ILO and AU host second webinar showcasing landmark research on Africa’s Social and Solidarity Economy

© ILO

© ILO

Geneva (ILO News) - This research is based on mapping studies conducted in six African countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Zambia. It brought together policymakers, social partners, SSE practitioners, and academics to discuss the findings. This second webinar follows the first, held in English on September 19, 2024, to ensure broader stakeholder engagement in the validation process.

The event featured a synthesis presentation by Mr Frederik Claeyé, Associate Professor at ICHEC Brussels Management School, with inputs from Ms Kerryn Krige, Senior Lecturer at the Marshall Institute. Mr Claeyé highlighted the diverse SSE landscape, spanning formal entities like cooperatives and social enterprises, and informal groups such as self-help organizations. He discussed common challenges and opportunities across the countries, underscoring the SSE’s role in creating decent work and supporting community resilience, despite limited understanding of the concept.

Presenting the DRC case study, Mr René Nzee stressed the need for greater awareness of the SSE in the country, where the term remains unfamiliar to many actors, including policy makers, despite the presence of its entities in key sectors of the economy. He noted the absence of a network representing the SSE as a key factor limiting its visibility.

Mr Charlot Razakaharivelo, presenting the Madagascar case study, emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration and synergies among SSE entities in the country to pool resources, share good practices, and amplify collective impact. He underlined the need to strengthen the financial autonomy and governance of SSE entities to ensure their long-term viability.

The DRC and Madagascar case studies revealed the critical role of informal entities and activities in the SSE

The second part of the webinar allowed participants to engage more deeply on key topics, including the relationship between the SSE, the informal economy, and the grey economy, as well as the development of networks, and the role of vertical and horizontal structures. Participants also shared experiences from other African countries, such as Senegal and Cameroon, further enriching the discussion.

In his concluding remarks, Mr Guy Tchami, ILO Cooperative Policy and Research Specialist, noted that the various contributions would inform the finalization of the research. He added that similar events would be organized at the national level to continue the dialogue with stakeholders on ways to enhance the SSE’s contribution to advancing decent work and sustainable development across Africa.

This research follows the AU’s adoption of a 10-year Social and Solidarity Economy strategy and implementation plan in August 2024. This milestone marks a significant step towards recognizing and promoting the SSE as a vital element of Africa’s sustainable development. Developed with ILO support, this strategy reflects global and regional efforts to harness the SSE as a vehicle for decent work and inclusive growth. For more information, see the ILO/AU brief on recent SSE developments​, available in Arabic, English, French, and Portuguese.

This second webinar follows the first, held in English on September 19, 2024, to ensure broader stakeholder engagement in the validation process.

Watch the video recording of the second webinar (in French) here.