Morocco’s National Conference on Social and Solidarity Economy ends with over two dozen key recommendations

The fifth edition of Morocco’s National Conference on the Social and Solidarity Economy concluded Wednesday with more than 27 recommendations aimed at revitalizing the sector, including accelerating legislation, establishing a national observatory, and easing access to financing for cooperatives.

The two-day event, held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Ben Guerir, brought together more than 1,000 participants to discuss the sector’s challenges and prospects. The conference focused on updating the 10-year strategic roadmap for the social and solidarity economy.

Among the recommendations were calls to enact a modern legal framework that recognizes the sector as a strategic pillar of national development. The conference also urged better coordination among government agencies, in line with the directives of King Mohammed VI, Morocco’s New Development Model, and the government’s program.

Participants also recommended the creation of a National Observatory for the Social and Solidarity Economy, alongside simplified administrative procedures to support the formation and operation of relevant organizations.

Sector Recognition and Governance

One of the central recommendations called for formal recognition of the sector as a standalone economic force capable of generating wealth. The conference also advocated for improved governance through the establishment of a national registry that lists all legally recognized organizations.

Based on expert panels and workshops, the conference emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships to drive investment in the sector and enhance its appeal, especially among youth and entrepreneurs.

Financial Incentives and Market Access

Addressing fiscal concerns, the conference proposed the creation of tax incentives and better access to credit tailored to the unique needs of social economy organizations.

Participants also highlighted the role of public institutions in developing digital marketplaces to boost product marketing and called for training programs to strengthen organizational capacity.

To that end, the conference urged the integration of social economy programs into Morocco’s education system, recommending the launch of certified academic tracks and the development of digital transformation plans in collaboration with public institutions.

Regional Development and Policy Commitment

Speakers called for a greater alignment between the social economy and Morocco’s regional development strategy, recommending legal and institutional measures to engage regional stakeholders and strengthen the role of professional chambers in the sector.

Government Commitments

Lahcen Saadi, State Secretary in charge of Traditional Crafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the conference’s outcomes. “Collective agreements must be activated at the national, regional, and local levels to ensure real impact,” he said.

Saadi emphasized the importance of pushing forward the draft framework law and updating the decade-long strategy based on the new recommendations. “We must shift our perspective—this sector is not just about fighting poverty, but about job creation,” he said, noting a target of 50,000 new jobs annually.

The conference ended with a loyalty message to King Mohammed VI, reaffirming the participants’ allegiance to the monarchy and expressing gratitude for the royal patronage of the event.