Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, the State Secretariat in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy is organizing the fifth edition of the National Conference on Social and Solidarity Economy, on June 17 and 18, 2025, at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Benguerir.

This high-level national and international event will bring together over 1,000 participants from diverse backgrounds: representatives of institutional departments, regional and local authorities, cooperatives, associations, mutual societies, social enterprises, academia, as well as international partners and experts from Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. The objective is to foster a strategic reflection and an inclusive, responsible dialogue on how to strengthen the contribution of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) to achieving sustainable and equitable development.

This edition is held under the theme: “Social and Solidarity Economy and Territorial Development: Towards a New Dynamic of Converging Public Policies.” The theme emphasizes the importance of integrating territorial dimensions into SSE public policies and the need for coordinated action to build a robust ecosystem grounded in synergy and convergence—particularly through the creation of territorial hubs specialized in SSE.

The National Conference also aims to reaffirm that SSE is a strategic driver for employment and wealth creation, as well as a cornerstone for alternative and sustainable development models. It aspires to promote scientific research and innovation in this field, foster strategic partnerships at national and international levels, and strengthen the integration of SSE within public policy frameworks at both the national and regional scales.

The program will include a series of plenary sessions and thematic seminars, including a Ministerial Conference dedicated to public policy in this area. Discussions will address key topics such as financing for SSE organizations, digital transformation, governance, youth and women’s inclusion, social innovation, local value chain development, and social protection for SSE actors.

Alongside the event, a professional exhibition will be held, featuring stands from Moroccan and African cooperatives, in addition to public and private institutions, bilateral networking opportunities (B2B and B2C), as well as interactive workshops and masterclasses designed to foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise.

The event will conclude with a closing session during which key recommendations and practical proposals derived from the various discussions will be presented.

Ultimately, the National Conference aims to produce actionable recommendations for an inclusive economy that elevates SSE to a central pillar of development policies—by showcasing innovations, facilitating synergies among stakeholders, and mobilizing initiatives around a shared vision. This will notably include the drafting of an advanced legal and regulatory framework to support the sector’s growth and enable it to fully contribute to social and economic justice, while positioning Morocco as a regional model of reference in the field of Social and Solidarity Economy.