First Edition of the African Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy in Yaoundé
From May 29 to June 1, Yaoundé, the capital of Cameroon, hosted the first edition of the African Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy (FORA’ESS). This significant event was a resounding success, bringing together actors and local and national governments from 30 African countries, with over 1,000 participants. Congratulations to the co-organizers who took on the challenge of organizing this first edition in just one year!

Birth and Objectives of FORA’ESS
FORA’ESS emerged from the momentum initiated at #DakarGSEF2023, where African actors and governments expressed the desire to launch their own biennial event, alternating with the global forums of GSEF. The main objective of FORA’ESS is to share the numerous initiatives of the participants and to highlight the African models of SSE, rooted in the local realities of each region.

Commitments and Strategies
The participating states committed to supporting the African Union's ten-year strategy for the development of SSE on the continent. This political commitment is essential for the establishment of legal frameworks conducive to SSE and its initiatives.

Contributions and Support
Monique Ayi from REMCESS and Malick Diop, Co-president of GSEF for Africa, played key roles in the organizing committee. Their participation was essential to the success of the event. A big thank you to the Ministry of SMEs, Social Economy, and Handicrafts of Cameroon, PFAC, REMCESS, RENESS, and all the people involved.

Highlights
FORA’ESS was marked by significant moments, including:
1) The Mayors' Panel: Monique Ayi, President of REMCESS, Mamie Ahou Dieng Lo, Deputy Mayor of Dakar and Co-president of GSEF for Africa, Stéphane Pfeiffer, Deputy Mayor of Bordeaux and Co-president of GSEF, along with elected officials and representatives from Olanguina (Cameroon), Golf-Sud (Senegal), RAESS, ARDCI (Ivory Coast), the Regional Council of Oriental (Morocco), and the Urban Commune of Kibouende (Congo Brazzaville) participated in enriching discussions.
2) Workshops and Plenaries: Three workshops were co-organized by REMCESS, the GIZ Regional Office in Yaoundé, FEICOM, and GSEF, aiming to raise awareness among local elected officials on the use of public procurement as a lever for sustainable development and to support women's and youth entrepreneurship, with the support of Solidarités Entreprises Nord-Sud (SENS Benin).

Declarations and Perspectives
Find below the 4 Declarations adopted during the event:
- The Final Declaration of FORA’ESS
- The Resolution of FORA’ESS
- The Declaration of Decentralized Territorial Collectivities
- The Summary of Conclusions from the Jeun’ESS Pre-Forum of FORA'ESS

The success of this first edition of FORA’ESS in Yaoundé demonstrated the major role of GSEF's global forums in creating interconnections and supporting SSE movements worldwide. This forum marks a turning point for African local governments, offering a platform for dialogue and cooperation to promote inclusive and sustainable economic development on the continent.

Visit the FORAESS website for more information