Fes to host International conference on social and solidarity economy in November

Thursday 04 June 2026 - 09:32

The city of Fes will host an international conference in November dedicated to the social and solidarity economy, bringing together researchers, experts, and policymakers to discuss its evolving role in Africa and around the world.

Scheduled for November 27 and 28, the event will focus on the theme “Dynamics of the social and solidarity economy in Africa and the world: between tradition and modernity.” It aims to deepen academic and policy discussions on a sector increasingly viewed as a driver of inclusive and sustainable development.

The conference follows previous editions held in 2021 and 2023, which primarily examined the Moroccan experience in comparison with international case studies and resulted in several collective publications.

Organizers from the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences in Fes-Saiss stated that this new edition seeks to broaden the scope of analysis to both African and global contexts, highlighting different organizational models and transformations within the sector.

Discussions will address the role of social and solidarity economy initiatives in wealth creation, local service delivery, decent work promotion, and social protection. Particular attention will also be given to their contribution to social cohesion and empowerment at both individual and community levels.

The program will explore contemporary challenges such as digital transformation, public policy frameworks, and the impact of neoliberal economic trends, while also valuing traditional practices as cultural and economic resources.

Participants are expected to evaluate achievements and limitations of existing models, identify successful local and international experiences, and propose practical recommendations to better integrate the social and solidarity economy into public policy strategies.