Dakar 2026 Forum to Focus on Social Economy and Local Governance in Africa
The second edition of the African Forum for Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS) is scheduled to take place in Dakar, Senegal, from July 7 to 9, 2026. Organizers anticipate over 2,500 participants from approximately thirty African countries and beyond. The attendees will include ministers, local elected officials, researchers, cooperatives, mutual societies, social enterprises, and financial institutions. The forum's central theme will explore the challenges of proximity governance within Africa's social and solidarity economy. This event aims to bring together diverse stakeholders to discuss and advance the ESS sector across the continent.
The upcoming Dakar forum highlights a critical juncture for Africa's social and solidarity economy, emphasizing the need for effective local governance structures. As the continent increasingly looks to diverse economic models, the success of the social economy will likely hinge on its ability to integrate with and empower local communities. This requires robust frameworks that ensure accountability and responsiveness from both central and local authorities. Future challenges may involve scaling these initiatives while maintaining their core social objectives and ensuring equitable distribution of benefits. The forum's focus on proximity governance suggests a recognition that top-down approaches may not be sufficient for fostering sustainable and inclusive economic development in the region.
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