February 27th , Rabat, Morocco –  Morocco  has officially launched the International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC2025) on Thursday, February 27th, in Rabat, Morocco, at the Conference Center of Hotel Fairmont Marina, emphasizing the strategic role of cooperatives in fostering social and economic development. The ceremony brought together 200 participants, including government officials, cooperative leaders, and development partners, to discuss the sector’s vital contribution to economic resilience, job creation, and inclusive growth.

This event marks the beginning of a year dedicated to strengthening cooperative enterprises, promoting innovation, and enhancing policies that support their sustainability in Morocco.

Organized by the Secretary of State in Charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy (SEASESS) and the Office of Cooperation Development (ODCO), the event highlighted the strategic importance of cooperatives in Morocco’s economic and social development.

In his speech, Mr. Lahcen ES-SAADY recalled that Morocco currently has over 60,000 cooperatives, encompassing 760,000 cooperators. These cooperatives play a key role in the economic empowerment of women and youth while contributing to social cohesion and sustainable development.

He also issued a strong call to action: “Cooperatives form the foundation of a resilient and solidarity-based economy. I invite all actors to fully commit to their development to build a prosperous future for our territories.”

Ms. Aicha ERRIFAAI, General Director of ODCO, reaffirmed her institution’s commitment: “We must strengthen the support and structuring of cooperatives so they can fully realize their potential and contribute to national growth.”

During the event, an opening video message from Mr.Ariel Guarco, President of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA), reinforced the global significance of this initiative. Additionally, a video from Ms.Simel Esim of the International Labour Organization (ILO) highlighted the importance of cooperatives in promoting decent work and sustainable economic development.

As part of the proceedings, cooperatives issued their Call to Action, outlining key priorities and strategies for the year ahead. They also presented their Plans for the International Year of Cooperatives, focusing on strengthening cooperative enterprises, promoting innovation, enhancing policies, and fostering collaboration at national and international levels.

An Ambitious Program of Initiatives

As part of the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, SEASESS and ODCO have planned several major initiatives:

Organizing conferences and roundtables with experts and sector stakeholders to enrich the debate on the social and solidarity economy.
Hosting regional meetings to foster the exchange of experiences and networking among cooperatives nationwide.
Showcasing Moroccan success stories, highlighting the positive impact of cooperatives on the local economy.
Promoting cooperative products at national and international events to enhance market access.
Integrating the cooperative model into sustainable development strategies as a resilient response to current economic and social challenges.
 

This milestone marks the beginning of a year dedicated to empowering cooperatives and advancing their role in sustainable development in Morocco and worldwide.