Role of Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) in the Local Economic Development (LED) Process and in the Implementation of the SDGs and Integration of SSE in LED in Africa

The principle of solidarity establishes a close link between South-South and triangular cooperation (SSTC) on the one hand and the social and solidarity economy (SSE) on the other. It enables the sharing of knowledge, experiences and best practices in support of capacity building, technology transfer and resource mobilization. The interaction between the SSE and the SSTC is an excellent opportunity to implement the 2030 Program’s Sustainable Development Objectives (SDGs) and to work directly with the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development, based on the spirit of solidarity and focused in particular on the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable, with the participation of all. The principles of solidarity, shared by the SSTC and the SSE, mean that the two models of development cooperation are perfectly compatible when it comes to knowledge sharing of experiences and best practices and support for capacity building, transfer of technologies and resource mobilization, and the establishment of international networks and international innovation chains. In addition, the « innovation » component of the social and solidarity economy (SSE) brings it closer to the concept of South-South and triangular cooperation: the SSTC allows countries to interact at a horizontal level by promoting solutions that are the result of an exchange of skills, resources and technical expertise, while promoting solidarity. South- South and triangular mechanisms can therefore amplify the impact of SSE in national contexts through the creation of regional and interregional networks and platforms for knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences.

The development of the social and solidarity economy throughout the world will contribute greatly to the achievement of the SDGs. However, their success depends largely on the achievement of Goal 17 (Partnerships for Achieving Goals). By its collaborative and participatory nature, the SSE can provide effective participation in the implementation of the 17 SDGs.

In the process of building this broad global partnership for SDG implementation, South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) will play a crucial role in strengthening the role of the SSE as a tool for local economic development , with emphasis on Goal 8 (Promoting sustained, shared and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all) through the exchange of knowledge, knowledge and practices, including the possibility of creating solidarity markets that work as a network between countries facing similar problems. Approximately 85% of the world’s population is in the Southern Hemisphere, which represents a major challenge for achieving the MDGs and Agenda 2030.