Cameroon Showcases Social and Solidarity Economy Model at Dakar Forum
Cameroon is participating in the second edition of the African Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy (FORA'ESS), held in Dakar, Senegal, from July 7-9, 2026. The Cameroonian delegation, led by the Minister of SMEs, Social Economy, and Crafts, Achille Bassilekin III, aims to share its experiences and contribute to accelerating policies for a more inclusive economy across Africa. This forum follows the first edition held in Yaoundé two years prior, whose resolutions now guide the discussions in Dakar. During the proceedings, Cameroon is highlighting its progress in structuring this economic sector, particularly through its Local Social Economy Networks (RELES). These networks are presented as a tool for promoting community initiatives and territorial development, an approach that has garnered interest from several other African nations. Through its presence at FORA'ESS 2026, Cameroon reaffirms its commitment to leveraging the social and solidarity economy as a driver for job creation, youth and women's empowerment, and economic transformation. This strategy aligns with the objectives of Cameroon's National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30) and the African Union's Agenda 2063, fostering more inclusive growth continent-wide.
Cameroon's active engagement at the FORA'ESS forum underscores a strategic effort to position its model of social and solidarity economy as a replicable framework for inclusive development across Africa. By emphasizing localized networks (RELES) and their role in community empowerment and territorial growth, the nation appears to be advocating for a decentralized approach to economic advancement. This strategy, if effectively implemented and scaled, could offer a counterpoint to traditional top-down economic models, potentially fostering greater resilience and equitable distribution of benefits. The alignment with national development plans and continental agendas suggests a long-term vision, but the true measure of success will lie in the tangible impact on employment, poverty reduction, and sustainable growth in the coming decade, particularly in navigating the evolving economic landscape shaped by technological shifts and global market dynamics.
AI-generated to prompt reflection — not editorial opinion, not advice, not a statement of fact. How this works.