GSEF joins partners to launch the RACTES network in Senegal
GSEF welcomes the recent launch of the Senegalese Network of Non-State Stakeholders and Local Authorities for Social and Solidarity Economy (RACTES) that took place in Dakar on 26 November.
Front row (from left to right): Mr. Aliou Sall, President, Senegalese Mayors' Association; Ms. Soham El Wardini, Mayor of Dakar; Ms. Zahra Iyane Thiam, Ministry of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy; Mr. Adama Diallo, Secretary General, Association of Departments of Senegal; Pr. Babacar Gueye, President, Platform of Senegalese Non-State Stakeholders
The launch of RACTES is building on the momentum that started a few months ago with the holding of the National Training in Saly (1-3 May 2019). This event was organized by GSEF in collaboration with Dakar Metropolitan Government, the Platform of Senegalese Non-State Stakeholders, and the International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF).
Presided by Ms. Zhara Iyane Thiam, Ministry of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy, the launch event of RACTES saw the participation of over 70 representatives of local authorities, Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) organizations and civil society. Ms. Soham El Wardini, Mayor of Dakar and now President of RACTES, officially launched the network joined on stage by the newly appointed members of RACTES' Steering Committee. On this occasion, she strongly reiterated the City's willingness to submit a bid for hosting the 6th edition of the Global Social Economy Forum (GSEF2022) in 2022.
The newly-created network will allow further mobilization of actors and local authorities throughout the country towards further inclusion of SSE in local economic development policies, with the aim - among others - of fostering exchange and pooling of good practices.
During the discussion session that followed, Ms. Dounia Besson, Vice-President of the Network of Local Authorities for a Solidarity Economy (RTES) and Deputy Mayor of the City of Lyon (France); Mr. Madani Koumaré, President, African Network for Social and Solidarity Economy and RENAPESS Mali; Ms. Adjara Diouf, Program Specialist, International Organisation of the Francophonie (OIF); and Mr. Benjamin Jouannes, Coordinator, GSEF had the opportunity to share the experience of the respective networks and organizations. Joined by Mr. Cheikh Gueye, Mayor of the Commune of Dieuppeul-Derklé and General Delegate of RACTES, they also offered some avenues to be explored and recommendations as to possible first steps to be taken by RACTES.
