The 1st edition of the Forum Africain de l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire (FORA’ESS 2024) begins today, May 29, 2024, at the Palais des Congrès in Yaoundé.
This landmark event, running until June 1, 2024, will bring together stakeholders from the social and solidarity economy (ESS), government representatives, international organizations, private sector actors, universities, and research centers.
Themed “African Social and Solidarity Economy Models: Towards Co-Constructing a Human Economy Rooted in our Territories,” FORA’ESS 2024 aims to promote the ESS across Africa.
The forum will serve as a platform for sharing practices, experiences, policies, and visions. Participants will collaborate to build an inclusive, equitable, and supportive African movement centered on people.
Key Objectives
FORA’ESS 2024 aims to:
- Raise awareness among public institutions about the advantages of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) for sustainable economic development.
- Mobilize local and national governments and multifaceted networks to support entrepreneurial dynamics, especially for young people and women.
- Establish a multi-actor African platform to promote social and solidarity economy initiatives.
- Provide a space for exchanging ideas and systematizing African ESS models.
Event Highlights
The forum is expected to host 5,000 participants over five days, representing 47 countries and 25 partners. The event will offer various activities, including workshops, panels, and networking opportunities. It is a significant opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and foster cooperation across the continent.
Pre-Event Activities
In the lead-up to the forum, several key activities took place:
- On May 24, 2024, the Minister of SMEs, Social Economy, and Handicrafts held a press conference to discuss the forum.
- On May 28, 2024, Minister Achille BASSILEKIN III met with Inès NEFER Bertille INGANI VOUMBO YALO, Minister of Women’s Promotion and Integration in Development and Informal Economy from the Republic of Congo, to discuss the event’s objectives and expected outcomes.
Follow the Event Live
The opening ceremony of FORA’ESS Yaoundé 2024 will be streamed live on the Ministry’s Facebook page today at 11:30 AM. This offers a chance for a broader audience to participate and stay informed about the event’s progress and discussions.
FORA’ESS 2024 is poised to be a significant milestone in promoting social and solidarity economy practices across Africa, fostering collaboration and creating sustainable economic models that benefit all communities.
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