Rabat: Morocco’s Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said the country’s social and solidarity economy is playing an increasingly pivotal role in strengthening the national economic ecosystem, as the sector expands its footprint across job creation, formalization of economic activity, and inclusive growth. Speaking at the opening of the 5th National Conference on Social and Solidarity Economy, Akhannouch said Morocco is currently home to more than 61,000 cooperatives, representing nearly 800,000 members-a figure he described as indicative of the sector’s strong growth potential.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, this sector is not just an economic alternative-it is a strategic pillar of Morocco’s development model, directly supporting territorial equity and social justice, Akhannouch said. He emphasized that His Majesty King Mohammed VI continues to give special attention to the sector as a lever for sustainable and inclusive growth.

The government has placed the development of social and solidarity economy among its top priorities, Akhannouch underlined, adding that upgrading cooperative structures and improving their access to markets, particularly international ones, is essential to boosting competitiveness.

He also called for targeted investment in human capital and innovation, as well as improved product quality and marketing strategies.

The two-day event, held under the High Patronage of HM King Mohammed VI and co-organized by the State Secretariat for Social and Solidarity Economy and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), is hosting over 1,000 participants from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe.

The program features policy panels, master classes, and expert-led workshops focused on scaling up social enterprises and deepening cooperation across borders.