The commune of Ouellé in Côte d'Ivoire has taken a significant step towards promoting social and solidarity economy. On September 25, 2026, the mayor of Ouellé, Ya Komenan Raphaël, and Aboubakari Sylla, Director General of the African Agency for Innovation and Sustainable Resilience (AFRICADIR), signed key documents to implement the commune's 2026-2030 social and solidarity economy policy. This policy aims to create economic activities tailored to local needs.
The signed documents include a five-year strategic plan that outlines development orientations and establishes a one-stop shop at the town hall. Additionally, municipal decrees created a steering committee and a technical committee for the social and solidarity economy. A partnership framework agreement was also signed between the municipality and AFRICADIR. This agreement solidifies Ouellé's commitment to driving local development through social and solidarity economy.
Mayor Ya Komenan Raphaël emphasized that this initiative seeks to involve citizens in decision-making and ensure equitable distribution of progress benefits. He described Ouellé as a pioneer commune in Côte d'Ivoire's social and solidarity economy. Raphaël encouraged local associations and federations to adopt the project and benefit from this inclusive development model. The mayor's vision is to make Ouellé a model for other communes to follow.
Aboubakari Sylla of AFRICADIR noted that this agreement marks Ouellé's entry as a key player in Côte d'Ivoire's economic transformation. He highlighted the significance of social and solidarity economy in fostering local resilience and enabling local governments to manage proximity. Sylla expressed optimism that Ouellé's initiative will pave the way for economic emancipation through solidarity.
Antoine Kangah, Vice-President of the Union of Cities and Communes of Côte d'Ivoire (UVICOCI), commended the initiative, saying it sets an excellent example. He recommended that the policy translate into concrete opportunities for young people, women's empowerment, and improved services for populations. Kangah's remarks underscored the importance of effective implementation.
The Secretary General of the Prefecture, Takouo Sohon Arsène, urged local actors to support the initiative fully. He encouraged cooperatives, development mutuals, and associations to invest significantly in the commune. The policy is backed by several key institutions, including the Ministry of National Cohesion, Solidarity, and Poverty Reduction, and the General Directorate of Decentralization and Local Development.
The 2026-2030 social and solidarity economy policy of Ouellé commune is built on a partnership between AFRICADIR, UVICOCI, and the National Chamber of Crafts of Côte d'Ivoire. With this policy, Ouellé aims to become a model for inclusive and sustainable development in Côte d'Ivoire.
Key points
- Ouellé commune in Côte d'Ivoire has launched a 2026-2030 social and solidarity economy policy.
- The policy aims to drive local development, inclusivity, and citizen participation.
- Ouellé becomes the pioneer commune in Côte d'Ivoire's social and solidarity economy.
