Social Economy Experts Examine Better Organisational Tools

The first-ever national days for the sector began at the Yaounde Conference Centre yesterday July 3, 2013.

Government and actors of the social economy, the economy that places human beings at the centre of its activities such as cooperatives, common initiative groups and charity groupings, have begun seeking ways through which the sector could be better organised and regulated. A three-day (July 3-5, 2013) National Days for Social Economy which began at the Yaounde conference Centre yesterday July 3 will provide occasion to discuss ways by which the sector could be restructured .

Holding on the theme, "Social Economy as a vector for growth: Understand and structure to ensure its emergence," and placed under the patronage of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, the Minister of the Small and Medium-size Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Laurent Serge Etoundi Ngoa, chaired the opening ceremony attended among others by the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Taiga.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Minister Etoundi Ngoa underscored that government's emergence drive leaves no one and sector indifferent. As such, he noted that there was need to restructure the social economy which is a veritable trigger to the needed growth given its wideness and the people concerned. "This first edition is an opportunity for us to consult actors of social economy in order to formulate government's programme on the sector. Government could not unilaterally decide on how to restructure the sector. These concertations are necessary in putting in place programmes that can enhance the activities of the social economy," he said. Classical economies, the Minister observed, cannot impact the lives of all Cameroonians across the country especially with the difficulties in grabbing sustainable jobs in the public service and big companies. But experience has shown that irrespective of where and who a Cameroonian is in the country, he or she is part of a group that enhances the wellbeing of members. "Because all what they are doing within the municipalities, markets and villages sustain our communities, it is therefore necessary to restructure such movements so that the members can live and boost the economy of the country," Minister Etoundi Ngoa said. A draft bill on the sector is under scrutiny and to finalise it, there was need to consult the actors so as to have their input for a better legislation.

Like the Minister, other officials and participants were unanimous that successful social economy organisations can help in delivering key government policy objectives by helping to drive up productivity and competitiveness, contributing to socially inclusive wealth creation, enabling individuals and communities to work towards regenerating their local neighbourhoods, showing new ways to deliver public services and helping to develop an inclusive society and active citizenship. Activities of the ongoing forum comprise plenary sessions, workshops and exhibitions.