Morocco's INDH strengthens cooperative development through capacity-building event in Settat

Sunday 05 - 14:00

By: Sahili Aya

Morocco's INDH strengthens cooperative development through capacity-building event in Settat

Morocco's National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) has reinforced its commitment to expanding the social and solidarity economy by bringing together dozens of cooperatives in Settat for a knowledge-sharing and capacity-building event marking the International Day of Cooperatives.

Held at the Settat Youth Platform, the initiative gathered representatives from 40 cooperatives benefiting from INDH support, alongside public institutions and development stakeholders working to strengthen the cooperative ecosystem across the province.

Promoting stronger cooperative ecosystems

The event focused on helping cooperatives better understand the legal framework governing their activities while introducing participants to the financial, technical and institutional support mechanisms available through the INDH.

Officials and experts outlined the procedures for establishing cooperatives and highlighted opportunities designed to improve their long-term sustainability. The initiative reflects Morocco's broader strategy of positioning cooperatives as drivers of inclusive economic growth and local employment.

Participants also exchanged practical experiences and discussed ways to improve product quality, expand market access and increase the competitiveness of cooperative businesses.

CoopLab identifies operational challenges

A key feature of the event was the organization of the "CoopLab" workshop, where participating cooperatives took part in diagnostic sessions aimed at identifying operational obstacles affecting their development.

The workshops examined challenges ranging from management practices and production processes to commercialization strategies and organizational performance. The findings are expected to support the design of tailored training and mentoring programs adapted to the specific needs of each cooperative.

According to local officials, the collaborative format encouraged open dialogue between cooperatives while fostering stronger networking opportunities within the province.

INDH expands its support beyond financing

Rachid Hajoum, Head of the Income Improvement and Youth Economic Inclusion Service in Settat Province, said the gathering was designed to strengthen coordination between cooperatives and public institutions involved in social and solidarity economy initiatives.

He noted that participating agencies presented their support programs while explaining the various mechanisms available to help cooperatives improve their technical and managerial capabilities.

The initiative reflects the evolving role of the INDH, which increasingly combines financial assistance with advisory services, business development support and professional training.

Digital transformation among emerging priorities

Representatives of the Settat Youth Platform emphasized that Moroccan cooperatives are entering a new stage of development, requiring them to address challenges linked to digital transformation, marketing, networking and access to new markets.

Rachid Oumlil, President of the association managing the Youth Platform, explained that today's cooperatives are evolving into social enterprises capable of generating sustainable economic value. He stressed that strengthening competitiveness will depend on continuous capacity building and stronger integration into modern commercial networks.

The Youth Platform continues to provide guidance, coaching and entrepreneurial support for young project leaders and cooperative members, contributing to local economic development under the third phase of the INDH.

Local cooperatives seek practical solutions

For participating cooperative leaders, the event offered an opportunity to exchange ideas with peers while identifying practical solutions to common business challenges.

Abdellah Salmane, manager of the agricultural cooperative Zahrat Al Hayat, which specializes in beekeeping and honey production, highlighted the value of the training sessions, particularly those focused on marketing and business development.

He said the diagnostic workshops provided useful insights into the operational difficulties faced by cooperatives and offered pathways toward improving performance through targeted support and specialized guidance.

By combining institutional coordination, entrepreneurial training and collaborative learning, the Settat initiative illustrates Morocco's growing emphasis on strengthening the cooperative sector as a pillar of sustainable local development and inclusive economic growth.