s Minister of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy, Dr Alioune Dione, officially announced the final preparations for the event during the launch of the local organising committee in Diamniadio.
He said the forum reflects the “vitality of the African social and solidarity economy movement” and underscores Senegal’s role in promoting economic models centred on inclusion, cooperation and social impact.
Originally planned to be held in another African country, the second edition of the forum was relocated to Dakar after what organisers described as “particular circumstances” prevented its organisation elsewhere. Senegal stepped in to ensure continuity of the continental initiative.
More Read
Dione said the decision demonstrated Senegal’s commitment to acting as a facilitator of solidarity-based economic development across Africa.
In recent years, Senegal has positioned itself as a leading advocate of the social and solidarity economy both regionally and internationally. The country has developed a dedicated legal framework and national strategy to support the sector, alongside policies aimed at strengthening community-based economic activity.
The government has also aligned its national development vision with the sector, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declaring 2026 the “Year of the Social and Solidarity Economy and Employment”.
The upcoming forum will focus on the theme: “The Social and Solidarity Economy: engine of transition, inclusion and convergence in Africa”.
Organisers say discussions will centre on key development challenges facing the continent, including youth unemployment, poverty, inequality and environmental degradation.
The social and solidarity economy is increasingly promoted across Africa as an alternative development model that prioritises social impact over profit maximisation, while supporting local entrepreneurship and community-led initiatives.
Senegalese authorities say the sector offers practical solutions to structural challenges by encouraging inclusive growth, strengthening grassroots organisations and expanding access to finance for small-scale enterprises.
Over the three-day forum, Dakar is expected to become a hub for exchanges between a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, international organisations, financial institutions, cooperatives, mutual societies, researchers and development partners.
The event is expected to serve as a platform for dialogue, policy coordination and the development of partnerships aimed at scaling up social economy initiatives across the continent.
More Read
Organisers say the forum will also seek to produce concrete recommendations and strengthen cooperation frameworks between African countries engaged in promoting the sector.
Dr Dione used the launch event to call on international partners, development agencies, foundations, media organisations and regional institutions to support the success of the forum.
He said broad participation would be essential to ensuring that the event delivers lasting outcomes and contributes to a shared vision of a more inclusive and resilient African economy.
The installation of the local organising committee marked the official start of preparations for the Dakar edition of FORA’ESS, which authorities describe as a key milestone in advancing Africa’s social and solidarity economy agenda.
By hosting the forum, Senegal aims to reinforce its position as a regional centre for dialogue on inclusive development and to showcase practical models of community-driven economic transformation.
The event comes at a time when African governments are increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional growth models, amid persistent unemployment pressures and widening social inequalities across the continent.
