RIPESS will participate in the second edition of the African Forum on Social and Solidarity Economy (FORAESS), taking place from 7 to 9 July 2026 at the Grand National Theatre in Dakar. This event brings together institutions, networks, local governments, community organisations and international partners committed to inclusive and transformative economic models across Africa.
During the first edition of the forum, held in Yaoundé in 2024, the Cameroon Social and Solidarity Economy Network (RESSCAM) organised a highly participatory workshop with significant outcomes on “SSE and business innovation with a gender perspective”.
RIPESS representation at FORAESS 2026
In this edition, RIPESS will be represented by Sandra Moreno Cadena, Executive Secretary of RIPESS Intercontinental; Baba Sarmoye CISSE, from the Youth & Employment Hub of the National SSE Support Network in Mali (RENAPESS) and the JeunESS Hub of the African Network for Social and Solidarity Economy (RAESS); Aboubakari Sylla, head of the RAESS JeunESS Hub and the JeunESS Hubs; and Dr. Willy TADJUDJE, from the Cameroon Social and Solidarity Economy Network (RESSCAM). Also participating are the Groupe Sénégalais d’Économie Sociale Solidaire (GSESS), Ivorian Network for the Social and Solidarity Economy (RIESS), members of RAESS, the continental network representing RIPESS (Intercontinental Network for the Promotion of Social and Solidarity Economy) in Africa and the Middle East.
From right to left: Baba Sarmoye CISSE, RENAPESS, Willy TADJUDJE, RESSCAM, Hawa Marine, GESS en Senegal , Aboubakari Sylla RIEES(RAES), Sandra Moreno, RIPESS and Oumar Tandia, GESS
RIPESS’ participation reflects its commitment to strengthening international alliances, supporting continental network articulation and promoting SSE public policies that position Social and Solidarity Economy as a driver of sustainable development in Africa and globally.
Programme
Partners’ Plenary: “International alliances and innovative financing: which partners for a transformative SSE in Africa?”
Wednesday 8 July · 11:45 – 12:15 · Grande Salle
Speakers:
- Valérie Tiacoh — Director of Societal Innovation Strategy and Human Rights, Orange France
- Amina Sakioudi — Director General, Mohamed IV Centre for Solidarity Microfinance, Morocco
- Aude Saldana — Secretary General, GSEF France
- Amadou Kane — Partnership Officer, Solsoc Africa Burundi
- Ibon Zugasti — Board Member, ASETT/Mondragón; Managing Director, Prospektiker.es – The Millennium Project, Spain
- Sandra Moreno — Executive Secretary, RIPESS Intercontinental
- Moussa Sall — Partnership Officer, SOCODEVI Canada
Moderation: Denise Fatoumata Ndour — Sen’Finances Foundation, Senegal
Read and download RIPESS intervention:
Self-organised session 14: Social protection for social and solidarity economy (SSE) actors
Thursday 9 July · 10.45 am – 12.15 pm · Room 4
Organised by: Senegalese Social and Solidarity Economy Group (GSESS)
Participants:
- Baba Sarmoye CISSE, from the Youth & Employment Division of RENAPESS (Mali) and the JeunESS Division of the African Network for the Social and Solidarity Economy (RAESS);
- Aboubakari Sylla, head of the RAESS JeunESS Division and the JeunESS Hubs;
- Dr Willy TADJUDJE, from the Cameroon Social and Solidarity Economy Network (RESSCAM).
Moderated by: Ms Khady Fall DIOP, Senegal
Self-organised session 16: Eco-feminist incubators for an integrated approach based on rights, economic empowerment and the capacity for action among women’s collectives on the outskirts of Dakar (Senegal) and Abomey (Benin)
Thursday 9 July · 10.45 am–12.15 pm · Room 6
Proposed by: Action Research Group on Educational and Social Initiatives (GRAINES)
Facilitated by: Alassane Souleymane FAYE, Senegal
A key space for African SSE
FORAESS 2026 will be an opportunity to:
- Promote innovative financing that strengthens community initiatives.
- Consolidate cooperation between African and international networks.
- Highlight transformative experiences led by women, youth and territorial organisations.
- Advance public policies that recognise SSE as a pillar of sustainable development.
More information
Full programme and details: 👉 www.foraess.com
