Following the 2nd African Forum on the Social and Solidarity Economy (FORA’ESS 2026) held in Dakar, Senegal, a major milestone was achieved with the establishment of the Consultative Committee of African Ministers in charge of the Social and Solidarity Economy.
Cameroon has been entrusted with hosting the Permanent Secretariat of this new continental body under the leadership of H.E. Achille BASSILEKIN III, Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, serving as Honorary President and Head of the Permanent Secretariat.
This important recognition highlights Cameroon’s pioneering role, following the successful organization of the first FORA’ESS in Yaoundé in 2024, and its commitment to promoting an African development model based on solidarity, inclusion, social innovation and sustainable local development.
The Committee will be chaired by Dr Alioune Dione (Senegal), with Mrs Inès Bertille Nefer Voumbo Yalo née INGANI (Republic of the Congo) serving as Vice-Chair, working closely with the African Union Commission.
By hosting the Permanent Secretariat, Cameroon reaffirms its commitment to advancing a more inclusive, resilient and people-centered economy across Africa.