Kenya Strengthens Commitment to Social and Solidarity Economy
The government of Kenya through the Ministry of MSMEs Development hosted the first regional high level Forum on the implementation of the African Union’s 10 year strategy (2023- 2033 ) on unlocking social and solidarity Economy (SSE), reaffirming its commitment to advancing the SSE Agenda as a key driver to inclusive and sustainable development in the continent.
The round table, organized by African Union Commission in partnership with the World Economic Forum, Schwab Foundation, Motsepe Foundation, Africa Foward ( by catalyst 2030) and the international labour Organization drew participation from across the regional member states, high level government delegates, private sector and social entrepreneurs across the region.
The Kenyan Cabinet Secretary for Labour and Social protection Dr. Alfred Mutua graced the occasion alongside the Principal Secretary for MSMEs Development Susan Mang’eni, and the Principal Secretary for Youth affairs Mr. Jacobs Kahindi Fikirini.
Other notable speakers in the forum included François Bonnici, Director of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Caroline Njuki, Chief Technical Advisor for the ILO in Kenya
Masilela, Under Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Government of Eswatini; Mamadou Ndiaye, Director of Cabinet, Ministry of Microfinance and Social and Solidarity Economy, Government of Senegal; and Susan Mangole, Acting Deputy Director-General: Incentives, Transformation and Competition, Department for Trade, Industry and Competition, Government of South Africa among other Government officials from Africa.
According to François Bonnici, Director of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, there are approximately 10 million social enterprises globally. These mission-driven organizations, which prioritize purpose over profit, generate around $2 trillion in annual revenue and have created 200 million jobs across diverse sectors, from agriculture to artificial intelligence. Despite the economy being a powerful force for sustainable development, it remains largely under-recognized and under-resourced despite its significant impact.
In his address, CS Mutua emphasized Kenya’s long-standing tradition of social and solidarity economies, deeply rooted in community structures such as chamas and Saccos. “The social economy has been a cornerstone of Kenyan community life, providing financial support and fostering resilience at the grassroots level. Now, we are embedding this model into national policy, creating a powerful solidarity movement that can transform livelihoods,” he noted.
In February 2025, African Union Heads of State adopted a 10-year strategy on the Social and Solidarity Economy, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s path toward a more equitable and resilient future. The strategy aligns with the global momentum sparked by the 2023 UN Resolution on SSE, which recognized its critical role in achieving sustainable development and encouraged governments to create supportive policies.
Kenya’s commitment to SSE is evident through various national programs like the Uwezo Fund and the Hustler Fund, which empower marginalized groups by providing financial support to women, youth, and vulnerable populations. These initiatives reflect the country’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) aimed at democratizing economic opportunities and supporting grassroots enterprises.
In Kenya PS Mang’eni noted that most MSMEs in Kenya are social entrepreneurs and contribute significantly to our Kenyan economy interms of driving innovations and job creation. She committed to steer the formation of the public - private sector working group to champion the domestication and realization of the AU Social and Solidarity Economy strategy in Kenya. “Social economies are the cornerstones of livelihoods. By enabling inclusive participation, communities are empowered to shape policies that directly impact their lives. We are decriminalizing work and formalizing enterprises to ensure they operate in decent and just working conditions,” she stated.
The Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) model is emerging as a powerful approach for achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering inclusive, community-driven economic growth. This model, which emphasizes collective ownership, democratic governance, and social justice, has proven particularly effective in addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges, from poverty reduction to climate action.
They contribute to eradicating poverty by creating income-generating opportunities for marginalized communities. These businesses provide stable employment, fair wages, and equitable profit distribution, offering a vital economic lifeline for underserved populations.
Women play a critical role in the SSE sector, with many organizations prioritizing women's leadership, access to finance, and support for women-led enterprises. This focus helps break down structural barriers, empower women economically, and advance gender equity in local economies
With 2025 designated as the International Year of Cooperatives, Kenya aims to showcase the critical role of cooperatives in enhancing food security, rural resilience, and social protection, particularly in times of economic or climate-induced shocks.
Caroline Njuki, Chief Technical Advisor for the ILO in Kenya, emphasized the broader significance of investing in the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) for the continent. “By investing in the Social and Solidarity Economy, Africa is not only fostering economic growth but is also investing in the dignity and well-being of its people. This is the foundation for a just, inclusive, and sustainable future.”
The forum urged Governments to develop policies that recognize the diversity of SSE actors, granting them legitimacy and the necessary protections to thrive, and tailored financial products to those transitioning from the informal economy to reduce vulnerability and enhance resilience.
Additionally, investing in training, capacity building, and mentorship to empower SSE actors with the skills needed to thrive in competitive markets and trengthen multi-stakeholder partnerships to create an enabling ecosystem for SSEs, including public-private collaborations and community networks.
With the advent of AI and digital platforms, the forum rallied stakeholders to tap in the massive potential to highlight the impact and potential of SSEs, inspiring others to join the movement .