Generation of Solidarity 2025: 28 Youth-led Cooperatives Awarded
5th Edition of the National “Generation of Solidarity” Prize: 28 Youth Cooperatives Awarded for Their Commitment to a Sustainable and Inclusive Future
Rabat, July 8, 2025 – On the occasion of the International Day of Cooperatives and within the framework of the International Year of Cooperatives proclaimed by the United Nations, the State Secretary in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, affiliated to the Ministry of Tourism, Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, in collaboration with the Office of Cooperation Development, organized the awards ceremony for the 5th edition of the national prize “Generation of Solidarity” on Tuesday, July 8 in Salé.
Launched in 2021, the Generation of Solidarity Prize aims to support and promote youth cooperative entrepreneurship by offering each selected cooperative financial support of 50,000 dirhams, along with tailored technical and institutional assistance. Since its inception, over 150 youth-led cooperatives, involving members aged 18 to 35, have been awarded, contributing significantly to reinforcing the cooperative model as a driver of socio-economic development.
Presided over by Mr. Lahcen Es-Saady, Secretary of State in charge of Handicrafts and the Social and Solidarity Economy, this fifth edition was held under the theme “Youth Cooperatives: Building a More Sustainable and Inclusive World.” It honored 28 youth cooperatives, selected from 318 applications representing a range of sectors such as education and training, maritime fishing, handicrafts, and argan production.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Es-Saady reaffirmed his strong commitment to youth:
“Younth, both women and men, demonstrate every day that initiative and innovation are at the heart of the cooperative renewal. Their projects reflect strong social engagement and a clear desire to contribute to sustainable development. Through this initiative, we renew our support to these promising cooperatives, guiding them toward sustainability.”
For her part, Ms. Aïcha Errifaai, Director General of the Office of Cooperation Development, emphasized the symbolic significance of this edition within the international context:
“Celebrating Generation of Solidarity on the International Day of Cooperatives, and within the International Year of Cooperatives proclaimed by the United Nations, gives our local commitment global resonance. Morocco thus reaffirms its will to place youth cooperators at the core of the cooperative movement’s continuity and at the forefront of efforts to build a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economy.”
Indeed, this edition carries a special significance, in light of the growing international recognition of cooperatives’ role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It also showcases the capacity of young cooperators to innovate, generate impact, and develop solutions rooted in solidarity, sustainability, and social justice.
Partners of this 5th edition include the Regional Councils of Fès-Meknes, Guelmim-Oued Noun, the Oriental, Souss-Massa, and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab, as well as the OCP Foundation, Jaida, Attijariwafa Bank, CIH Bank, Crédit Agricole, Cosumar, and Copag.
