This report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) illustrates and characterizes the social innovation processes carried out by Social and Solidarity Economy Organizations (SSEOs) in five African countries, namely South Africa, Cameroon, Morocco, Senegal and Tunisia. The research study was conducted in a time when there is growing interest in the contribution and the role that the SSE can play in addressing the main challenges related to advancing sustainable development and decent work for all. A General Discussion on decent work and the social and solidarity economy took place at the 110th International Labour Conference (ILC) of the ILO in June 2022 and resulted in the adoption of the first ILC Resolution on the subject.
By analysing practical cases of social innovation, the report explores the extent to which SSEOs contribute to generating social innovation in Africa for a more sustainable and inclusive local development, as well as the creation and promotion of decent work for all. The report highlights internal and external factors impacting SSEOs in their social innovation process and it presents a set of policy recommendations to unlock the potential of SSEOs as catalyser of social innovation in Africa.
